Does the Republic exist?

[Orangemac]

This is not a wind up thread, obviously the Republic exists, it just seems to have changed very little since Britain left.

Ignoring the massive interest in the wedding last week which we all had a gawk at in fairness the political and leglisative system has not moved on much, in some ways it is more British Empire than the North.

Things like
* Legal system - while corporate fraud legislation effectively does not exist, a penal colony system prevails. I know someone who got 90 days for not paying a fine even though they offered to pay it off every month. In the North it would come out of your dole at least.

* Social Welfare Officers - this seems like something out of Dickens. You go to this person and ask for money for extras etc, no forms nothing? Surely the abuse of these positions is rife.

* Local politicians - can get anything done for constituents even get jail terms cut short.

* Bankruptcy and tenancy laws - made for the 1890s.

Was the baton simply passed from the British to the ruling classes to continue the status quo?

[Puckoon]

This is not a wind up thread, obviously the Republic exists, it just seems to have changed very little since Britain left.

Ignoring the massive interest in the wedding last week which we all had a gawk at in fairness the political and leglisative system has not moved on much, in some ways it is more British Empire than the North.

Things like

* Legal system - while corporate fraud legislation effectively does not exist, a penal colony system prevails. I know someone who got 90 days

Funny you should mention that. The auld fella and my uncle decided to cycle to Bundoran the other day and have lunch there and cycle back - to avoid the hullaballoo about the royal wedding. He sent me a txt message saying when they got there to the bridge inn - it was on all 4 screens. Obviously the two wives who had driven up to meet them were delighted. But that's balls all the same.

[Pangurban]

The social conservatives painted the Post Boxes green, and decided that was sufficient revolution, little else changed. The Republic proclaimed on the steps of the G.P.O, died with Pearse and Connelly

[mylestheslasher]

There is little sign of a genuine republic imo. The biggest failure since the state became independent was allowing the country to be effectively run by the catholic church. More recently our country was run by corporations and banks. The people don't figure in either as an important stakeholder.

[Tubberman]

This is not a wind up thread, obviously the Republic exists, it just seems to have changed very little since Britain left.

Ignoring the massive interest in the wedding last week which we all had a gawk at in fairness the political and leglisative system has not moved on much, in some ways it is more British Empire than the North.

Things like
* Legal system - while corporate fraud legislation effectively does not exist, a penal colony system prevails. I know someone who got 90 days for not paying a fine even though they offered to pay it off every month. In the North it would come out of your dole at least.

* Social Welfare Officers - this seems like something out of Dickens. You go to this person and ask for money for extras etc, no forms nothing? Surely the abuse of these positions is rife.

* Local politicians - can get anything done for constituents even get jail terms cut short.

* Bankruptcy and tenancy laws - made for the 1890s.

Was the baton simply passed from the British to the ruling classes to continue the status quo?

There's no doubt that there was a lot of corruption, especially at a local level, in our Republic (which obviously exists  ), but I think that is changing and will continue to change. People won't stand for it anymore - those who portrayed themselves as guardians of the state and of the people have failed - people will decide for themselves who should have the power rather than being told by the church,politicians etc.

I've never been on the Dole thankfully, but I very much doubt it's all based on what you tell to the person behind the screen - surely forms, documentation etc are all required?

I don't think any politician would try to reduce a jail term these days. It certainly went on in the past but those days are gone.

And will ye get over the Royal wedding thing ffs. It was a big event which brought celebrity, style and pageantry together and was in the media for months - of course people were going to watch. It doesn't mean people want back into 'the Empire'.

[Orior]

Does the Republic exist?

You're right. It's gone!!!!!!!

[WeeDonns]

Funny you should mention that. The auld fella and my uncle decided to cycle to Bundoran the other day and have lunch there and cycle back - to avoid the hullaballoo about the royal wedding. He sent me a txt message saying when they got there to the bridge inn - it was on all 4 screens. Obviously the two wives who had driven up to meet them were delighted. But that's balls all the same.

Wheres the bridge inn?
I be in the Auld Bridge Bar regularly. The thing I like about it is that it doesn't have any televisions.

[Puckoon]

I'm not that au-fait with Bundoran, so I can't tell you.

[Farrandeelin]

There is little sign of a genuine republic imo. The biggest failure since the state became independent was allowing the country to be effectively run by the catholic church. More recently our country was run by corporations and banks. The people don't figure in either as an important stakeholder.

This is where the problems of our Republic lie. You know the more I think of Kevin Myers' article about Elizabeth Rutledge the more he is correct. Home Rule as indeed Rome Rule unfortunately . Not sure if it is now though, as we are now being run by the IMF.