CorkIndependent.com Editorial Feed http://www.corkindependent.com Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:47:48 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.corkindependent.com/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.corkindependent.com CorkIndependent.com Editorial Feed http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7514&Itemid=85 When news broke in January that conjoined twins had been born to a couple in Cork, there was widespread excitement, not just in Cork but throughout the country. When pictures of Hassan and Hussein Benhaffaf first arrived on newsdesks, they were gazed at (in this office at least) and oohed and aahed at, because they are not just conjoined, but two of the sweetest looking kids I've ever seen. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7464&Itemid=85 I'm not normally the type to randomly break into song, but I've been watching a lot of the new American show Glee recently. In that spirit: "We dig dig dig dig dig dig dig in our mine the whole day through, To dig dig dig dig dig dig dig is what we really like to do, It ain't no trick to get rich quick, If you dig dig dig with a shovel or a pick, In a mine! In a mine! In a mine! In a mine! Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7357&Itemid=85 On my way to work yesterday I was listening to Morning Ireland on RTE Radio One; there are so many things happening in the world of politics these days that there's a genuine danger of blinking and missing another resignation. The recent wave of resignations in Irish politics has been shocking, and very exciting for those of us who see politics as the next best thing to Eastenders. But I'm not so sure about everyone else. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7288&Itemid=85 We've a funny attitude to the law in this country. Sure, we'll chance it. Last week I wrote about the cavalier attitude of members of the public towards Real IRA threats to murder drug dealers in Cork. Comments on our website indicate that most people still believe they are right to do so. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7149&Itemid=85 The activities of so-called Republicans in Cork over the last couple of weeks belittle everything that has been done to prevent this country from sliding into civil war and bitterness in the past 50 years. They pour scorn on the efforts of peacemakers, both in Northern Ireland and here in the Republic, and on the grief of the bereaved. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7068&Itemid=85 The generosity of Irish people is legendary, but I have often wondered just how much of is real and how much is PR. This week I came across a number of things that convinced me that behind all the bluster, Ireland is a true society; compare it with other places and suddenly a lot of what we take for granted is unique. While Government spending has been seriously curtailed e, with many services suffering cutbacks, we are still pretty well off in the scheme of things. And I'm not talking about developing countries. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6935&Itemid=85 Two disturbing incidents of violent crime in Cork in the past week have reminded many of us city dwellers that we may not be as safe as we feel. While Cork City and County are generally very safe places to live and work, incidents like last week's shooting in Wilton and stabbing on Pope's Quay show that violent crime is not confined to 'gangland'. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6822&Itemid=85 With all the problems facing Irish people these days, it was heartening to see the turnout at the Haven Volunteer evening held in Jury's on Tuesday night. Haven had hoped for about 50 volunteers from Cork, and approximately 200 people showed up in the hope that they could do something to help the devastated island nation. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6725&Itemid=85 The Cork Independent has recently become a convert to Twitter. The 'micro-blogging' site, on which users post 140-character updates called 'tweets', is being lauded by many as revolutionising the way we use the internet. At the moment, Twitter use in Ireland is not as widespread as other places, and it's largely used by the media and by business. But it looks like that's changing. Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6623&Itemid=85 While 2010 is being welcomed with open arms by most of us as an escape from the unrelenting gloom of 2009, it's worth bearing in mind that we have certainly not had it worst over the past year or so. We don't need to look too far from our own shores to see how bad it could have been for this country. Only ECB membership saved us from the fate of Iceland, which has been thrown into complete turmoil by the failure of its banking system. Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6544&Itemid=85 As we compiled this special year in review edition of the Cork Independent over the past few weeks, one thing became clear: Everyone will want to see the back of 2009. The new year is often tinged with emotion; sometimes optimism, sometimes pessimism, sometimes complete indifference. Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6510&Itemid=85 Rural Ireland can be a sinister place. On the surface, small villages are fantastic. A sense of community, everyone knowing everyone else, and sometimes, if you're lucky, a real pride of place and a sense of shared history that binds people together. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6381&Itemid=85 It may be cheesy, but It's a Wonderful Life is the perfect Christmas film for all of us this year. I scoffed at the person who told me to bring tissues to the screening. I am a cynical journalist, I told them, and I do not cry at soppy movies! By the end, both I and the (equally cynical) politician I went to the movie with were bawling. Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6278&Itemid=85 Waiting for yesterday's Budget, one thing was clear. From radio, television, Twitter, Facebook and carrier pigeon the message was coming across loud and clear that people were terrified and angry. I learned at about 11am that protesters had already assembled outside Leinster House to protest against 'potential' cuts to be made in the Budget. Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6214&Itemid=85 Conflicting statements from the Government and the unions over the last few days have left most of us in a state of some confusion. The fact that they are talking again, rather than issuing tit-for-tat hollow threats, is to be welcomed, but the subject and focus of these talks are something to be wondered at. Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6072&Itemid=85 It's been a tough week for the people of Cork. Despite severe weather warnings and torrential rain, nobody expected the deluge that hit the city and county with such force over the last week. Last week our front page story dealt with a report from the Irish Academy of Engineers that said the city could be submerged within 100 years due to climate change and inadequate flood defences. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5997&Itemid=85 This week we learned that Cork could be submerged under water if flood defences are not adequately prepared in time for the real onset of climate change. According to a new report by the Irish Academy of Engineers, Ireland's major cities, all built on the coast and also on river estuaries, could be submerged within the next century as a result of climate change. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5896&Itemid=85 While it has been a perception of the civil service for years (largely thanks to the TV show Yes, Minister) that mediocrity is to be rewarded and cultivated, the celebration of mediocrity in wider society is something that hasn't really been noted, except by a small coterie of academics who bemoan the quality of university entrants each year. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5790&Itemid=85 Over the past number of years, we in Cork have learned to expect the very best. A city of jazz, film and midsummer madness, City of Culture in 2005, and now one of the world's Top Ten Cities to visit, Cork has never had it so good in many ways. But we learned yesterday that Ireland as a whole must get used to a lower standard of living. According to the OECD, a lower standard of living will become the norm over time due to the huge imbalance in the public finances. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5643&Itemid=85 The scale and variety of what comes through my letterbox every day is astonishing. From free newspapers like this one and genuine correspondence, right down the scale to charity scams, there is always something on the doormat when I get home in the evening. But I've been noticing some new additions to the pile recently; leaflets from trade union groups urging me to 'Get Up, Stand Up' (ICTU) and outlining 7 Steps to Transform (IMPACT). Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5589&Itemid=85 Just over a week ago – last Sunday – we heard that Boyzone star Stephen Gately had died while on holiday with his civil partner Andrew Cowles in Majorca. A sad and untimely death for the young man of only 33 years old, who had brightened up the adolescences of so many teenage girls (including this one) with his sweet face and sweeter voice. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5483&Itemid=85 Every day, as I sift through hundreds of emails, I marvel at the variety of events happening in Cork every week. The doom and gloom of the recession has convinced many of us that the country is dead; that there is no money; nothing happening; and that everyone is miserable. This gloom isn't exclusive to Ireland. Twenty-three workers at France Telecom have taken their own lives since the beginning of 2008; the trend is blamed on cost-cutting at the company. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5374&Itemid=85 Tuesday night's Six One news had it all; personalities, drama, intrigue, and embarrassment. Eamon Gilmore's Dail performance was, as usual, very measured, but unusually, very nervous. I've always been impressed by Gilmore, having interviewed him a number of times since he became Labour party leader, and there was no doubt he was nervous about the magnitude of the task before him; calling on an Irish politician to resign on grounds of honour. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5248&Itemid=85 Everyone who has ever had a boss has an opinion on over-promotion. Certainly anybody who's worked in an old-fashioned workplace where longevity was the key to promotion has seen the results of over-promoting somebody who is just not up to the job. It makes everybody angry; underlings feel they could have done better, colleagues sense a weak link in the chain, and management know there's something wrong but have made the mistake and must stick with it. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5151&Itemid=85 This week we heard of the tragic death of Paddy Barry, an 82-year-old Waterford man who died from head injuries inflicted by a savage attack during a robbery at his home in the city over a week ago. Mr Barry died early on Tuesday morning after spending almost a week in hospital following the attack. Part of the reason we heard so much about Mr Barry's death is that his grandson is Keith Barry, the illusionist. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5023&Itemid=85 With all the talk these days about the EU and Lisbon, the term 'democratic deficit' is being bandied about like there's no tomorrow. But maybe we need to look a bit closer to home to find the real democratic deficit. It's not often that I find myself nodding in agreement with one of our letter writers, particularly if s/he is writing on behalf of a political party. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4837&Itemid=85 Fine Gael are not the only ones worried about the Lisbon Referendum. They are the only pro-Treaty political party shouting loud enough to be heard (sound familiar?), but there are plenty more of us who are anxious about the result. A number of groups have been set up to run the pro-Lisbon campaign. Ireland for Europe, Women for Europe, Generation Yes, Cork for Europe, Business for Europe… notice a commonality in names and blandness? Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4796&Itemid=85 It's not fashionable to watch O'Gorman's People. It's not popular and it's not critically acclaimed. The show falls into a no man's land of programmes nobody is allowed to admit watching. Nationwide falls in here too, along with Fair City and Killinascully – sorry, RTE, but it's the truth. Nevertheless, I found myself glued to it on Sunday afternoon. With the papers read and semi-digested, I was flicking channels when I came across O'Gorman. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4740&Itemid=85 Two proposals announced this week raise questions about personal freedom in this country. In the US, this debate is contentious, with accusations currently flying over 'intrusive' healthcare reforms. Here, both proposals were made at press conferences. Maybe we all have news fatigue, but the reaction has been subdued. The first was an assertion by Health Minister Mary Harney that she wants to ban sunbeds, not just for children but for adults. Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4611&Itemid=85 While the impact of both the recession and the credit crunch are evident even to the least perceptive of us, the measures being taken to tackle them are less than obvious. With the politicians on holidays, seemingly free of concerns about the upcoming Lisbon Referendum, NAMA, or anything that doesn't involve a bucket and spade, the rest of the country seems to be taking a break as well. Following the example of Irish politicians in this, as in many other spheres, can only lead to disaster. Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4551&Itemid=85 The hype surrounding the Leaving Cert and results day seemed to reach a peak during the Celtic Tiger years, with endless pictures of gorgeous youth with flawless results (seemingly all from Dublin 4) adorning front pages for a week during August. All of these impossibly beautiful, high achieving young girls and handsome young men were destined to enter the medical, legal and other prestigious professions. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4469&Itemid=85 With the Dail in recess and half the country sitting at home looking out at the rain (sorry, "on holidays"), it's pretty clear how patriotism is being measured in this rainy summer of '09. Where you choose to go on your holidays now seems to hold the same political significance as previous generations placed on their choice of national newspaper or whether they supported Dev or Collins. Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4384&Itemid=85 Rate my teacher, rate my hospital, even rate my solicitor. We're all at it, this 'rating' thing. Type 'rate my…' into Google and it comes up with all sorts of options, from rating your education providers to your body (no thanks). My own personal favourite is ratemybunny.com, which is in fact a site on which rabbit owners rate each others' pets. Each to their own, I suppose. Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4317&Itemid=85 Our lives are built on trust. From day one, life is in the hands of other people; as children, we're forced to place our trust in teachers, childcare professionals, neighbours and everyone we come into contact with. As adults, even something as simple as walking down the street requires an element of trust. We walk trusting that a driver won't leave the road and knock us down, that a random stranger isn't going to attack us, and that people are sufficiently acquainted with social norms to move aside and let us pass. Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4261&Itemid=85 Horse manure. It seemed to be everywhere this week. Passing through Buttevant on Tuesday, there was a farm's worth of fertiliser nourishing the footpaths, road, and even the walls of some unfortunates' houses. As most locals know, the Cahirmee Horse Fair is Europe's oldest affair of its type. Legend has it that Napoleon's horse, Marengo, was bought at the fair from a Kerryman named O'Connor, while the Duke of Wellington's horse at the battle of Waterloo, an Irish black named Copenhagen, was also bought at Cahirmee. Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4231&Itemid=85 An electrical storm, defined by dictionary.com as "a transient storm of lightning and thunder, usually with rain and gusty winds, sometimes with hail or snow, produced by cumulonimbus clouds," is not something any of us wants to get caught up in. The current electrical storm, involving lightning strikes and thunderous statements from all directions, not to mention gusty pronouncements and clouded thinking, is even less palatable than the meteorological type. Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3068&Itemid=85 The ultimatum from Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary this week has brought into sharp focus just how badly Cork Airport has been let down by Fianna Fáil. Cork is facing the worst possible outcomes as a result of political, not managerial decisions. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:02:47 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3053&Itemid=85 The eircom Premier League’s top scorer packs his bags this week and follows in the footsteps of former Cork City players Kevin Doyle, Shane Long and Alan Bennet to Reading FC. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:24:12 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3030&Itemid=85 It's congratulations and commiserations time again for all of those who have endured the Leaving Cert 2008. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:22:54 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3002&Itemid=85 Bill Clinton famously said that when it comes to elections "It's the economy stupid," and whatever you may think of his many faults, on that particular issue he was absolutely spot on. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:48:03 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2961&Itemid=85 Any new measure introduced to stem the continual rise of alcohol abuse in this country can be seen as a positive development, but it is difficult to see the sense in the government's move this week to close off-licences after the hour of ten o'clock in the evening. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:25:19 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2932&Itemid=85 As three English criminals face up to the prospect of spending the rest of their adult days in Irish prison, there has been much congratulation and back slapping here regarding the way the case has been conducted. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:39:04 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2908&Itemid=85 A caller to RTE Radio 1's Liveline show during the week informed us that he would rather take a reduction in the minimum wage than join the dole queue at his local social welfare office. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:57:15 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2881&Itemid=85 So the big squeeze is here at last. Predicted since long before the last general election, the tightening of belts that has been happening in households throughout the country has finally manifested itself in Brian Cowen cutting a new notch on his government's not inconsiderable financial belt. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:57:28 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2802&Itemid=85 Tonight's meeting in the Curtis Auditorium at Cork School of Music is something that many in Cork would not have been expecting to sit down to, barely one year after the long-awaited facility finally opened its doors. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:11:21 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2767&Itemid=85 It may have seemed for a while at least that the worst effects of what is increasingly looking like an oil crisis may have passed Ireland by. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:14:58 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2727&Itemid=85 The Irish Road Haulage Association’s meeting in Cork last night to discuss industrial action is the latest story this week concerning the adverse effects of rising fuel costs. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:47:39 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2701&Itemid=85 Last Friday, Germany became the fourteenth EU nation to ratify the Lisbon Treaty. As the remainder of Europe's governments debate the pros and cons of this ammending piece of legislation to the failed EU Constitution, Ireland’s public have been asked to take on board the intricacies of a document that even some of our foremost policitians have undoubtedly barely glanced at. Thu, 29 May 2008 12:16:21 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2473&Itemid=85 There were those yesterday who broke into a chorus of 'ding dong, the witch is dead', and there were those who bemoaned the nation's political landscape as a now poorer place. Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:03:04 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2444&Itemid=85 This week saw all of the major teaching unions, the INTO, the TUI and ASTI hold their annual conferences. The mood at all of them was militant and Education Minister Mary Hanafin knows now, if she didn’t already that 2008 will not be easy for her. Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:28:36 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2411&Itemid=85 AS the floats and parades roll out over the next few days, Ireland's Ministers take their annual leave of our annual celebration and head for foreign lands to spread the 'Irish message', like modern day Crusaders. Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:06:17 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2391&Itemid=85 The despair of the pharmacists this week and their concerns about their ability to continue to deliver community drugs schemes, forces us to again take a step back and look at the state of the health system. Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:33:21 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2361&Itemid=85 The disturbing revelation that the lives of women in Cork may be being put at risk due to inadequate gynaecological services only adds more doubt to the questions surrounding the effectiveness of our health system. Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:38:58 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2333&Itemid=85 THERE has always been tenuous debate surrounding the idea of whether man’s negative influence on the environment is greater or lesser than the environment’s negative influence on man; a debate which will again no doubt be ignited following the announcement that the State is commence a compensation plan to cut a third of the Irish whitefish fleet . Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:24:11 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2306&Itemid=85 The future of Cork Airport was thrown into doubt this week when Transport Minister Noel Dempsey threatened to prevent the airport from becoming independent from the Dublin Airport Authority if a compromise on the outstanding €200 million debt cannot be found by the end of March. Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:10:44 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2286&Itemid=85 One would have to be forgiven for waking up this week and questioning who they are, where they are from and if they would actually be able to cast their vote in the upcoming elections (and I'm not talking about the 2009 locals.) Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:26:15 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2265&Itemid=85 Tip O'Neill once said that "all politics is local" and he knew a thing or two about politics it must be said. Another wily old political dog, the British Conservative Rab Butler described politics as "the art of the possible," another catchy truism. Wed, 30 Jan 2008 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2249&Itemid=85 The Cork Independent was present this week at a focus group consultation chaired by Cork City Partnership which examined integration strategy in Cork city. Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2190&Itemid=85 The time of giving has come around once more and Cork’s public, as always, has not been found wanting. Tales of charity throughout the city and county have reached this paper over the last couple of weeks - from a handful of euro to the thousands - though belts are tightened a little more than over the last few years. Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:30:02 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2173&Itemid=85 This Tuesday morning, it seemed that the whole country wanted to talk about the previous evening's Primetime programme on RTE which took an apparently microscopic look at cocaine use in Ireland. Correspondingly, after watching the programme it seemed that the whole country was indulging itself in some kind of cocaine orgy. Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:46:28 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2131&Itemid=85 Several weeks ago, in light of the revelations of breast cancer mis-diagnoses, this column described the Minister for Health's position as 'embattled' and 'indefensible'. Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:10:20 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2109&Itemid=85 While many people are more than happy to convince themselves that prostitution is an option taken up as a last resort by those existing in small pockets of our country where poverty is rampant, this is far from the case. Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:42:55 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2092&Itemid=85 Poor old Bertie. Hearts bled across the land this week when our unfortunate Taoiseach bemoaned to his Dáil Eireann colleagues that, not only was he much maligned in reporting that suggested he was ‘better off’ than many of his global counterparts, instead he has been denied such simple necessities as “prolonged holidays, yachts and (holiday) homes”. Thu, 15 Nov 2007 11:40:20 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2071&Itemid=85 The sight of an embattled Mary Harney defending increasingly indefensible positions has become a common one on our television screens over the last couple of years. Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:12:45 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2062&Itemid=85 There are some things that are described as imponderables. Imponderables are things, events or ideas that while seeming commonplace or every day, defy logic or explanation. Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:24:54 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2033&Itemid=85 “There’s a perception in some circles that the Cork Jazz Festival is a granddaddy event,” says Jack MGouran, Programme Director of the long-running event. “Next year we want to take a fresh approach, explore niche areas and build and accommodate new markets and music. We’re looking way ahead, as far forward as five years, with a view to moving away from the more traditional sounds of Dixie jazz which has, for the most part, dominated the festival.” Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:25:20 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2017&Itemid=85 Casting ones' mind back to the 2002 General Election, there was definitely a connection between Deirdre Clune's lost seat in the Dáil and her failure to grab (until too late) the importance of the incineration issue in her Cork South Central constituency. Thu, 18 Oct 2007 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1990&Itemid=85 The devastation visited on families across the country this Monday, once again brought home the terrible and often avoidable tragedy of deaths on our roads. Thu, 11 Oct 2007 09:20:27 +0100