Speech delivered to Conference on Local Government Efficiency Review Report Wexford. 1st October 2010 “In considering the contents of this Report you have to first of all consider where it emanated from, what was its purpose and who compiled the Final Report. On all three fronts I believe that Local Government and therefore the ordinary [...]

“I am glad to be here at what is an important occasion for Family Support Network. Clearly this is a difficult time for all us involved in the response to the Drugs crisis. That is as true for those of us on the Task Force as it is for community groups and people such as [...]

The famous Eamon Gilmore video, which was shown at the Labour Party Conference on Saturday, and has received quite a bit of comment in various places, is now online. You can see it here. fastswfembed(“http://www.youtube.com/v/xXFcMyPMcf8&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0″,480,295,’343-0′);

Speech delivered to Citizens and Governance Conference at Dublin Castle, 25th February 2009 I welcome this opportunity to debate with a lot of like minded citizens on the future of our City. I say like minded, not because we all share the same views on how the system works – or should work. Like minded [...]

The Real Case for Local Government Reform in Ireland Speech to the Local Authority Members’ Association I welcome this opportunity to engage with my fellow Councillors on a topic that is dear to my heart and to which I am absolutely committed. I want to thank LAMA for their invitation. However I would be dishonest [...]

Article published in The Irish Catholic Ronan Mullen is correct. There I have said it. Yes, this Dublin 4 Liberal agrees with Ronan Mullen ( The Irish Catholic 3rd January)  when in the course of a recent Seanad debate he said that “Communities must solve drugs problem” and that “we have to acknowledge that there [...]

Article published in Materials Recycling Weekly (UK) The decision by An Bord Pleanala to grant permission for the development of an Incinerator at Poolbeg flew in the face of all the evidence given at the Oral Hearing and of all logic. Disgracefully it showed contempt for the interests of the local community and sadly it [...]

Opening Address at the National Council of Scouting Ireland “Scouting in Ireland needs to be relevant or redundant” according to the former Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Dermot Lacey. Addressing the  4th National Council of the new merged Scouting Ireland, Councillor Lacey said that “as Scouting begins a second century it needs to be central [...]

Terrie Kelly – Community Activist and Lady Terrie Kelly who died recently was a staunch and active member of the Nutley Residents Association. Commenting on her passing, Councillor Dermot Lacey said that “Terry was a much valued and appreciated member of the local community. She was diligent in both protecting the environment of the area [...]

It is good to be here this morning and to participate in what I know is going to be a fruitful and positive occasion. I want to thank Ciaran Cuffe for inviting me and for the huge effort he has made in broadening the debate on the future of the Bay. Given that we are [...]