On March 23 of this year, I had the opportunity to sit across from Ryan Tubridy and discuss the challenges faced by individuals with facial differences in modern Irish society. What struck me was the stark difference in our backgrounds. I was born with a cleft palate, hailing from a socially deprived area in North Tipperary, while Mr. Tubridy came from a background of socio-economic privilege.
Despite this disparity, we were able to connect on a human level and engage in a conversation about a subject that has historically been taboo. The feedback we received from listeners indicated a positive social impact.
In 2019, I had the privilege of participating in series two of Ultimate Hell Week. This experience was personally meaningful to me, and many people regard it as one of RTÉ’s best shows. It highlighted to me the vital role that RTÉ plays in giving a voice to people and contributing to the social fabric of our country.
However, in order for RTÉ to fulfill this role effectively, there needs to be a shift in culture. The culture of greed and entitlement, not only within RTÉ but across our institutions, must come to an end. Additionally, the careerism that often taints RTÉ shows needs to be abandoned.
I wish Ryan Tubridy the best, as I found him to be a decent and curious man. But let me make it clear that this observation is not made without careful consideration.
Moving on to a different topic, the question arises of whether we still need a national broadcaster like RTÉ in today’s age of numerous TV channels and various forms of media. Many other radio and TV stations and media organizations also provide programming related to current affairs, arts and culture, music, children, Irish language, etc. Government support and Arts Council grants could be utilized to extend this programming further.
Virgin Media, for instance, does an excellent job covering news, current affairs, and sporting events without relying on a license fee. It is important to ask the Irish people whether they are willing to continue funding an organization with over 1,800 employees, where the top 100 individuals receive excessive six-figure salaries along with expenses, pension contributions, and perks. There seems to be an “old boys’ club” mentality within this organization, where individuals close ranks, evade questions about accountability and governance, and fail to address concerns about barter accounts.
On a lighter note, I must mention that the recent TV event on RTÉ was nothing short of captivating. If RTÉ can continue to produce programming of this caliber regularly, I would happily pay my TV license fee. It was a breath of fresh air amidst decades of less interesting content from RTÉ.
The concept of bartering is not inherently problematic, as we all engage in various forms of it in our everyday lives. For example, we may receive reduced car insurance rates by purchasing gas from a particular supplier, or we may receive special offers from supermarkets through loyalty cards. However, RTÉ’s failure lies in its poor negotiation skills. It is important to recognize the role negotiation plays in such situations to ensure fairness and equity.
Switching gears, I would like to address a recent article by David Quinn, where he expresses concern over proposed Safe Access Zones legislation. Quinn portrays activities such as praying quietly or saying the rosary near a hospital as harmless and thus undeserving of regulation. However, when prayer is used as a weapon to draw attention to the private medical decisions of others, it becomes a harmful tactic. This tactic is often employed by anti-choice movements in the United States to shame, harass, and intimidate those seeking or providing legal abortion care. Our government has a responsibility to protect the right to access and provide healthcare without interference from religious fundamentalists outside medical facilities.
I would like to express my gratitude for Conor Skehan’s article, “Ireland leads the world – so let’s shout it from the rooftops.” In a time when negativity seems to drown us, this article serves as a refreshing reminder of Ireland’s achievements. It is high time that we celebrate and showcase our accomplishments rather than constantly dwelling on bad news. There is no shortage of material to share, considering Ireland’s numerous world-leading achievements in various fields.
Now, I would like to draw attention to the desperate situation in Palestine. The recent attacks on the Jenin refugee camp have been devastating, resulting in the loss of many innocent lives. It is disheartening to see the US administration, the godfather of Israel, continuously support their actions under the guise of self-defense. Israel possesses one of the world’s most advanced armies, while the Palestinians, being stateless and defenseless, fight back with primitive weapons. This power imbalance allows Israel to justify the indiscriminate killing of Palestinians labeled as terrorists and the destruction of their property and infrastructure. The West’s contrasting support for Ukraine’s defense while neglecting Palestinians in their fight for survival calls for reflection and action. We cannot stand idly by as millions of Palestinians are driven to refugee status, seeking refuge in Europe.
Changing gears once again, I would like to bring attention to the retirement age for nurses in our country. As someone who has relied on the psychiatric system for the past 47 years, I deeply appreciate the dedication and care provided by nurses. Many of them have faced verbal and physical abuse in their line of work. It is disgraceful that these individuals must work until they are 67 to receive a full pension. Any nurse should be able to retire at 60, considering the demanding nature of their profession.
Reflecting on the 75th birthday of Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) and its use of Irish nurses, I feel compelled to share a personal story. My wife, an Irish girl who did not have access to secondary education, answered an advertisement and found herself working in the UK as a nurse. Three years later, she had become a registered nurse and went on to manage a luxury nursing home for the elderly. Ireland missed out on her skills and expertise, highlighting the loss we experience when talented individuals are forced to seek opportunities abroad.
Finally, as election season approaches, I want to make it clear that I will not be swayed by female candidates simply because they share my gender and claim to stand up for women’s rights. I believe it is crucial to examine the track record of women in politics, particularly in addressing critical issues such as domestic abuse, homelessness, and sexual assaults. There have been an alarming number of domestic abuse disclosures, yet we only have six sexual assault treatment units in the country. Female candidates who have voted against the eviction ban must rethink their priorities, considering the staggering number of homeless children in Ireland. The lack of outcry from female TDs and councillors regarding the sexual assaults in care homes reveals the need for more dedicated action. So, before seeking my vote, female candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their commitment to addressing these pressing issues affecting women.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
