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Irish Times
2 days ago
- Irish Times
How much do you need to be paid to oversee a crowd of needy TDs? €250,000, it turns out
A change is coming in Leinster House with applications this week closing for the position of clerk of Dáil Éireann , the most senior role in the Oireachtas. A successor to Peter Finnegan, who was formally appointed in early 2016 after acting as clerk for more than a year , is being sought. The clerk is the chief procedural adviser to the Ceann Comhairle, the Dáil's chairperson, and to other members of the House. For outsiders, it's a job that generally goes under the radar, other than when TDs and senators kick up about procedural matters or when the clerk is brought before a committee amid controversy such as over the purchase of an €850,000 printer that couldn't fit into the building. The Komori printer purchased for the Houses of the Oireachtas was too big for its designated room so remedial works had to take place. Photograph: RTÉ News. 'The Clerk has a number of statutory functions which recognise the impartial and non-political nature of their office, including functions under the Electoral Acts and the Ethics in Public Office Acts,' according to the job advert. READ MORE Finnegan was earlier this year drawn into the speaking rights dispute, which effectively centred on Government-supporting Independent TDs seeking to be treated as Opposition deputies. This delayed the business of the 34th Dáil for weeks and saw Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy survive a confidence vote over her handling of the issue . The clerk of Dáil Éireann, Peter Finnegan, arriving at Leinster House. Photograph: Sam Boal/Collins The clerk published a report which concluded Murphy had complied with proper procedures when deeming the changes to the Dáil rules had been carried, without putting it to a vote. If overseeing a crowd of needy TDs doesn't sound like your idea of a plum job, there is at least the salary. The role comes with an attractive annual pay packet, set at secretary general level, of €247,985. Tourism bosses see upside of Norman invasion Plans to celebrate Ireland's Norman heritage as part of a 2027 Europe-wide initiative were met with some opposition on their announcement earlier this summer by Minister for Heritage James Browne . Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh noted that 'only a short time has passed since Fine Gael tried to commemorate the Black and Tans , and now Fianna Fáil is trying to go further by dedicating an entire year in celebration of 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror'. Sinn Féin spokesman on Gaeilge Aengus Ó Snodaigh was critical of Government plans to mark the 1,000th anniversary of the Normans. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien The Normans departed Normandy, France, and conquered England in 1066 before Strongbow and co landed at Bannow Bay in Co Wexford a century later to help Dermot McMurrough recover the kingdom of Leinster. Their arrival set in train 850 years of Irish oppression but left some marks in terms of architecture and even surnames – with Burkes, Joyces, Powers, Walshes and Lynchs having been fixtures here for so long that many assume they are native. The Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife, from 1854, by Daniel Maclise. Photograph: National Gallery of Ireland Minister for Tourism Peter Burke has told Wicklow-Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne that planning for 'The Year of the Normans' celebrations continues. He said Tourism Ireland recently met counterparts from Normandy and stands 'ready to play its part to maximise any opportunities that may arise to grow tourism from France'. Fáilte Ireland said it is working with Wexford County Council on the 'Wexfordia' project, which will see €10.76 million invested in three areas – a Norman Experience in New Ross, the refurbishment of the town's Dunbrody Famine Ship; and on 'compelling tourism experiences' at Hook Lighthouse and the Irish National Heritage Park. The Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross. Whatever about the tourism potential from an invasion of Norman ancestors, Ó Snodaigh is unimpressed at the optics. 'What will they think of next? A Festival of Cromwell? A Famine Queen Jubilee?' Co Kerry community gets to knows its onion (baskets) Cromwell and the Black and Tans do not feature on the programme for National Heritage Week, which kicks off this Saturday under the theme 'Exploring Our Foundations'. Organised by the Heritage Council , it invites members of the public 'to delve into the building blocks of our heritage; not just the structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped us'. The Fingal Mummers at the launch of National Heritage Week, which takes place from August 16th to 24th. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw More than 2,000 events are due to take place across the State, with one taking place in Co Kerry on Monday catching the eye during a scan of the programme: the Maharees/Castlegregory Onion Basket Revival. These willow baskets, organisers say, were used in the harvesting of onions and potatoes but were lost over the decades during the shift from natural to man-made materials. The Maharees/Castlegregory Onion Basket Revival project sought to re-create a once integral part of community life in the area. Photograph: Heritage Week 'An archival photograph and descriptions from community elders formed the basis for a demonstration model,' according to the blurb. 'A two-day workshop followed in which basket maker Diane Southey imparted the onion-basket-making skills to a group of community members. 'The baskets and their stories have inspired much conversation and nostalgia about times past and we hope to continue this with a panel discussion on the history of the baskets and this basket project.' Other Heritage Week events include an 'Astrophotography with Your Smartphone' workshop in Connemara National Park, a 'Rewild Your Child' event in Monasterevin, and a 'Make Prehistoric Pottery' class in Castlebar. Flatley lets flute do the talking amid Áras speculation A symbolic baton was passed on Wexford town's quayside last Sunday. A wooden harp was presented to lord mayor of Belfast Tracy Kelly to mark the beginning of the city's stint as host of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026. Members of the O'Donoghue dance school from Ballycanew, Co Wexford entertaining the crowds in Wexford town centre during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw The fleadh is said to have brought more than 1.4 million people to Wexford, and to have generated tens of millions for the economy, during its two-year southeast run. Had the visit of Ed Sheeran been less of a secret it could have brought in even more. The Wexford People estimated, perhaps conservatively, that 900,000 pints were sold during this year's event which, at a loose average of €7 each, would have generated some €6.3 million. Kelly, a DUP councillor, said Wexford would 'prove a very hard act to follow' but Belfast was 'delighted' to be selected by organising body Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to take on hosting duties. 'Let the countdown begin,' she said. Lord mayor of Belfast Tracy Kelly (second right) was presented with a 'Fleadh harp' by mayor of Wexford Garry Laffan. Photograph: Belfast City Council A different countdown is on for others who visited Wexford and have intentions around the passing of a less symbolic baton – the keys to Arás an Uachtaráin . Michael D Higgins , whose 14 years as President are nearly up, opened the fleadh with a speech about the Irish language and culture, but he later told reporters he felt compelled to speak about the 'incredible destruction of an entire people' in Gaza . Seeking to succeed him is Catherine Connolly . Confirmed as a candidate for the race, she posted a photograph on X from outside the town's Premier chipper with a busking young banjo player. Independent TD and presidential candidate Catherine Connolly in Wexford during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Photograph: X 'I'm inspired by the creativity of our musicians, especially our young people, and delighted to see them carrying forward our proud musical traditions,' the Galway West TD said, sounding somewhat like Higgins already. Former Riverdance star Michael Flatley , who has told the High Court but few others of his intention to seek a nomination, was also in town. He stopped for photographs but had little to add when asked about his presidential ambitions. Flatley later put on a solo flute performance on a stage on Wexford's quay. Michael Flatley at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann Wexford — Sean Dineen (@dineen20dineen)
The Journal
2 days ago
- The Journal
First-time TD Barry Heneghan on making a splash, that Lowry photo, and his thoughts on Paul Murphy
AS WE CONTINUE to catch up with some of Ireland's newest TDs on their experiences so far, this time around we hear from one who has had a more explosive entry into political life than most. Independent TD Barry Heneghan's name was quick to gain national prominence, not alone because his victory in Dublin Bay North was largely unexpected but also due to his decision to support the government as part of the Regional Independents. At 26 years of age, Heneghan was not long finished his master's degree in sustainable energy systems when he successfully ran in last year's local and then general election. From the beginning, he has been open about the fact former minister of state Finian McGrath has been a mentor — a photo of McGrath was even included in Heneghan's election leaflets. Having run on a platform of 'practical progressive policies' he faced heavy criticism online for some of his decisions after becoming a TD. Heneghan spoke to The Journal about his decision to support the parties in government, the criticism of his relationship with Michael Lowry, and the lessons he has learned so far. Is life as a TD what you expected? 'Listen, I knew being a TD was going to be demanding. And in reality, it can be pretty intense and long hours, especially because I don't have a work phone. 'So I'm always available, and I always want to be available,' Heneghan said. 'I think it's very important for you to be accessible. If someone rings me at any time, they will get through to me or my answering machine. And I always do ring back.' Since entering Leinster House, Heneghan has courted his fair share of controversy. He was criticised by fellow TDs and by some online for his role in the speaking rights row and his willingness to work with Independent TD Michael Lowry as part of the Regional Independents technical group. As a self-declared 'left-wing' politician, Heneghan was also heavily criticised for choosing to nominate controversial senator Sharon Keogan for reelection to the Seanad . Asked if he would do anything differently if given a second opportunity, Heneghan said: 'One of the biggest things that my eyes have been open to is social media and real life are two different things. You can get a lot of slack on social media, but when you walk around your constituency, when you knock on doors, that's what really matters.' Heneghan admitted that he did get 'a few emails' over his nomination of Keogan. 'There's a reason she tops the poll, she helps Independent councillors. She helped me help people, so I nominated her. She works hard. 'Now I don't agree with some of her policies, I think it's clear from what I've stood up for and fought for in the Dáil, but I do agree with her work rate,' Heneghan said. On his relationship with Michael Lowry, Heneghan said his 'only loyalty' is to his constituents in Dublin Bay North. 'As I've continuously said, my support of the government is all about delivering for North Dublin,' Heneghan said. Advertisement He added: 'Obviously, I could have done without being in a certain photo here or there, but listen, you live and you learn.' Asked if this was a reference to the video, and then screenshot, of Michael Lowry giving two fingers to fellow TD Paul Murphy in the Dáil chamber, where Heneghan is seen standing beside him, Heneghan said it was. 'A photo can mislead people. If you looked at the full video it's very clear that I didn't see the two fingers. I was getting intimidated by someone who had continuously attacked me online, and I said, 'Hi Paul', and waved at him. 'I always say hi to people who try intimidate me because I'm here to fight for Dublin Bay North. If he wants to try intimidate me and push me to make me less impactful, he has another thing coming,' Heneghan said. A screenshot from the now infamous two fingers video. Paul Murphy's X Paul Murphy's X Following that incident, Heneghan moved seats in the Dáil away from Lowry and his mentor Finian McGrath told the Irish Independent that Paul Murphy was a 'pain in the ass' and should have received a harder time for using his phone to film in the chamber. Asked if he shares McGrath's view about Murphy being a 'pain in the ass', Heneghan said he thinks every side of the political spectrum should be represented in the Dáil and that he doesn't have an issue with Paul Murphy personally. 'I say hello to him, I'd chat to him and he does say hello back, I think he's a respectful TD,' Heneghan said. In that same interview, McGrath said it was a 'major cock up' to let Michael Lowry lead the Regional Independents during government formation talks. Asked if he shares this view, Heneghan rejected the notion that Lowry was the leader. 'Finian wasn't there, I was,' Heneghan said. It was put to Heneghan that Lowry was the one to represent the group any time they appeared on the plinth, and the other members of the group appeared happy with this at the time. 'If I was the main person, I wouldn't have made that decision,' Heneghan said. When asked what decision he was referring to, Heneghan said: 'It's funny how the situation was portrayed by the media' and maintained that Lowry was never the group's leader. Does that mean Finian McGrath was wrong to say what he said then? 'I can definitely understand how publicly it would not look good, yes,' Heneghan responded. When asked how his relationship with Michael Lowry is now, Heneghan said: 'I'm focused on delivering for North Dublin.' He added: 'I'm an Independent TD, I don't come here to get distracted by all these spins. I work in a technical group supporting the government. 'And I think if you ask the people of Tipperary about Michael Lowry, they'll tell you what they think, but he wouldn't have been known to me before I went into politics.' When asked if he finds it frustrating that Finian McGrath has spoken on his behalf so many times, Heneghan said he does not and that he would not be where he is without him. Related Reads Being a Gen Z TD: I've been surprised by how little ministers actually engage in debates Being a first-time TD: Martin Daly on keeping his GP practice going and his concerns about racism Being a first-time TD: I was told people like me don't go to college. This is a dream come true. 'We speak on the phone nearly every day,' Heneghan said. Peak and pit What has been the highlight of being a TD so far? 'Without question, it's getting results,' Heneghan said. He pointed to investment in A&E Beaumont Hospital as well as the government's recent strategy statement on 'private wires ' as wins delivered by him. This narrative has previously been pushed back on by Taoiseach Micheál Martin who has said the Beaumont Hospital investment was already 'on track' and denied that any specific deals were cut with Regional Independent TDs in return for their support. Another highlight for Heneghan has been canvassing in the constituency and being able to be a 'role model' for kids in his constituency. Any lowlights? 'Going from a councillor to a TD, you obviously are more recognisable. You're representing an entire constituency, there's going to be percentages of the constituency who wouldn't agree with your decisions. But as I said earlier, I'll always meet people for coffees, even if they've sent me a vicious email or if I knock on a door and someone just slams it,' Heneghan said. 'The low light is when you can't speak to someone, and when they just don't even look at you. I don't really like that.' Henghan added that another low point is the slow pace of change within the political system. Other TDs The Journal spoke to for this series pointed to the speaking rights row that dominated the beginning of this Dáil term as a low light, would Heneghan count it as one? 'In my opinion, we were really, really slow in getting that resolved. 'On the speaking rights row, wasn't everyone at the time saying I was a government TD? And then I voted against the government. So can they not see the hypocrisy there, that they were going crazy at me saying that 'I'll be with the government every way', and then I voted against them, you know?' Any surprises since becoming a TD? 'I suppose the lifestyle and going to events constantly. I wouldn't be as active as I once was, I put on a bit of a Ned Kelly for the first few months but I'm doing the Dublin Marathon raising money for the IWA [in a couple of months]. 'So I'm looking forward to that challenge, and I'll definitely be more active.' Heneghan added that as a young TD he often gets underestimated. 'But being younger obviously brings more energy, you haven't really been told no as often as other public representatives. 'And I am able to speak up for a generation and people are always happy to see me speak up.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
4 days ago
- The Journal
What's the beef between this previous and current presidential hopeful?
PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL GARETH Sheridan, a millionaire most people in the country had not heard of before this week, kick-started his campaign today with a jaw-dropping accusation. Sheridan held the first press conference of his presidential campaign in Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel this morning and chose to open it by claiming that there has been a coordinated attack on his character. He claimed that this attack came from people associated with Seán Gallagher, the businessman and former Dragon's Den star who came second in the 2011 presidential election. The Journal put Sheridan's claims about Gallagher today to a spokesperson for Seán Gallagher, but has not received a response. So far, Gallagher has chosen not to comment on his relationship with Sheridan or on his departure from Nutriband. Addressing his past business relationship with Gallagher, Sheridan mused at the outset of his press conference today: 'Perhaps somebody is taking our breakup a little bit worse than me'. The Journal / YouTube Speaking directly to the journalists gathered in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin for his launch, Sheridan said the coverage they have given of his campaign so far has been 'commendable'. He continued: 'But, just one thing I wanted to bring to your attention is that there seems to be somewhat of a coordinated attack taking place on my character by people associated and in Seán Gallagher's circle.' He quickly followed this up by adding: 'Now, I'm not saying for a moment that Seán is behind this or involved in any way. 'At MacGill [Summer School] a couple of weeks ago he actually encouraged participation, asked the media to be nice to candidates that were brave to come forward and actually put their name in the ring. Advertisement 'But some of you in the room know what I'm talking about. That's all I'll say about that.' The Journal / YouTube So what the hell has gone on between the pair to merit such a statement from Sheridan at the outset of his campaign? The background How do Sheridan and Gallagher know each other? Sheridan, the 35-year-old multi-millionaire, is the founder and former CEO of US-based pharma company Nutriband. Seán Gallagher became chairman of the firm in 2018 and departed four years later in 2022. Asked about their relationship during a radio interview on Monday, Sheridan said he had not been in contact with Gallagher to get any advice about running for office. What do we know about Gallagher leaving the company? Sheridan and his company, Nutriband, only really gained mainstream recognition in Ireland earlier this week when he announced his bid for the Áras. Since then, journalists have been looking into the presidential hopeful, and there have been numerous reports on both him personally and on his company. Some of these related to Gallagher's departure from the company. On Tuesday, there were reports of 'mystery' surrounding his exit , but by Wednesday morning, the Irish Independent had reported that Gallagher had left the company's board over a row related to a $180,000 corporate box. Related Reads Millionaire Áras hopeful launches presidential campaign in the Shelbourne - here's what he said The millionaire millennial seeking the presidency: How did Gareth Sheridan get so rich? Catherine Connolly is using American-style grassroots fundraising for her presidential campaign According to the report, Gallagher raised concerns about the box at the Orlando Magic basketball arena, and in a statement to the Irish Independent, Sheridan insisted that the box makes a 'great return'. The statement from Sheridan further explained that communication broke down between the company and Gallagher in 2022, ahead of his resignation. What was the breakdown in communication about? Sheridan used his press conference today to shed some further light on this breakdown and on the pair's relationship. He explained that ahead of Nutriband being listed publicly on the stock exchange in 2021, it had received advice that it would be better to have a chairperson with capital markets experience. 'We proposed this to Seán. We asked him to voluntarily step aside on the same remuneration,' Sheridan said. He then explained that Gallagher was not agreeable to this, communication broke down, and a new chairperson was voted in by a majority of shareholders. 'I wish Seán nothing but the best in whatever he's working on now. I'd just like to be very upfront and make sure that you're aware of the situation that we're facing. Perhaps somebody is taking our break-up a little bit worse than me,' Sheridan said. Sheridan has not yet formally received a nomination to run in this year's presidential election. To date, Catherine Connolly is the only candidate formally in the race following the unexpected withdrawal today of Fine Gael's Mairead McGuinness. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... Our Explainer articles bring context and explanations in plain language to help make sense of complex issues. We're asking readers like you to support us so we can continue to provide helpful context to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Learn More Support The Journal
