We have just been through what was one of the most dramatic and tragic weeks of recent times. Dublin's criminals were again to the fore as they killed each other but they also killed an innocent young man doing an honest day's work. In Co. Louth another innocent man was murdered, this time by drunken thugs who went on a car-hijacking spree on both sides of the border. In the fall-out from the gangland killings Minister for Justice Michael McDowell took the unusual step of urging the country's judges to apply the law in the manner prescribed by the Oireachtas.
Also during the week a Co. Mayo farmer who had been charged with the manslaughter of an intruder was found not guilty. The verdict became a major talking point and was viewed as causing further divisions between the Travelling and settled communities.
On Thursday medical insurer BUPA announced that it was pulling out of Ireland. That became another major controversy as it will leave 300 people without jobs and some 475,000 will have to make alternative arrangements when their current policies expire.
Prior to all of the above occurring I was convinced that my lead story would be the radical new arrangements Minister for Health Mary Harney is preparing for the care of the elderly.
About Me
- Liam Ferrie
- After a career in the IT sector I spent the final 25 years of my working life, along with my wife Pauline, as online publisher to the Irish Diaspora. From 1987 onward the email version of the Irish Emigrant became a vital link with home for many Irish people who had settled overseas. In retirement I am involved with the Computer and Communications Museum of Ireland. I also travel when the opportunity arises and most years Pauline and I walk a Camino to Santiago de Compostela.