Changing Times

Alas my project here has come to an end. So I no longer have the easy access to keep this blog running at the speed I normally do. So with the reason for dossing gone. I am not sure if I will be posting much here anymore. But if I get to a place where I have the time and the connection to the internet the Dossing Times will rise again. If anyone wants to contribute to this Blog by the way just drop me an email to thedossingtimes@gmail.com and I'll add you to the contributors list. Till I write again slan go foil. simon

IRA Statement DVD

Sinn Fein have placed the video statement on there website if you listen to it carefully you can hear a baby crying in the backround. Also it seems to have been taken outside as the flag is blowing in the wind. It looks also that it was filmed in just before nighttime

Ira Split

Reading some newspapers articles and listening to the radio and reading some boards and slugger. There are some people that are not happy. Will this result in a split .Time alone will tell. Key Words ira split ira irish Reaction

World Headlines

Nytimes I.R.A. Renounces Use of Violence; Vows to Disarm Fox News IRA Calls Off 'Armed Campaign' ABC News IRA Ending Longtime 'Armed Campaign' Boston GlobeIRA announces end of violent campaign Washington PostIRA Says It Will Abandon Violence The Times World is waiting to see if IRA deeds match the grand words The Irish IndependentThe day the Provos gave up the gun The Guardin After 35 years of bombs and blood a quiet voice ends the IRA's war An Phoblacht IRA leads the way The TelegraphThe cost of peace in Ulster The Belfast Telegraph On the road to peace? Daily Ireland History Awaits The Irish ExaminerIRA statement believed to end war technorati

IRA Statement

An interesting article from the irish times about the reaction by some IRA supporters

The photos merry go round is going to restart

Within the IRA statement are the words

he IRA leadership has also authorised our representative to engage with the IICD to complete the process to verifiably put its arms beyond use in a way which will further enhance public confidence and to conclude this as quickly as possible. We have invited two independent witnesses, from the Protestant and Catholic churches, to testify to this.

not the words that were demanded back in 2004 and early this year. How will the DUP UUP respoded to this lack of photos. well

STATEMENT BY DUP LEADER DR IAN PAISLEY MP MLA Holding statement by Democratic Unionist Party Leader Dr Ian Paisley MP MLA: �The history of the past decade in Northern Ireland is littered with IRA statements which we were told were �historic�, �ground-breaking� and �seismic�. These same statements were followed by the IRA reverting to type and carrying out more of its horrific murders and squalid criminality. The unionist community feels no obligation to cheer the words of P O�Neill. We will judge the IRA�s bona fides over the next months and years based on its behaviour and activity. Even on the face of the statement, they have failed to explicitly declare an end to their multi-million pound criminal activity and have failed to provide the level of transparency that would be necessary to truly build confidence that the guns had gone in their entirety. This lack of transparency will prolong the period the community will need to make its assessment. We treat with contempt their attempt to glorify and justify their murder campaign and we will be evaluating the extent of the price paid by the Government and the consequences that will have for the political process."

Two sentences jump out at me from that statement one

We will judge the IRA�s bona fides over the next months and years based on its behaviour and activity.

Meaning that they intended this period of making sure the IRA are telling the truth will take years and it may also be an attempt to prolong it for as long as possible. and two

This lack of transparency will prolong the period the community will need to make its assessment

ie we still want photos. Alot of positive comments however.

IRA Say the armed Campaign is over

From UTV it came at lunch time Here is the statent in full

The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann has formally ordered an end to the armed campaign. This will take effect from 4pm this afternoon. All IRA units have been ordered to dump arms. All Volunteers have been instructed to assist the development of purely political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means. Volunteers must not engage in any other activities whatsoever. The IRA leadership has also authorised our representative to engage with the IICD to complete the process to verifiably put its arms beyond use in a way which will further enhance public confidence and to conclude this as quickly as possible. We have invited two independent witnesses, from the Protestant and Catholic churches, to testify to this. The Army Council took these decisions following an unprecedented internal discussion and consultation process with IRA units and Volunteers. We appreciate the honest and forthright way in which the consultation process was carried out and the depth and content of the submissions. We are proud of the comradely way in which this truly historic discussion was conducted. The outcome of our consultations show very strong support among IRA Volunteers for the Sinn Féin peace strategy. There is also widespread concern about the failure of the two governments and the unionists to fully engage in the peace process. This has created real difficulties. The overwhelming majority of people in Ireland fully support this process. They and friends of Irish unity throughout the world want to see the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. Notwithstanding these difficulties our decisions have been taken to advance our republican and democratic objectives, including our goal of a united Ireland. We believe there is now an alternative way to achieve this and to end British rule in our country. It is the responsibility of all Volunteers to show leadership, determination and courage. We are very mindful of the sacrifices of our patriot dead, those who went to jail, Volunteers, their families and the wider republican base. We reiterate our view that the armed struggle was entirely legitimate. We are conscious that many people suffered in the conflict. There is a compelling imperative on all sides to build a just and lasting peace. The issue of the defence of nationalist and republican communities has been raised with us. There is a responsibility on society to ensure that there is no re-occurrence of the pogroms of 1969 and the early 1970s. There is also a universal responsibility to tackle sectarianism in all its forms. The IRA is fully committed to the goals of Irish unity and independence and to building the Republic outlined in the 1916 Proclamation. We call for maximum unity and effort by Irish republicans everywhere. We are confident that by working together Irish republicans can achieve our objectives. Every Volunteer is aware of the import of the decisions we have taken and all Óglaigh are compelled to fully comply with these orders. There is now an unprecedented opportunity to utilise the considerable energy and goodwill which there is for the peace process. This comprehensive series of unparalleled initiatives is our contribution to this and to the continued endeavours to bring about independence and unity for the people of Ireland. Irish Republican Army orders an end to armed campaign. The IRA is fully committed to the goals of Irish unity and independence and to building the Republic outlined in the 1916 Proclamation. Our decisions have been taken to advance our republican and democratic objectives, including our goal of a united Ireland. We believe there is now an alternative way to achieve this and to end British rule in our country." .

RTE report there statement came with

The statement given to RTÉ was accompanied by a DVD in which former IRA prisoner, Senna Walsh, read out the statement on behalf of the IRA.

Daily Ireland Plays Down Statement *sarcaism

History Awaits Republicans across Ireland are this morning anticipating one of the most significant developments in the modern history of the Irish The remaining text of this article will be available at 15:00 GMT

At least it seems to suggest the statement will be realsed at 3 and that it is favourable.

IRA Statement

Speculation is mounting about what the statement will say. From the Ny times

The Irish Republican Army has given up its armed struggle for a united Ireland, agreeing to turn solely to political methods, an American businessman said yesterday after being briefed on a statement expected from the guerrilla group later this week.

What the statement will say is unclear. But with Taoiseach Bertie ahern (irish Prime minister)going back to Dublin from the races in galway. Something is going to come out soon.It seems to be a bit of a harry potter senario leaving everyone on tender hooks. Anyway im Waiting i guessing very soon in time for lunch time news.McGuninnes is giving a press conference at 5pm in washington so it will probably be before that.

Multiculturism

Multiculturism seems to be the cool buzz word of the 21st century Ireland. WIth people seemingly trying to down grade irish culture thinking it is time to abandon celli music for flamnco. Thinking that the Irish pub culture should be abandon for cafe culture. And that we should all speak a foreign language and disregared irish. With river dance celli music is now popular throughout the world we should be proud of it not embarressed by it. Pub culture is great and europeans i have meet aspire to recreate the friendly atmoshere of an irish pub. Irish pubs are ever where in the world. you don't see french cafes everywhere in the world. Cafe culture is a very nice thing when you wish to have a quiet chat with a friend during the day. but when you are with a big crowd and want to shout and laugh at the top of your voice you can't really do that in a cafe. and if you want a quiet relaxing chat that you have in cafes. There is always the snug in bars. We have all the facets of cafe culture (save maybe the coffee and pastries) do we really need to abandon pubs for cafes. If we all went to cafes istead of pubs it would curb the drinking culture in Ireland but that would take the person to make the initial desicion not to drink. Which of course you can make in a pub anywyay. This rant is inspired by this post from Irish Eagle. While not saying that his views are the ones I am giving out about. But i felt the need to leave this commet.

I have to disagree. I don't think we are ever going to create a multiculturel society. nor should we each culture is as valid and good as each other culture. There is no need to degrade all cultures to create a single multiculture culture.Immegrents should not be britianise or irishise nor should we be forignies. People are what they are why do they need to change. And what is wrong with Multinationalism is it not the basics for the highly succesful E.U. With british and irish and french etc people living in other countries paying tax in other countries but still being irish living in italy for example.

So how popular is your name.

The CSO baby name stats are out.

What Charlie Did next

So now that Charlie McCreevy is the European Commissioner responsible for Internal Market and Services what is he at . i have just come across this interview. Sorry its a bit late. it took place over 3 weeks ago. But i still think it is interesting. He made a great point about Referendums in the EU and how politians need to accept what the people say.

For democrats and for EU political leaders it may be inconvenient when the people say ‘no’ to your proposition. It certainly is for a politician, when he’s standing before the people and the people decide ‘thank you very much Mr McCreevy, we don’t like you any more and we’re going to elect your opponent’. Very tough on Mr McCreevy and worse still when they say ‘and we are going to vote your party out of power’. Very tough on the occupants of government, losing their jobs and their status and everything else, but very, very good for democracy. That is the legitimate price that you pay for having a democratic system. Politicians in Europe should not complain when the issues have been debated thoroughly, they have been given good air time, and we haven’t been able to convince enough of the people of our argument. To me, that is democracy and I don’t ever have a problem with it.

Also in the news today of the 120% mortgageswill Charlie McCreevy statement on Mortgage Credit in the EU change anything

Good afternoon. Today we publish our Green Paper on Mortgage Credit in the EU, launching a wide-ranging public consultation on whether and how the Commission should propose action in this area. A home is the single largest purchase made by most EU citizens. It represents the single largest debt and potentially the single largest asset for most families in Europe. The EU mortgage market reflects this – it is substantial and growing. Figures for the end of 2003 show that outstanding residential mortgage balances stand at about 4.2 trillion Euro, which is equivalent to about 40% of EU GDP. Is the internal market working well here, or is there scope for Commission action to make the EU mortgage market more competitive and to increase choice and value for consumers? That is what today’s Green Paper is designed to help us to assess. It is a central part of the Commission’s on-going efforts to bring the benefits of the internal market in financial services to EU consumers. It has to be seen in conjunction with the asset management Green Paper published last week and the proposal for a directive on payments which I intend to table in the Autumn. Mortgages are a complex subject, involving many areas of law and policy. Our Green Paper reflects this – putting out for consultation options in all of these important areas, including consumer protection and the funding of mortgage credit. For example, we ask whether choice and value would be enhanced by EU standards for the information to be given to consumers shopping around for mortgages, the advice provided on mortgage deals and the fees charged to consumers wanting to switch mortgage loans. In addition, we explore ways in which lenders based in one Member State, can access information on potential borrowers and properties in other Member States, to encourage them to undertake mortgage business across borders, thereby increasing choice and competition in the EU mortgage market. These are just some of the examples of the variety of issues relevant to the development of the internal market for mortgages, addressed in this Green Paper. In considering how to develop our policy on mortgages, we have ensured that we have solid input from a wide variety of stakeholders and experts at all stages. The Green Paper takes into account the very valuable report from December 2004 of the Forum Group of experts on mortgage credit, which we created to advise us on ways to develop the EU market in mortgages. We have also commissioned a study on the general costs and benefits of integrating the EU market for mortgages. The results will be available on our website next month, at the beginning of the Green Paper consultation period. The end of this consultation will be marked by a Hearing, to be held in December of this year, which will provide a forum for the presentation and discussion of the consultation responses. We will study closely all the responses to the Green Paper before deciding whether Commission action in the EU mortgage market can add value and, if so, what form that action should take. As is our approach in all areas of our work, we will propose measures from next year onwards only if the consultation demonstrates that there is a clear business case for action. The benefits of any policy measure to improve the internal market for mortgages should outweigh the anticipated costs of this measure, and these benefits should be experienced by EU consumers and businesses alike. We will decide upon this in due course. Now is the time for reflection and debate.

In the document it is mentioned that placing of caps on interest rate needs to be discussed. So maybe Financial regulator's chief executive, Liam O'Reilly comments.

I don't think the financial institution can stand in the way of a person's constitutional right to make mistakes,"

Could indeed be proved wrong are still correct.

Usury Rules and Interest Rate Variation (26) Some Member States have legally enforceable caps on interest rates, often termed ‘usury’ rules where they are designed to prevent the charge of excessively high interest rates. The Commission has abstained from any intervention in this area, which involves important social considerations. • What are the implications of usury rules for market integration (including any relationship with products such as equity release and mortgage insurance)? • Should this issue rather be examined in a broader, non-mortgage specific, context? EN 10 EN (27) On interest rate variation caps, the Commission remains to be convinced on the extent to which they could hinder market integration or the development of particular funding structures. (28) Finally, the Commission notes that some Member States impose restrictions on the imposition of compound interest rates. • Do such restrictions hinder market integration? • What impact can they have on the development of particular products such as equity release products?

American Presidant 2008

Even though it is 2005 the presidential race is about to begin. An interesting article in USA today about this. I think the demrocratic nomination is pretty much settled .With Hilary looking the favourite.But also it seems that John Kerry will go again. However the Republican nomination seems less obvious with the Vice presidant not puting his name in the hat. The names that The USA Today put foward are

Republicans George Allen of Virginia Sam Brownback of Kansas Bill Frist of Tennessee (majority leader) Chuck Hagel of Nebraska John McCain of Arizona Democrats Evan Bayh of Indiana Joseph Biden of Delaware Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York Russ Feingold of Wisconsin John Kerry of Massachusetts

according to National Journal Georgre Allen is favourite for the Republican Nomination

IRA are not al-Qaeda says Blair

Woh Blair must really be trying to appease republicns now. It is interesting and now that i think of it possible right.

"I don't think you can compare the political demands of republicanism with the political demands of this terrorist ideology we're facing now,"

The IRA have a goal a 32 county republic. Al-Qaeda simply want distruction. But still tell that to someone who was killed. Sir Reg Empey reply was

“At our meeting yesterday the UUP delegation warned the Prime Minister against creating double standards between terrorists. A terrorist is a terrorist. Full stop. There is no point in using the numbers killed to distinguish between terror groups as the Prime Minister seems to be implying. However, if Mr Blair wants to use a crude stratification process in order to establish a hierarchy of terror, he will find that the number of those murdered and maimed in Northern Ireland is greater.”

Discovery Launch

After the Columbia disaster and much delays America has returned to space. With Discovery reaching a safe orbit around the earth.

Fine Gael Fine Dublin

Fine Gael is suppose to mean roughly Family of the Irish but looking at there website it looks like they should be more like Family of the Dubs. Fianna Fail are often critised for being mainly a rural party.But they still have 21 Tds in dublin While Fine Gael have about 3 and yet Fine Gael have such articles on there site as Fine Gael puts the capital city first - giving it back to the people At one point it says

Fine Gael has produced a National Manifesto for the upcoming elections, which addresses the broader challenge facing the nation. However, given the particular nature of the problems facing the capital city, we feel it vital that Dublin has its own set of policies spelt out in detail.

Basicaly saying that Dublin has to be treated differently to the rest country as if it is worthy of more then the rest of the country. From a party that has a leader from Mayo this beggers belief. Also that the website has a section on Fine gael in Europe and Fine Gael in Dublin. It seems to suggest that if Fine Gael get into power Dublin and Europe will get much more attention then the rest of the the country and the people.

Eircell Back

Eircom have bought Meteor. So hopefully this will be the start of a price war that will bring down prices of mobile phone costs. The fact that eircom can bring its size to bear on the market might mean that it can put a dent in to the monopoly of vodaphone and O2 . But the fact still remains that O2 and vodaphone have great financial muscle then Eircom so it will remain to see if eircom can do any better with meteor then Meteor did it's self. Eircom press release

eircom successful in bid for Meteor Issued 25 July 2005 eircom today announced that the company's bid for Meteor has been successful. The company has agreed to acquire Meteor from Western Wireless International at a cost of €420m. The acquisition will be fully funded by a rights issue. Meteor is Ireland's third largest operator and is Ireland's fastest growing mobile business. Over the last eighteen months, its subscriber base has doubled from 181,000 to 410,000. With the acquisition of Meteor, eircom will have delivered on its stated strategy to re-enter the attractive Irish mobile market. The acquisition will accelerate eircom's growth strategy and increase the size of the telecoms market available to eircom from €2 billion to approximately €4 billion. eircom is setting a target to double Meteor's current market share of 10% within three to four years by continuing to be the low cost operator, offering Irish consumers simpler, better pricing combined with quality service. eircom will also expand Meteor's reach into the post-paid market. The acquisition will be funded by a fully underwritten rights issue at a minimum subscriber price of €1.10 per share. The acquisition of Meteor and the rights issue are conditional upon the approval of eircom's shareholders with completion expected towards the end of 2005. Dividends per share are expected to be adjusted for the bonus element of the Rights Issue, such that the dividend yield will remain approximately constant. The Employee Share Ownership Trust (ESOT) which holds 20.9% of eircom's shares, has undertaken to vote in favour of the Acquisition and the Rights Issue and has stated that it intends to take up its rights in full. Commenting on the proposed acquisition, Sir Anthony O'Reilly, Chairman of eircom said: "Winning the bid for Meteor delivers on our promise to lead eircom back into Mobile. The acquisition will transform the growth prospects for eircom, which is good news for our shareholders and for our employees. Customers will benefit from our determination to ensure that Irish mobile users get a fair deal. Dr Philip Nolan Chief Executive of eircom said: "The acquisition of Meteor gives eircom a winning combination of broadband and mobile. This has been our goal since returning to the market last year. We look forward now to providing our unrivalled base of 1.4m customers with our newly acquired mobile capability, as the only company which can offer Irish consumers the full range of services - voice and data, over landline and mobile."

Cruella de Disney

She wanted the puppies to make a coat. Now it looks like disney just want them gone. They have started to kill the stray dogs in the new Hong Kong Disney Land. I wonder if they see two dogs eating spagetti by candle light will the leave them alone?

McDowell's New Bill

Interesting interview with Mcdowell on RTE news at one. Seems that the article in the examineer was wrong. Thanks to Gavin for finding this. Interview Here A review of the document does seem to support his view.

Strange Picture

This just really looks stange to me.