tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post8468163961685993048..comments2024-03-26T05:57:44.937+00:00Comments on True Economics: Economics 27/8/10: Manifesto I (?)TrueEconomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07350536454228478974noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-19813080348646824532011-01-26T18:02:48.949+00:002011-01-26T18:02:48.949+00:00I like your manifesto - put it to the testo!I like your manifesto - put it to the testo!Bob Ryannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-59907112116245738492011-01-08T23:01:41.340+00:002011-01-08T23:01:41.340+00:00Well done Constantin I would support most of what ...Well done Constantin I would support most of what you propose and may I suggest that any constitutional change should include the return of articles 47 and 48 back into the constitution. The founding fathers of the Constitution of the Irish Free State of 1922 gave the powers of initiative and referendum to the Irish people, in articles 47 and 48. This was removed when the constitution for the Republic was drawn up. Direct democracy is a system of government that gives citizens the ability to have a say in government decisions, and allows them to propose or veto legislation or other initiatives. It also gives citizens the power to recall or sack elected representatives or ministers who are not working for the interest of the people. One of the oldest democracies in Europe at 600 years is Switzerland where any citizen can initiate a referendum if they want a law changed. For more details see http://www.directdemocracyireland.org/ <br />Regards<br />TonyT Moorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14434027594876726957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-90983508714191481222011-01-08T18:47:33.958+00:002011-01-08T18:47:33.958+00:00Hear hear. However, given the generally supine na...Hear hear. However, given the generally supine nature of the Irish psyche (protest is for optimists (not an Irish trait)- and for poor people (we're too snobby to admit that)) and given the sense of alienation from the levers of power in our rotten little state, descent into stagnation is the most likely outcome.<br /><br />http://www.firstirishrepublic.blogspot.com/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-59437178558614878062011-01-08T13:33:55.259+00:002011-01-08T13:33:55.259+00:00The above ideas plus @DavidMcW's "manifes...The above ideas plus @DavidMcW's "manifesto" http://goo.gl/j4JyQ must be the centre of the general election agenda.<br /><br />The challenge is to get the politicos to align their policies accordingly so that the electorate can make their choices.<br /><br />Regards,<br />@BriMcS@BriMcShttp://twitter.com/BriMcSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-72281846360300050662010-10-26T22:31:09.916+01:002010-10-26T22:31:09.916+01:00The first requirement is
to form an approach to g...The first requirement is <br />to form an approach to government that the people as a whole can can see is to their benefit while still being credible and realistic.<br />We do not need a swing either to the far left or right, we need a policy which looks to all sides and ensures a free market allowing enterprise to flourish without free reign for greed or lack of social responsability. Necessary provision for all who need it, from a social welfare aspect policy should be first to ensure that all who are in a position to do so are facilitated with the means to earn a living, not a false scheme which pretends people are working.<br />With regards to how government is paid we are living in a an unreal world where politicians have put themselves into the position of oligarchs, bloated and living with unrealistic perks and privilege. Government needs to return to a point where government is a public service reasonably remunerated and organised to best serve.<br />We the people are the basis for government and that if a politician feels that it is unsafe to travel to work on public transport without a Garda to mind them they should not be in government.<br />We need to trim our government and make it work better, smaller more efficient and focused on the tasks they should be carrying out and not on getting local favors done to facilitate reelection.<br />I am deliberately avoiding nitty gritty at this point as I feel that it is the big issues that people feel strongly are not being addressed. It will not turn the country around if we have sixty TDs, six ministers no senators no cars and no unreal pensions. It will however give government the moral right to do what needs to be done and still be supported by the mass of the people as they will believe that what is being done is being done for the right reason.<br />I have many ideas for reform of many aspects of the way this country is run as have many others above, however it is the putting in place of a real and sensible alternative alternative. <br /><br />Christy Sinclair.christy sinclairnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-21388985937548884702010-10-26T22:29:55.409+01:002010-10-26T22:29:55.409+01:00Well done on the points put forward and most of th...Well done on the points put forward and most of the replies.<br />Its blatantly obvious that we as a people need to redefine who we are as a nation and the type of country we want to live in and pass on to our next generations.<br />I have spent more time trying to clear my own thoughts on the matter and then giving up at the vastness not of the problems which require to be remedied but the blockage created by the established parties who essentially share power on a rotational basis with the gravy still available to the "opposition" and the chance to be in the lead position every now and again.<br />Now, should you proceed to a policy and then campaign to have it put in place I feel that at this point in our history we can make a leap.christy sinclairnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-76312202247284242012010-10-26T22:27:57.140+01:002010-10-26T22:27:57.140+01:00Well done on the points put forward and most of th...Well done on the points put forward and most of the replies.<br />Its blatantly obvious that we as a people need to redefine who we are as a nation and the type of country we want to live in and pass on to our next generations.<br />I have spent more time trying to clear my own thoughts on the matter and then giving up at the vastness not of the problems which require to be remedied but the blockage created by the established parties who essentially share power on a rotational basis with the gravy still available to the "opposition" and the chance to be in the lead position every now and again.<br />Now, should you proceed to a policy and then campaign to have it put in place I feel that at this point in our history we can make a leap.<br /><br />The first requirement is to form an approach to government that the people as a whole can can see is to their benefit while still being credible and realistic.<br />We do not need a swing either to the far left or right, we need a policy which looks to all sides and ensures a free market allowing enterprise to flourish without free reign for greed or lack of social responsability. Necessary provision for all who need it, from a social welfare aspect policy should be first to ensure that all who are in a position to do so are facilitated with the means to earn a living, not a false scheme which pretends people are working.<br />With regards to how government is paid we are living in a an unreal world where politicians have put themselves into the position of oligarchs, bloated and living with unrealistic perks and privilege. Government needs to return to a point where government is a public service reasonably remunerated and organised to best serve.<br />We the people are the basis for government and that if a politician feels that it is unsafe to travel to work on public transport without a Garda to mind them they should not be in government.<br />We need to trim our government and make it work better, smaller more efficient and focused on the tasks they should be carrying out and not on getting local favors done to facilitate reelection.<br />I am deliberately avoiding nitty gritty at this point as I feel that it is the big issues that people feel strongly are not being addressed. It will not turn the country around if we have sixty TDs, six ministers no senators no cars and no unreal pensions. It will however give government the moral right to do what needs to be done and still be supported by the mass of the people as they will believe that what is being done is being done for the right reason.<br />I have many ideas for reform of many aspects of the way this country is run as have many others above, however it is the putting in place of a real and sensible alternative alternative. <br /><br />Christy Sinclair.christy sinclairnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-86881901999745845822010-10-21T23:54:21.684+01:002010-10-21T23:54:21.684+01:00Well done! I have been thinking along these lines ...Well done! I have been thinking along these lines for a few months and while I may not agree with everything you suggest it would be refreshing to see this type of debate on the national agenda. <br /><br />The founders of the state put a governance/administration stucture together in a very short time and in very difficult circumstances. We are not in a similar situation with which is crying out for a radical reshaping of the state. We are a small open representative republic. I hope enough people can engage and act!<br /><br />A couple of other ideas:<br /><br />*scrap embassies in EU countries, we don't need them. Lets be the first EU country that really "talks the talk" and start to see some benefits from membership and integration that we have signed up for.<br /><br />*scrap junior ministries, maximise number in cabinet to 6 or 7. Lets great real about the size of our representatio: we have the population of one average sized conurbation in UK, France or Germany.<br /><br />*remove all religious organisations from running services paid for by the state (e.g. provision of mental health care services. WHY do the Brothers / Daughters of Charity still run these services in some parts of the country, sorry personal bugbear: I want the HSE to run this service not on arms length basis as it is at the moment. It should be a right for the service users that the state is directly not indirectly responsible for their care).<br /><br />*equal fiscal treatment of all citizens (no artists', sportspeople's, racehorse breeding exemptions).<br /><br />*pay caps in public and semi state sector. Is there a Marian Finucane equivalent in France or Germany earning EUR 500k p.a. for hosting a weekend radio show? I doubt it.<br /><br />*Efficiencies in public sector: 1 vehicle registration / motor tax agency for the country (we can do it for passports, why not for cars?). 1 public sector payroll body => scrap all "HR" and "Finance" departments in ALL public sector departments, authorities, bodies.<br /><br />...just a few hair-brained ideas.<br /><br />John BolandAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-2434117993716505482010-10-12T17:22:32.155+01:002010-10-12T17:22:32.155+01:00More on Cultivation of Enterprise (& Job Creat...More on Cultivation of Enterprise (& Job Creation):<br /><br />On the downside, independent recent analysis has produced the following evidence:<br />1. Ireland has an attitude or cultural problem with respect to entrepeneurship. We are poor at identifying opportunities & new products. http://goo.gl/Jt5v<br /><br />2. Dublin doesn't make the list of top 100 "Innovative cities". Cities such as Prague & Wellington are rated higher. http://goo.gl/Sb5i<br />Full List: http://goo.gl/3ief.<br /><br />I'm unsure how public policy can affect this; but the issue should be raised & needs to be addressed.<br /><br />Regards,<br />@BriMcS@BriMcShttp://twitter.com/#!/BriMcSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-63201258980241315522010-10-12T14:13:39.326+01:002010-10-12T14:13:39.326+01:00Corporation tax, I really think our approach here ...Corporation tax, I really think our approach here is short sighted and can be best described as a “beggar thy neighbour” approach. Correct me if I'm wrong but if we doubled our corporation tax rate to 25% (as far as I can see this would be a competitive EU rate) the exchequer would currently take in another 12 billion or so. This would help cut the deficit nicely and would seem to me to be fair enough figure. What’dya reckon?Kofnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-12370772114162869542010-09-23T14:47:23.774+01:002010-09-23T14:47:23.774+01:00I welcome your efforts and the comments made. My o...I welcome your efforts and the comments made. My one simple recommendation for your manifesto is to request Chuck Feeney to establish the Centre for Public Interest (CPI). The Insiders got their way and look what happened to this country.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-52146703294483944782010-09-22T18:35:47.815+01:002010-09-22T18:35:47.815+01:00More on Cultivation of Enterprise (& Job Creat...More on Cultivation of Enterprise (& Job Creation):<br /><br />Evidence that tax policies that minimise seed capital gains tax (or otherwise incentivise seed capital) as opposed to later VC, results in a higher rate of job creation:<br />"To Create Jobs, Nurture Start-Ups" http://nyti.ms/9pSNFD<br /><br />Regards,<br />@BriMcSBriMcShttp://twitter.com/BriMcSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-72844300863633432572010-09-22T16:57:16.952+01:002010-09-22T16:57:16.952+01:00All 3 reform columns show excellent radical thinki...All 3 reform columns show excellent radical thinking which needs to be debated seriously at a suitable public forum (Prime Time?)so can't understand medis frenzy over who should captain the Titanic! But core isssue remains as follows:<br />Question: How much will it cost in acceptable terms to the Irish people not just the Markets, to close down Anglo & INBS within 5 years? Estimates vary bewtween 35 and 70billion+ euro.<br />Solution: Set immediate limit on what the State (Irish People) are prepared to guarantee (maybe €30<br />billion?) and stress that any further amount will be treated as a default for bond holders or European Banks. This would give immediate clarity both to ECB institutions and the irish people alike and we could then plan for your reforms in a stable environment.<br />So grateful to hear your intelligent and cogent views but why oh why are they not debated more widely?????????COLMORIAINnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-40792220576289626262010-09-19T23:09:55.692+01:002010-09-19T23:09:55.692+01:00Re: What TO Do Now:
I wish I knew. It would be ni...<b>Re: What TO Do Now:</b><br />I wish I knew. It would be nice to have an HONEST and COMPETENT government but the choices in the next election don't look promising. Revolutions generally are messy, unpredictable and take too long. That leaves the tried and failed idea of a new political party - sigh - which may be the only game in town.BogMeadownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-70026726093227486142010-09-19T22:57:43.655+01:002010-09-19T22:57:43.655+01:00Re: The size of Government:
The size of the go...<b>Re: The size of Government:</b><br /><br /> The size of the government should be based on the population and the wealth available to support it. Ireland's government is ridiculously <br /><br />overpopulated with TDs., County Councils, Town Councils, etc. Nothing wrong with having them, except the cost and the sheer inertia it adds <br /><br />to governance. Although, the Swedish set up is beginning to look good.<br /><br /><b>Re: Taking Care of the Poor:</b><br /><br /> Yes, somehow we've got to take care of our brothers and sisters. At the same time we can't design a system that put their needs ahead of <br /><br />the more general welfare. That's a tough nut and cracking it is currently bankrupting the UK, France and shortly the US. Did I forget to <br /><br />mention Ireland?<br /><br /><b>Re: Sean:</b><br /> Anyone, citizen or not can recommend, and encourage political change. Are non-citizens prohibited from expressing opinions or giving <br /><br />advice? The government seems to hire plenty of foreign experts. The general rule is that citizen or not, you can't advocate the VIOLENT <br /><br />overthrow of the government. It gets a bit more legally obscure as to whether you have to follow existing constitutional methods to alter the <br /><br />government or the constitution. I put it to you that the current system isn't working for a variety of reasons, a lot of them structural, <br /><br />reasons that entrench cronies and that aren't likely to change for the same reasons.BogMeadownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-70143313113869454402010-09-19T22:56:57.983+01:002010-09-19T22:56:57.983+01:00Re: The size of Government:
The size of the go...<b>Re: The size of Government:</b><br /><br /> The size of the government should be based on the population and the wealth available to support it. Ireland's government is ridiculously <br /><br />overpopulated with TDs., County Councils, Town Councils, etc. Nothing wrong with having them, except the cost and the sheer inertia it adds <br /><br />to governance. Although, the Swedish set up is beginning to look good.<br /><br /><b>Re: Taking Care of the Poor:</b><br /><br /> Yes, somehow we've got to take care of our brothers and sisters. At the same time we can't design a system that put their needs ahead of <br /><br />the more general welfare. That's a tough nut and cracking it is currently bankrupting the UK, France and shortly the US. Did I forget to <br /><br />mention Ireland?<br /><br /><b>Re: Sean:</b><br /> Anyone, citizen or not can recommend, and encourage political change. Are non-citizens prohibited from expressing opinions or giving <br /><br />advice? The government seems to hire plenty of foreign experts. The general rule is that citizen or not, you can't advocate the VIOLENT <br /><br />overthrow of the government. It gets a bit more legally obscure as to whether you have to follow existing constitutional methods to alter the <br /><br />government or the constitution. I put it to you that the current system isn't working for a variety of reasons, a lot of them structural, <br /><br />reasons that entrench cronies and that aren't likely to change for the same reasons.BogMeadownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-59284681391119848222010-09-19T22:55:23.798+01:002010-09-19T22:55:23.798+01:00Re: Education
There are too many universities. ...<b>Re: Education</b><br /> There are too many universities. Ireland can afford one or two really good ones or a host of second and third raters. The Universities <br /><br />should be PRIVATE institutions without subsidies of any kind. All subsidies, etc should go to the students.<br /><br /><b>Civil Service:</b><br />There should be public employee unions with the right to negotiate pay and working conditions but with no right to strike, engage in job <br /><br />actions (slowdowns, etc.) or engage in political action. This model seems to work elsewhere and will remove the Praetorian Guard and the <br /><br />pernicious spectacle of public service employees telling the government what the employees' job is, essentially demanding to be put in charge <br /><br />of policy.BogMeadownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-84697094754181866422010-09-19T22:51:48.304+01:002010-09-19T22:51:48.304+01:00Too Many good ideas to comment upon.
Re: Us Senat...Too Many good ideas to comment upon.<br /><br /><b>Re: Us Senate Idea:</b><br /> The US Senate was set up to provide a damper on popular/list swings in the House, hence the six year terms with 1/3 up for reelection every two years. It was also intended to balance the interests of the less populated states against the more populated states. It also serves as a check on Cronyism by 'approving' Presidential appointments. The whole thing works for a lot of reasons. With respect to Ireland, CERTAINLY the upper house should be elected with NO APPOINTMENTS but a bunch of other things are needed to prevent the kind of cronyism that has destroyed the country. Fixed terms of office -Dail and upper house, Cabinet members to have NO-Portfolios, all departments to be headed by Cabinet appointments approved by the upper house. Taioseach to be elected by national vote. NO ability to remove during fixed term beyond standard malfeasance. I would add the need for a VERY strong investigatory agency to monitor government and prosecute. We need terms in the constitution preventing the government from exempting itself from investigation and prosecution.BogMeadownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-47668342540779920912010-09-19T22:49:54.078+01:002010-09-19T22:49:54.078+01:00Too Many good ideas to comment upon.
Re: Us Senat...Too Many good ideas to comment upon.<br /><br /><b>Re: Us Senate Idea:</b><br /> The US Senate was set up to provide a damper on popular/list swings in the House, hence the six year terms with 1/3 up for reelection every two years. It was also intended to balance the interests of the less populated states against the more populated states. It also serves as a check on Cronyism by 'approving' Presidential appointments. The whole thing works for a lot of reasons. With respect to Ireland, CERTAINLY the upper house should be elected with NO APPOINTMENTS but a bunch of other things are needed to prevent the kind of cronyism that has destroyed the country. Fixed terms of office -Dail and upper house, Cabinet members to have NO-Portfolios, all departments to be headed by Cabinet appointments approved by the upper house. Taioseach to be elected by national vote. NO ability to remove during fixed term beyond standard malfeasance. I would add the need for a VERY strong investigatory agency to monitor government and prosecute. We need terms in the constitution preventing the government from exempting itself from investigation and prosecution. <br /><br /><b>Re: Education</b><br /> There are too many universities. Ireland can afford one or two really good ones or a host of second and third raters. The Universities should be PRIVATE institutions without subsidies of any kind. All subsidies, etc should go to the students.<br /><br /><b>Civil Service:</b><br />There should be public employee unions with the right to negotiate pay and working conditions but with no right to strike, engage in job actions (slowdowns, etc.) or engage in political action. This model seems to work elsewhere and will remove the Praetorian Guard and the pernicious spectacle of public service employees telling the government what the employees' job is, essentially demanding to be put in charge of policy.<br /><br /><b>Re: The size of Government:</b><br /><br /> The size of the government should be based on the population and the wealth available to support it. Ireland's government is ridiculously overpopulated with TDs., County Councils, Town Councils, etc. Nothing wrong with having them, except the cost and the sheer inertia it adds to governance. Although, the Swedish set up is beginning to look good.<br /><br /><b>Re: Taking Care of the Poor:</b><br /><br /> Yes, somehow we've got to take care of our brothers and sisters. At the same time we can't design a system that put their needs ahead of the more general welfare. That's a tough nut and cracking it is currently bankrupting the UK, France and shortly the US. Did I forget to mention Ireland?<br /><br /><b>Re: Sean:</b><br /> Anyone, citizen or not can recommend, and encourage political change. Are non-citizens prohibited from expressing opinions or giving advice? The government seems to hire plenty of foreign experts. The general rule is that citizen or not, you can't advocate the VIOLENT overthrow of the government. It gets a bit more legally obscure as to whether you have to follow existing constitutional methods to alter the government or the constitution. I put it to you that the current system isn't working for a variety of reasons, a lot of them structural, reasons that entrench cronies and that aren't likely to change for the same reasons.BogMeadowhttp://mssa.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-24995694350975136312010-09-19T22:48:10.256+01:002010-09-19T22:48:10.256+01:00Too Many good ideas to comment upon.
Re: Us Senat...Too Many good ideas to comment upon.<br /><br /><b>Re: Us Senate Idea:</b><br /> The US Senate was set up to provide a damper on popular/list swings in the House, hence the six year terms with 1/3 up for reelection every two years. It was also intended to balance the interests of the less populated states against the more populated states. It also serves as a check on Cronyism by 'approving' Presidential appointments. The whole thing works for a lot of reasons. With respect to Ireland, CERTAINLY the upper house should be elected with NO APPOINTMENTS but a bunch of other things are needed to prevent the kind of cronyism that has destroyed the country. Fixed terms of office -Dail and upper house, Cabinet members to have NO-Portfolios, all departments to be headed by Cabinet appointments approved by the upper house. Taioseach to be elected by national vote. NO ability to remove during fixed term beyond standard malfeasance. I would add the need for a VERY strong investigatory agency to monitor government and prosecute. We need terms in the constitution preventing the government from exempting itself from investigation and prosecution. <br /><br /><b>Re: Education</b><br /> There are too many universities. Ireland can afford one or two really good ones or a host of second and third raters. The Universities should be PRIVATE institutions without subsidies of any kind. All subsidies, etc should go to the students.<br /><br /><b>Civil Service:</b><br />There should be public employee unions with the right to negotiate pay and working conditions but with no right to strike, engage in job actions (slowdowns, etc.) or engage in political action. This model seems to work elsewhere and will remove the Praetorian Guard and the pernicious spectacle of public service employees telling the government what the employees' job is, essentially demanding to be put in charge of policy.<br /><br /><b>Re: The size of Government:</b><br /><br /> The size of the government should be based on the population and the wealth available to support it. Ireland's government is ridiculously overpopulated with TDs., County Councils, Town Councils, etc. Nothing wrong with having them, except the cost and the sheer inertia it adds to governance. Although, the Swedish set up is beginning to look good.<br /><br /><b>Re: Taking Care of the Poor:</b><br /><br /> Yes, somehow we've got to take care of our brothers and sisters. At the same time we can't design a system that put their needs ahead of the more general welfare. That's a tough nut and cracking it is currently bankrupting the UK, France and shortly the US. Did I forget to mention Ireland?<br /><br /><b>Re: Sean:</b><br /> Anyone, citizen or not can recommend, and encourage political change. Are non-citizens prohibited from expressing opinions or giving advice? The government seems to hire plenty of foreign experts. The general rule is that citizen or not, you can't advocate the VIOLENT overthrow of the government. It gets a bit more legally obscure as to whether you have to follow existing constitutional methods to alter the government or the constitution. I put it to you that the current system isn't working for a variety of reasons, a lot of them structural, reasons that entrench cronies and that aren't likely to change for the same reasons.BogMeadownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-65593726559275030162010-09-19T22:41:35.023+01:002010-09-19T22:41:35.023+01:00Too Many good ideas to comment upon.
Re: Us Senat...Too Many good ideas to comment upon.<br /><br /><b>Re: Us Senate Idea:</b><br /> The US Senate was set up to provide a damper on popular/list swings in the House, hence the six year terms with 1/3 up for reelection every two years. It was also intended to balance the interests of the less populated states against the more populated states. It also serves as a check on Cronyism by 'approving' Presidential appointments. The whole thing works for a lot of reasons. With respect to Ireland, CERTAINLY the upper house should be elected with NO APPOINTMENTS but a bunch of other things are needed to prevent the kind of cronyism that has destroyed the country. Fixed terms of office -Dail and upper house, Cabinet members to have NO-Portfolios, all departments to be headed by Cabinet appointments approved by the upper house. Taioseach to be elected by national vote. NO ability to remove during fixed term beyond standard malfeasance. I would add the need for a VERY strong investigatory agency to monitor government and prosecute. We need terms in the constitution preventing the government from exempting itself from investigation and prosecution. <br /><br /><b>Re: Education</b><br /> There are too many universities. Ireland can afford one or two really good ones or a host of second and third raters. The Universities should be PRIVATE institutions without subsidies of any kind. All subsidies, etc should go to the students.<br /><br /><b>Civil Service:</b><br />There should be public employee unions with the right to negotiate pay and working conditions but with no right to strike, engage in job actions (slowdowns, etc.) or engage in political action. This model seems to work elsewhere and will remove the Praetorian Guard and the pernicious spectacle of public service employees telling the government what the employees' job is, essentially demanding to be put in charge of policy.<br /><br /><b>Re: The size of Government:</b><br /><br /> The size of the government should be based on the population and the wealth available to support it. Ireland's government is ridiculously overpopulated with TDs., County Councils, Town Councils, etc. Nothing wrong with having them, except the cost and the sheer inertia it adds to governance. Although, the Swedish set up is beginning to look good.<br /><br /><b>Re: Taking Care of the Poor:</b><br /><br /> Yes, somehow we've got to take care of our brothers and sisters. At the same time we can't design a system that put their needs ahead of the more general welfare. That's a tough nut and cracking it is currently bankrupting the UK, France and shortly the US. Did I forget to mention Ireland?<br /><br /><b>Re: Sean:</b><br /> Anyone, citizen or not can recommend, and encourage political change. Are non-citizens prohibited from expressing opinions or giving advice? The government seems to hire plenty of foreign experts. The general rule is that citizen or not, you can't advocate the VIOLENT overthrow of the government. It gets a bit more legally obscure as to whether you have to follow existing constitutional methods to alter the government or the constitution. I put it to you that the current system isn't working for a variety of reasons, a lot of them structural, reasons that entrench cronies and that aren't likely to change for the same reasons.BogMeadownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-38010379353379480992010-09-16T17:56:27.728+01:002010-09-16T17:56:27.728+01:00I suggest the manifesto include that an explicit m...I suggest the manifesto include that an explicit measurable objective of the government's enterprise policies should be a gross domestic expenditure on R&D of 4% of GDP.<br /><br />For comparison purposes; according to the CSO's "Measuring Ireland's Progress report" (See http://bit.ly/bgOT4V Section 2.3 & 2.4.), these were the expenditures in 1998, 2003 & 2008 respectively: 1.24%, 1.17%,& 1.43%.<br /><br />Regards,<br />@BriMcS@BriMcShttp://twitter.com/BriMcSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-76002151758638163052010-09-16T09:45:57.282+01:002010-09-16T09:45:57.282+01:00I do agree with Constantin's reform suggestio...I do agree with Constantin's reform suggestions, however I believe they are largely cosmetic surgery unless we take the big step of leaving the euro, the following originally posted by me 16/09/10 this AM on thread on David McWilliams site:<br /><br />RE “.I know the euro ain’t a great idea but unfortunately its here to stay and we better get our heads around it.”<br /><br />We need to free ourselves from this lemming like attachment to the euro completing eroding any bargaining position we may have with our political latchicos here in Ireland and in Europe.<br /><br />It’s simply not true to say we cannot leave the Euro. Leaving the euro has many advantages for us none the least of which benefiting from an improved cost structure that is currently returning Iceland to growth. We have a large infrastructure ready to boost our tourism industry. A lower cost base can attract foreign investment rather than deter it with overpriced incompetence.<br /><br />Our vassal state structural dependency with long term crippling debt reparations tied to an overvalued euro that is ruining our cost base is a recipe for economic disaster. However much our peacock incompetents at EC and European parliament level might attempt through propaganda to brainwash us Otherwise!<br /><br />We need a true programme of economic recovery based on default, debt renegotiation and most importantly abandonment of the euro.<br /><br />Otherwise its a basket case economy with Sheriff of Nottingham ‘give back the keys’, ruinous employment prospects for the young, emigration, punitive taxes, deteriorating social services particularly in health and education, more social disintegration through rising crime rates and more destruction of our economy.<br /><br />http://bit.ly/cbHQpJcbwebhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08168210934221226429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-77089147018291989932010-09-10T17:03:23.275+01:002010-09-10T17:03:23.275+01:00More on Cultivation of Enterprise:
Incentivise th...More on Cultivation of Enterprise:<br /><br />Incentivise the creation of spin-off companies which exploit MNC's or indigineous companies' R&D which is carried out in Ireland.<br />This could be done by allowing tax benefits on the cost of attaining the spin-off's IP from the R&D.<br />Again, further benefits could be made available if the spin-offs are employee-owned to any extent.<br /><br />Regards,<br />@BriMcSBriMcShttp://twitter.com/BriMcSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8817171247555815363.post-7313540927321710802010-09-08T06:48:53.153+01:002010-09-08T06:48:53.153+01:00As ever, a simple fiscal adjustment would do the j...As ever, a simple fiscal adjustment would do the job, but it's the only adjutment nobody ever accepts. <br /><br />The tax system builds bubbles by favouring real estate gains at the expense of productivity.<br /><br />So reverse it by taxing 'bads', not 'goods'. Abolish all taxes on privately-created wealth and levy a charge on publicly-generated land values.<br /><br />Currently, big land owners claw back all the taxes they pay by increases in their land values. The middle clas and poor don't have this privilege.<br /><br />A federal land tax has been proposed by an 18-month inquiry into the Australian tax system, but politicians won't touch it with a barge pole. They should.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com