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[Photo Galleries ][Polls Discussion ] Posted by w c fields on October 30, 2003 at 14:05:18:
Bertie Ahern calling the Vintners threat to withhold VAT because of their opposition to the smoking ban "disgraceful" is a minor watershed in Ireland. It hints at a tiny crack in the grip vested interests have on this country. But there is a marathon ahead. However, we must be gratful for small mercies. Another hopeful sign was an article on the same subject in the Irish Times today by Ms Shalini Sinha who says " our culture here is one of She's right. And what a terrible indictment of Ireland and its politics in the twenty-first century. Several mayo county councillors are publicans; why are they so silent on this key matter? Wanna guess? People should get off their knees and stand up for a decent fair and caring society; with all the money there is sloshing around Ireland these days, homelessness and patients on trolleys, let alone cancer patients waiting six months for treatment, should be unthinkable. These things happen however, because we keep quiet, keep our heads below the parapet,thus let politicians and their backers get away with it. Make your views heard; these turkeys cant hurt you. And make sure you vote for independent-minded people next june. Even the Connaught Telegraph said this week that Castlebar Town Council "needs a rush of fresh, young blood, and hopefully the electorate will recognise the need". That how bad things are.
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