Columns - Irish Examiner

Fergus Finlay

Fergus Finlay is a former political activist and adviser to three governments, the former head of the children's charity Barnardos, a writer and a broadcaster.

They keep on treating us like eejits

HERE’S a piece of spin. It’s actually a piece of political guff, from a master of the genre. It mightn’t look like it on the surface, but it shows how devious and cunning its author is. And how much he deserves to be watched.

Tue, 07 Jan, 2003

McCreevy wins Person of Year award for all the wrong reasons

By Fergus Finlay

Tue, 31 Dec, 2002

Welcome to the old curiosity shop: is it a nightmare or am I dreaming?

I WASN’T alone. I thought I had settled down by the fire for a pleasant doze, the dog at my feet, sparks drifting up the chimney.

Tue, 24 Dec, 2002

No room at the inn for Bronagh — and all the cutback victims

NO room at the inn. That’s the phrase running through my head this past week or so. I’ve read it in several different places, and I’ve heard it used in conversation.

Tue, 17 Dec, 2002

Savage cutbacks are a deliberate power play for the next election

WE are about to discover the importance of public spending to Irish life. That’s the real, but largely ignored, story of Budget 2003.

Tue, 10 Dec, 2002

Never has the need been greater for the qualities shown by Jim Mitchell

JIM MITCHELL was a remarkable, perhaps a unique, politician. Famous for his willingness to take risks with his own seat on behalf of his party, he also never shirked taking risky political positions.

Tue, 03 Dec, 2002

Drama is one thing but there’s no smoke without a free cigar

IT APPEARS there’s a Government politician who has used a state company to supply Christmas gifts for his friends.

Tue, 26 Nov, 2002

Book of Estimates a false doctrine written by coalition of heretics

MEAN-SPIRITED, cheese-paring, but above all dishonest. That is the only conclusion you can come to when you take the time to read the Book of Estimates in full, and think about the rationale behind it.

Tue, 19 Nov, 2002

Only real discourse will restore politics to what it ought to be

YOU may have heard that I’m in the process of changing my day job. I don’t suppose my politics have been a secret to too many people up to now, but I’m now being asked to put them into practice again.

Tue, 12 Nov, 2002

The mysterious ways of Dr McDowell and Mr Minister

WE all, dear reader, know the strange and mysterious tale of Dr McDowell and Mr Minister.

Tue, 08 Oct, 2002