Comments on: Do Your Own Thing

By: The Greens in government: the challenges ahead at Irish Election

The Greens in government: the challenges ahead at Irish Election — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 19:52:34 +0000

[...] doing their utmost to embarrass Gormley as he gets to grips with his new portfolio (more on that here). Such moves may well prove effective in winning in disillushioning Green supporters for whom the [...]

By: Michael Taft

Michael Taft — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 17:37:06 +0000

Co-location involves the transfer of patients to private hospitals resulting in income loss to the public system, the drawing of key staff resources trained at public expense away from the public sector through perverse incentives, the huge tax expenditure to fund this new private system while the government cedes more responsibility for health care to the private sector – and all the while further institutionalising the two-tier health system: that’s privatisation by any other name. Granted, it doesn’t operate in the same manner as, say, selling assets (e.g. Eircom) but privatisation only refers to the transfer of activities in a particular sector from the public (or non-profit) sphere to the private (or for-profit sphere). In that respects, co-location is a key component of the privatisation process.

Yes, FF/FG have more power at local level – but not all levels. There are a number of councils where progressives are either the lead bloc or second lead bloc (Dublin City Council being a prime example). Progressives are more likely to win power on several local authorities before they win power nationally.

By: simon

simon — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:06:34 +0000

the privatisation of health care
How is co-location privatisation of health care? Privatising land maybe but health care no. It is a cheap sound bite.

could allow alternative sources of power to emerge. This would suit the Left and progressive parties.
I would also guess that FF/FG have more power at council level then the left do.