The Case of Curious George and the Little People

We’re a great little country all the same. One in three young men are on the dole and the celebrated economic “turning of the corner” appears to be totally Illusory but all day long there is a focus on one thing and one person…that curious George Lee

Now there are clearly two sides to this is if not more. George didn’t have coffee with Lucinda but people aren’t invited to coffee…you just know to go. He had lunch with Leo once which surely shows tremendous courage! Nobody was listening to George but he wasn’t saying much of course. They just weren’t ready for his zany new politics don’t you see. He didn’t have an input seems to be the settled line form George.

It’s fun to watch Fine Gael wash it’s dirty linen in public and they do it so often. Was I the only one wondering about the week-end spin of “Enda is fine” coming pretty much out of nowhere? There are some lessons about politics and public life in this debacle but not necessarily the ones we want to hear.

The truth is the whole George Lee merry go round was media led form start to finish. Perhaps Lee felt he could really bring something to politics and change things dramatically. Maybe Fine Gael felt he would learn the system and contribute. However the real losers are the general public, who ever thought this type of thing would fly?

There’s just a hint of that après match sketch about the Irish as the little pixie people just waiting for greatness to arrive. The media hubris has to be seen to be believed. How could they ignore this man’s great talent. George will save us, just like Obama. Yet in all his time as a commentator or TD what was is it that he stands for? Sure we can all say things are bad but what are you going to do about it. In fairness Richard Bruton has articulated a few things such as a good bank and general fiscal rectitude. Much as we love to hate him Leo Varadkar has been even more distinctive on the public sector

Alex White and Notes on The Front offered a valuable perspective on the whole shemozzle, sure have a row but what’s it all about. Where was the row about ideas or policies. George had no input but when asked to state where he disagrees with Fine Gael he is silent. In other words it’s all about ego and personality. Margaret, a Fine Gael member form Foxrock (where else), slated George on Liveline…”I canvassed for you, I worked for You, I voted for you”…”but you don’t own me” said George…hmmmm

So really it’s not about him but us. RTE take note. It’s time to learn that there are no knights on white horses, economists or otherwise coming to our rescue. The politicians we produce from the general humdrum of the system like them or loathe them are the ones who will have to deal with the big issues we face. We all could do a great job sitting at home no more than we could all pick the best Ireland team. Of course there is a need for new perspectives and avoiding the institutionalisation of Leinster House but again this has to come from within.

There’s no point complaining about clientelist politics when we are the very ones demanding these services and refusing to take no for an answer on planning, medical cards and more besides. So people have to stop waiting for the white knights and start asking the right questions when the knock comes on the door!

Our Car Addiction –Time for Cold Turkey?

The introduction of a 30kmph speed limit in Dublin has begun to bring some realistic thinking to transport policy in our capital. I use the word “some” deliberately. The different positions and views of those involved in the debate tell us a lot as do some of the available statistics

Now the 30kmph change is relatively modest chiefly because of the extremely small area it covers. This hasn’t stopped people predicting armageddon and the end of civilisation.

One of the main defences often heard in these debates is “we’re not anti car”. But I wonder. Wouldn’t it make more sense for planners and supporters of public transport and cycling to be more honest and straight about the future of transport in Dublin. It must inevitably involve far less car use particularly one person sitting in a car commuting to work, why pretend otherwise.

One glance at the area covered by the 30kmph limit tells us much of it is already subject to certain restrictions. The bus gate covers a key central part thus diverting motorists away before they get near it during rush hour, temple bar is nearly car free and one way systems limit much of the rest such as O’Connell St. This does not mean cars cannot travel to the city just they need to do so in a different way, avoiding the commercial and retail heart for through journeys. The Macken St. Bridge and existing infrastructure on the western end of the keys should facilitate this if the absolute design disaster at the Bridge can be sorted out!!

A contributor on a discussion board said recently “soon all cars will be banned from the city centre” this was met with immediate howls of protest. Again I would ask why? The addiction to car use in our capital city is quite astounding. At a time when Government revenues (particularly local government) are under huge pressure we have thousands of free car park spaces for public officials in our city centre…just look at Leinster House!! This says a lot about the mindset. Indeed often it seems whatever improvements are made to the alternatives there is an excuse not the heed the carrot. This suggests that more recourse to the stick may be necessary.

We simply can’t go on with this approach. The economic effects of congestion, emissions and snail pace speeds should mean city centre businesses leading the charge for less car use, yet they were some of the most vocal opponents of the Bus Gate

Public transport is the obvious key to less car commuting, Of course the throw away remark is that it is useless and never there when you want it. These remarks are usually from journalists who would die rather than get on a bus (apart from shock and awe colour pieces)

In fact public transport in Dublin has improved immensely in the last few years and many are voting with their feet. There are still many issues but increased bus capacity with QBC’s, new rail stock and of course the Luas mean public transport is a viable option for many and even tax deductible.

Then of course in a health obsessed culture there is cycling, the free gym that you can go to everyday without taking any time out of your daily routine. Bear in mind that almost 50 % of all commutes in Ireland are under 10 km and that on average a person will get wet four days out a hundred if they cycle to work for 15 minutes, 5 days a week

In reality the main reason many people do not change their transport habits is because it is just too easy to stay with the habit. Until now it was rarely challenged and indeed is regularly facilitated.

It was during the recent snow that the really serious nature of our car addiction came home to me. Everyone could just quit work because it wasn’t possible to drive. Those who pressed on determinately ended up damaging cars and more besides.

Dublin City Council is an example to us all. They have done more to tackle our highly toxic addiction to the car in the last year or two than any national politician in decades. The more straight talking and realisation we have about this addiction the better. More will be needed, congestion charges, BIK on parking spaces and more pedestrian only zones.

Like any addiction the affects are all too obvious to outside observers but the addicts see nothing. The addict rarely wants help but the cold turkey has to start soon, the victims will thank those who administer the hard medicine when they pull through to the other side.

My 12 Tips for Cyling in Snow and Ice

I’m no pro or even amateur when it comes to the cycling front but I have managed to keep up my 24km round trip commute through the snow in Dublin this week. Once gain the humble bike proves itself the most adaptable and capable vehicle for short and middle distance commuting. I reckon this might even qualify me to proffer some advice and assistance in this regard, this might even be your chance to take up cycling…let’s face it it’s probably the best way around during the “cold snap”

Given that nobody else seems to have done it (hint hint RSA) here’s my 12 tips for cycling in the Snow and Ice.

1. Mountain Bikes Only – No more needs to be said here really, not the most fashionable or speedy machines these days but those wide tyres are the key to staying upright

2. Under Pressure – Lowering tyre pressure improves grip significantly

3. Take Your Seat – No place for pumping the pedals here unless you want to become rapidly acquainted with the asphalt. Sitting down as much as possible evens the spread of weight on both tyres and prevents wheelspin

4. Slow Down: Similar to cars steady does it, fairly obvious really. Rear break should be used almost exclusively!

5. Straight line: Danger is at junctions and roundabouts similar to our four wheeled friends. Actually steer the bike rather than lean the body when turning.

6. White is alright, Grey is a nay: If it’s white and crunchy stay on it, black ice and compacted slush to be avoided. This will change with gritting and salt so really it’s a case of your eyes been the most impart organ in these conditions.

7. Avoid cycle lanes: Generally they are slippier than the road

8. Take to the path? Personally I don’t see any problem in very extreme situations like ice rink style roads in doing this, obviously only where strictly necessary and safe, you could also walk for a while. Pedestrians generally understand. Now technically it is illegal but I think extreme circumstances prevail and even cycle tracks which are been phased out were not mandatory when they were unsafe, not everyone will agree with this and I would never advocate it in normal conditions. NB This is really on the first day and with fresh falls, paths are more lethal when roads have been salted/gritted

9. Put your foot down: You will inevitably end up on a dodgy patch, having one foot ready or even on the ground can prevent the worst

10. Change Tyres: If you’re really in to it there are some exotic tyres with metal studs available on the web for example. With nail like contraptions sticking out you can amaze one and all

11. Expect the unexpected: While with some care the bike is the safest mode of short and medium distance transport others around you are suffering. Motorists are more on edge than usual and genuinely seem to get annoyed about bikes passing them out…more than ever ignoring is bliss!

12. Plan your journey: Even with the best will in the world up and down hills will be more difficult also stopping is allowed and extra layers surprisingly need to come off as you heat up!