Derek Wheeler
24-07-2006, 20:07
Below is an extract from the world famous Mick McMurtagh Dublin Tour.
"Welcome/Bienvenue/Wilkommen/Failte to DAIL EIREANN. This building has been portrayed as the beating heart of administration in modern Ireland. It has often been associated with the role of "Government". However, in 21st century Ireland, DAIL EIREANN, is now a major transport planning facility. Nearly 150 "transport experts" are officially based here. They work tirelessly for 8 months of the year to deliver much needed public transport solutions for the nation, based on a unique system of proportional representation. Nowhere else in the world will you see such a fine tuned machine, identify regions, develop a transport "plan", talk it and "consult/report" it to death and then announce its implementation. (usually prior to the event known as a general election.) This system is very popular in Ireland and its "success" has reduced "affiliated" organisations such as the RPA, IE, Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann and the NRA to the role of "implementor". This works well for the "transport experts" in DAIL EIREANN and they are very thankfull for the assistance provided by these "minor" organisations. In recent years, Independent Transport groups such as Platform 11, have attempted to contribute to the development of rail transport in Ireland. Unfortunetly this assistance has been abused by DAIL EIREANN and treated with caution by the "affiliated organisations." However, there is evidence to suggest that "Independent" transport groups can have a greater role in influencing the "experts" in Dail Eireann, but they have to "affiliate" themselves to the said experts or have said experts within their group. This particular system is still in the early stages and its too early to judge on its success.
Now lets visit the main chamber, which is the all important meeting/debating centre of DAIL EIREANN. Don't be too taken aback by the small number of "transport experts" in attendence. Many of them are actively involved in "field work", a very important part of the job. This usually involves, "campaign directors", "local politicians" and "property developers", all of who play an integral role in the success of DAIL EIREANN and its "transport experts".
Please mind the step.
"Welcome/Bienvenue/Wilkommen/Failte to DAIL EIREANN. This building has been portrayed as the beating heart of administration in modern Ireland. It has often been associated with the role of "Government". However, in 21st century Ireland, DAIL EIREANN, is now a major transport planning facility. Nearly 150 "transport experts" are officially based here. They work tirelessly for 8 months of the year to deliver much needed public transport solutions for the nation, based on a unique system of proportional representation. Nowhere else in the world will you see such a fine tuned machine, identify regions, develop a transport "plan", talk it and "consult/report" it to death and then announce its implementation. (usually prior to the event known as a general election.) This system is very popular in Ireland and its "success" has reduced "affiliated" organisations such as the RPA, IE, Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann and the NRA to the role of "implementor". This works well for the "transport experts" in DAIL EIREANN and they are very thankfull for the assistance provided by these "minor" organisations. In recent years, Independent Transport groups such as Platform 11, have attempted to contribute to the development of rail transport in Ireland. Unfortunetly this assistance has been abused by DAIL EIREANN and treated with caution by the "affiliated organisations." However, there is evidence to suggest that "Independent" transport groups can have a greater role in influencing the "experts" in Dail Eireann, but they have to "affiliate" themselves to the said experts or have said experts within their group. This particular system is still in the early stages and its too early to judge on its success.
Now lets visit the main chamber, which is the all important meeting/debating centre of DAIL EIREANN. Don't be too taken aback by the small number of "transport experts" in attendence. Many of them are actively involved in "field work", a very important part of the job. This usually involves, "campaign directors", "local politicians" and "property developers", all of who play an integral role in the success of DAIL EIREANN and its "transport experts".
Please mind the step.