“The Fair Tax” was launched by Smart Taxes in Buswells hotel yesterday. Fr Sean Healy introduced the book with a call for general tax reform. He pointed out that Social Justice Ireland has always been a supporter of land value tax. A proposal for a land value tax to fund a citizens income has been floated in a recent European conference held on social justice issues, with which he heartily agrees. He commended the book using the words of economist Colm McCarthy in the preface.


See Link http://smarttaxes.org/2012/09/19/the-fair-tax-launch-party-18th-septemebr-2012/

I attended the AGM of Roscommon Ogra on 08 September 2012 in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Congratulations to the 
Incoming committee of Roscommon Ógra Fianna Fáil, I look forward to working closely with Roscommon Ogra in my capacity as the only FF member of the Oireachtas for Roscommon.

Chairperson: David Keane
Vice Chairperson: Seán Óg Higgins
Secretary: Gárbh Madigan
Co- Treasurer: Mairéad Mulry
Co- Treasurer: Raymond Keane
PRO/Membership: Michelle Meally

I attended the British Ambassador’s now traditional summer garden party ton the evening of 6 September in Glencairn House.  
http://britishembassyinireland.fco.gov.uk/en/news/?view=News&id=808531382

At a meeting of the Council of Europe Monitoring Committee in Paris this morning, Fianna Fáil Senator Terry Leyden echoed calls from the Council for the immediate release of the so-called ‘Pussy Riot’ activists.

Senator Leyden is the Deputy Leader of the Irish delegation to the Council of Europe and he welcomed the decision of the Council.

“In a democracy, the right to freedom of expression may be subject to conditions intended to protect morals and the rights of others,” said Senator Leyden.

“Any penalties imposed must be proportionate to the seriousness of the offence. The two-year sentence imposed on the three members of the ‘Pussy Riot’ group is hugely disproportionate and we are calling on them to be immediately released.

“I hope that the Russian courts will review this conviction, taking into account the standards set out in the European Convention on Human Rights. 

“To be considered a truly democratic nation, which adheres to the basics of human rights, the Russian courts must review this decision and release the activists, whose punishment did not fit the crimes they are alleged to have committed.