One of the most important skills of cross examining a lay litigant

One of the most important skills in the cross examination of a witness is the ability to recognise when to press and when to back off. This is especially important in a forum like the WRC (Workplace Relations Commission) where you are likely to encounter lay litigants conducting their own case. You may well be… Continue reading One of the most important skills of cross examining a lay litigant

Surprise at the number of comments criticising enforcement of the planning laws

I published a video yesterday about Dublin City Council prosecuting a family who had carried out an unauthorised development (an attic conversion) on a home in Phibsboro. I am surprised about the number of comments criticising the planning authority and their decision to enforce the planning laws. I do accept, however, that there may be… Continue reading Surprise at the number of comments criticising enforcement of the planning laws

Shackled and handcuffed-the politics of spectacle

I hope Trump supporters are happy now with the sight of migrants from South America being sent home in handcuffs and ankle shackles, shuffling off aircraft back to where they came from. I hope, too, that these supporters recognise that this is only a spectacle, a public relations stunt. And that Trump’s family, and that… Continue reading Shackled and handcuffed-the politics of spectacle

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Mark Little’s excellent piece about America on the Brendan O’Connor show

On the Brendan O’Connor radio show yesterday on RTE Radio 1 Mark Little gave an excellent explanation as to how Trump has come to triumph in the United States. He spoke eloquently and with apparent expertise and what he had to say is worth listening to again and again. Because it gives liberal democrats some… Continue reading Mark Little’s excellent piece about America on the Brendan O’Connor show

The enforced digital detox has had significant benefits

Being without power at home for the last few days has meant an enforced digital detox, and it has had some surprising and significant benefits. No internet, limited phone, no Netflix, no YouTube, no social media, no television. But one of the positive consequences has been absence of distractions, absence of notifications, no comments on… Continue reading The enforced digital detox has had significant benefits

Storm Éowyn and taking a small win

I expected storm Éowyn to cause havoc, as forecast by Met Eireann, but was hoping that there would be power in Enfield and I could  get a bit of work done. So I made a dangerous trek to my office in Enfield despite trees being down everywhere to discover Enfield had no power either. So… Continue reading Storm Éowyn and taking a small win