Blog Archive
CANVASSING WELL UNDERWAY IN NORTH TIPPERARY
Posted on February 04, 2011 by Alan Kelly
Canvassing is well underway. Leaflets done, new shoes are bought and hands are being shaken. The reception has been overwhelming. People are angry, willing to engage and are looking for something to be optimistic about. That is the message I have been trying to get across on the doorsteps.
Of course this canvassing is very different to the EU elections where we mostly concentrated on events, standing outside shopping centres rather then knocking on doors.
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NAMA CAUSED FURTHER AIB BAILOUT: I PUBLISH COMMISSIONER ALMUNIA LETTER
Posted on January 10, 2011 by Alan Kelly
I have just published the letter from EU Commission Vice President, Joaquin Almunia, explaining how AIB passed banking stress tests last July but was eventually nationalised by year-end. (See text of letter below this blog.)
It is clear that the latest AIB bailout was effectively caused by NAMA and the failure of the government to predict these losses while also taking the bank’s position at face value.
Commissioner Almunia makes it clear in his letter that NAMA’s second discount on AIB loans immediately required an additional €3b cash. This could only come from the Irish taxpayer.
When the government first stress tested the bank, it underestimated the NAMA discount – even though NAMA is a state-body. Was there no co-ordination on this by the Finance Minister?
Permanent link | Categories: Finance • Foreign & European Affairs • Alan Kelly • EU • Current Affairs Irish
TIPPERARY NORTH LABOUR PARTY SELECTION CONVENTION
Posted on December 20, 2010 by Alan Kelly
Friday, December 17th will always be a proud datte for me as I fulfilled a dream of becoming the Labour party's Dail General Election candidate. A large crowd attended the Convention in The Rag, Thurles despite the terrible weather conditions. It was a very special night for myself and my family who have been involved in the Labour party for many years. I was especially pleased to see so many new faces at the event who want a change and I'm delighted that they see me as the avenue to that change in North Tipperary. I was nominated to run by Ger Lewis from Nenagh. Ger is one of the most popular Labour members I have ever met. Last year he along with his brother Frank were gold medal winners for their contribution to the Labour party. My Party Leader Eamon Gilmore is a good friend of his. His electoral knowledge is fantastic and he has been a great friend of mine for many years. Michael Shanhan is a good old friend of mine from Roscrea, whose father Tommy Shanahan was a long time Councillor for the party in that area. I was delighted to have the calibe of these two great individuals to propose and second me.
Permanent link | Categories: Alan Kelly • Tipperary North
TIPPERARY GAA DINNER DANCE NEW YORK
Posted on December 14, 2010 by Alan Kelly
I was in New York last week doing some work that I had planned for some time. While there I was delighted to take up an invitation to attend the Tipperary GAA Dinner Dance. It was a fantastic occasion especially as the Liam McCarthy was present under the stewardship of Tipp Manager Liam Sheedy and Captain Eoin Kelly. Also present were selector Mick Ryan and Tipp U 21 Captain Padraic Maher. We also had a Kerry man in our midst in the statur of John Evans, Tipp Football Manager and a real character.
Permanent link | Categories: Alan Kelly • Liam Sheedy • Tipperary • New York • Eoin Kelly • John Evans • Padraic Maher
BAILOUT DEAL A DISASTER FOR IRELAND
Posted on November 30, 2010 by Alan Kelly
This Bailout deal announced by the Government following negotiationswith the EU and IMF is 'a disaster for our country'.
I've met with the EU Economics Commissioner Ollie Rehn twice during the negotiations and I've spoken to Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia twice as well. The 5.8% interest rate is penal and beyond what I or any other Irish MEPs were led to believe.
Permanent link | Categories: Alan Kelly • EU • Bailout • Ollie Rehn
GOING FOR ELECTON IN NORTH TIPP
Posted on November 29, 2010 by Alan Kelly
The Labour Leader Eamon Gilmore TD announcing that Alan Kelly MEP is to seek the Tipp North nomination.
I have formally announced I will be putting himself forward to the local Labour organisation as a candidate for the forthcoming general election. I've made the announcement following a serious of phone calls and meetings with Labour Party Leader Eamon Gilmore last week.
I am honoured to accept Eamon Gilmore’s invitation to put myself forward as a candidate for Labour in North Tipperary. This will be the most important election in North Tipperary and Ireland for a generation and I am delighted that Eamon has requested that I be part of his team for it.
Permanent link | Categories: Alan Kelly • Eamon Gilmore • Dail
MEETING PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON
Posted on September 30, 2010 by Alan Kelly
With my wife Regina and President Clinton
I had the pleasure of meeting President Bill Clinton recently at a dinner in his honour held in UCD in Dublin. The event was organised by Business and Finance Magazine. he gave a very personal and positive feel good speech about how Ireland could pull itself out of the economic mess we now find ourselves in. It was a pleasure to listen to him as he spoke without notes, reciting by heart Seamus Heaney poetry while entralling everyone one with his charm, wit and real life stories. The spark of positivity that he gave to people in the roon that night was very welcome indeed.
Permanent link | Categories: Alan Kelly • Bill Clinton • US • EU
TIPP WIN A CREDIT TO THE TEAM AND MANAGEMENT
Posted on September 12, 2010 by Alan Kelly
With Liam Sheedy at Homecoming of Tipperary hurling Team in Portroe after All Ireland win
To say I'm a happy Tipperary man after our All Ireland hurling final win would be an understatement in the extreme. I'm absolutely thrilled, for the players, for the management, for Liam Sheedy and all the backroom staff. It was an unbelievable performance where there was no dispute as to who were the better team.
I was quietly confident going into the game that we would do it and despite Kilkenny clawing back to just within a point at half time, I still believed we'd do it. The performance of all the players was at 100% and when Tipp are in that form, with such a young team as well, they are unstoppable. They were so determined to wipe out the memories of last year.
Permanent link | Categories: Arts Sport & Tourism • Liam Sheedy • Tipperary • GAA • Portroe
NEW OFFICE IN ROSCREA
Posted on September 12, 2010 by Alan Kelly
I was delighted to recently open my new office in Roscrea. The official opening was performed by my party leader Eamon Gilmore T.D. I was delighted to see such a huge crowd turn out for the event. In particular I want to mention Tommy Murphy who ran for us in Roscreea in the last election and who recently lost his wife, Joan and Michael Shanahan, whose father the late Tommy Shanahan was a Labour Coucillor for the area for many years.
Permanent link | Categories: Roscrea • Eamon Gilmore • Alan Kelly
BEST OF LUCK TO LIAM AND TIPP LADS
Posted on September 02, 2010 by Alan Kelly
Best of luck to Liam and all the lads in the final on Sunday. I know we can do it. I can sense a level of determination this year that will bring us home. Kilkenny are a fine team but I think most neutrals will be urging us on. Heading up on Sunday morning and will be staying for the banquet, win, lose or draw. I know they'll win though! C'Mon the Premier
Permanent link | Categories: Arts Sport & Tourism • Tipperary • Portroe • Liam Sheedy • GAA
