Wednesday, October 05, 2005

Interior Ministry Under New Leadership

Friday 30th October saw the appointment of Mr Ben Gray to Director of the Interior in a novel move by President Grieve. The appointment technically brings the Home Office under Executive control, though sources within the Áras were quick to emphasise the temporary nature of the scheme.

This could be the first in a series of moves aimed at cultivating wider participation, it was also claimed. The creation of several new non-Ministerial postings throughout the government would be used to raise interest, and possibly draw new citizens in what President Grieve has described as "opening up the Executive."

This is not the first time President Grieve has used his Executive powers to muscle in on the Cabinet. In July 2005, an Executive Announcement was used to appoint Mr O Ceallaigh to the position of Acting Foreign Minister.

President Steps In to Continue Progress on Code of Law

Following the successful passage of a constitutional ammendment to article 8.4 through the Dáil it was thought that a brick wall may have been hit. Tomás Ó Cealliagh (DLP BnhA), in his capacity as speaker, had forwarded the successful bill to the courtyard for and open public vote on its acceptance. Alex Garine, (LPT) then spotted a discrepency with such an action citing article thirteen of the constitution.

Article thirteen states, irrespective of the urgency of the bill or the public support for the bill, that;
"Referenda are held at the nearest general election."
This clause, which had caught Ó Ceallaigh unaware initial enraged him as he considered filing and ammendment bill to the Dáil. After finding a small get out clause which stated that;
"The President may call a referendum."
Which, due to the ambigous nature of the clause, can be interpretted as meaning that the President has the power to call a referendum regardless of the proximity of the referendum to the general election.

The president gave his assent to start the referendum earlier this morning and the voting has been allowed to recommence. The ammendment itself would allow for the easy implementation of a foreign judge with nations of which the Republic shares an appropriate treaty - the presence of a judge at the discussions about the new code of law is generally considered as essential by those involved.

Saturday, October 01, 2005

TPL/TFA Week 4 Results

The results for week four's matches in the Tománnach domestic league are as follows:

Guinness Tománnach Premier League
Celtingham 2 - 0 Rangers
Shantor County 4 - 1 Highport Wanderers
Golden Harps 2 - 2 Moor Green

Codáil Whiskey Co-operative TFA Division Two
Linfield Blues 1 - 2 Hantee Utd.
West Coast Eagles 3 - 3 Attaman FC
Red Dragons 0 - 2 Tibet Tygers

For detailed league standings please see the TFA Information Centre.