@Ireland Curator: Evert Bopp

The next curator is @mikeneglia!

Out.

Thank you for your company people, you've been awesome.

Be sure to check out my blog: http://evertb/wordpress.com !

Being called to the dinner table so signing of from the @Ireland account early.

Totally in awe of Felix Baumgartner. An inspiration to many I hope.

And here I go; getting the mans name wrong in all my excitement. Apologies Mr. Baumgartner.

@elana ROTFL, indeed.

@elana It was highly entertaining. Great discussion and I also annoyed the hell out of a few people.

Those of you wondering what I do for a living come and connect to me on Linkedin: ie.linkedin.com/in/evertbopp

I would also like to ask all of you to click over to haiti-connect.org and have a look at a charity that I run. Any support welcome.

Nigel Farage On EU's Nobel Prize: 'Pure Insanity!' dailybail.com/home/nigel-far…

Just over an hour to go before I leave the @ireland seat. Feel free to come chat to me at @TheEvertBopp if you feel up to it.

China's Property Bubble: trueeconomics.blogspot.ie/2012/10/131020… via @GTCost

Absolutely glued to my screen here watching the #redbullstratos live stream. youtube.com/watch?feature=…!

@mikeneglia That's one of the reasons why I object. It's utopian nonsense.

@AndyBold Bu it makes them feel better about themselves...

@AndyBold But going by previous governments performance you know that's not going to happen.

@AndyBold But in that case a tax will only make things worse.

@Thomas_Ireland You can apply here: worldirish.com

@TaxpayerTim Explain please?

@AndyBold Do you not think that we incentives to healthier eating combined with education would be better than taxing?

@sharononeill You don't really. I only use our TV to view downloaded content. Don't miss any of the regular channels.

Following on from a discussion on my personal account last night; should "un-healthy" foods be taxed extra?

@geckoinpdx Having seen US TV I can fully understand that.

@mikeneglia Similar here. We do have a TV but only watch DVD's or downloads. No terrestrial or satellite channels.

Just wondering; who else does not have or watch broadcast TV?

Very windy & chilly last night. Great weather to fire up the stove and get comfortable in front of the box.

Over 400 attend Paralympics Ireland talent search in Dublin: insidethegames.biz/insideparaspor…

Westport pips Killarney to top list of Ireland's favourite towns via @independent_ie shar.es/5TYu9 < Do you agree?

Middle Ireland poised to revolt via @independent_ie shar.es/5TY2N via @sharethis

@Thomas_Ireland No, no parsley sauce. Not fond of that.

While I have the impression that I brought some value to the account this week some people would say this about me: youtu.be/_fHxFS9PiYM

@Thomas_Ireland This account is curated by a different person each week. Keeps things interesting..

I hope that I was able to give some insight into modern day Ireland as well as stimulate discussion.

It's been an interesting & enjoyable experience.

Today is my final day of curating the @ireland account. Tomorrow morning there will be someone else in the driving seat.

@Theo_WorldXO I am Ireland, the green Isle!

@amymergard Sweet dreams!

@Theo_WorldXO Because i'm worth it!

Coffee has percolated so while I pour myself a mug I'll ease you into todays proceedings with this easy tune: youtu.be/OFd7hrUKjqQ

Coming to you all refreshed after a ridiculously long lie-in.

Goooood moooorning Ireland!!!!

@ScottArbs How did you guess?

@ColmMacCarthy Agreed. And getting less and less so by the day. @josefoshea

@LeojjKelly Very few actually want to remember. We had genocide right on our doorstep.

@Frowzytwo I don't think we'll ever know.

@Markkipper Can you imagine your next job interview!?

@LeojjKelly Agreed. NATO was also what "ended" the Balkan crisis.

@Frowzytwo However the Balkan crisis required US military intervention. Still a large US military presence there.

@Frowzytwo It is controversial. Yes the EU has "secured" peace in Europe for a while.

@Markkipper You have indeed. Logic would make it so.

"Causes and Nature of the Euro Crisis" yanisvaroufakis.eu/2012/10/11/aud… via @yanisvaroufakis

So, what is the general concensus on the EU winning the Nobel Peace Prize?

Brilliantly sunny day in West of Ireland today. My body is in shock. This is Ireland and this is October! It burns, it burns...

RT @ShannonHori: our series on @Medishare4Haiti & #Haiti recovery was nominated for an Emmy. Will bring more light to issue!

Lost of interesting data on Irelands status as a "tax haven": trueeconomics.blogspot.ie/2012/10/131020… I would like to ad my own link: evertb.wordpress.com/2012/06/27/may…

"Irish Savings Myths" trueeconomics.blogspot.ie/2012/10/121020… via @GTCost

"Europe's Banks are now Global Growth Zombies" trueeconomics.blogspot.ie/2012/10/131020… via @GTCost

Interesting read on the EU & The Nobel Peace pirze: openeuropeblog.blogspot.ie/2012/10/eu-and…

@NaomiMindy Sounds like a reasonable approach.

@ednacz Amazing!

@NaomiMindy What are your gun laws?

.@haiti_connect (a charity) is looking for a donation of a few hard disks. Can anyone help? twitter.com/haiti_connect/…

@desireekoh13 I presume so.

@desireekoh13 Are laws strictly enforced?

@robertbabington So if we bought (more expensive) Irish drinks it owuld be OK?

@desireekoh13 None at all? Not even licensed?

@sportygirl04 You can own any firearm as long as you can prove you can handle is safely and proficiently.

@sportygirl04 Maybe responsible firearms ownership rather than restrictive would be better.

@ednacz Come again?! Gaelic, China?

@laura193laura Good morning.

@ednacz Nice job.

@Flaganatas The fact that rural dwellers can go to the pub without consuming alcohol isn't even mentioned.

@Flaganatas Indeed. See the debate over the demise of rural pubs because of stricter drink driving laws.

@sportygirl04 Agreed. However there is a difference between ammunition quantities and actual firearm ownership.

@ManAboutCouch Trust you to come up with stats. We're still a nation of excessive drinkers though.

@MaryECostello Maybe it's just Anglo-saxon culture?

@fergusculleton Well it's not just the opening times. It's a social/cultural issue too.

@robertbabington Sorry? You have to explain that one.

@sportygirl04 Well hello there. How's Tennessee today?

@dufficy LOL. Smartass.

@TWkLGBTQ Good morning.

@travors I always wonder; Why? Do they have to meet a quota?

@Flaganatas Something that's a normal thing in Netherlands. Accused of being hen-pecked because I didn't drink to excess.

@Flaganatas I remember when I first moved over here. Was told to f*ck off when ordering a coffee in a pub at night.

@Flaganatas Well yeah, that too. It's a real cultural thing though.

@ednacz You're a sports reporter?

As a foreigner living in Ireland I get the impression that the early closing times are partially to blame for the excessive drinking.

@createandrotate Yeah that would be impossible.

@NinaLjFr Yes, all foreigners out & about after midnight are rounded up and beheaded in the village square.

@ednacz Wow, sounds cool. Work or pleasure?

@I_amGermany Gutentag Deutschland! Wie gehts heute?

One for the international followers: what are firearm laws in your country like and do you agree with them?

Time to liven things up a bit....

Irish pubs generally close between 11:30 7 12:30. What time do pubs/bars in your country close?

@stmediocrity Now there's an idea...

@Frowzytwo We're all DOOOOMED!!

@Frowzytwo I know but having 5 kids it boils down to lots of good, varied home cooking. Gladly both me & my wife love to cook.

@DicksonAdam Ah sure, that's the same country really. (runs and hides....)

@Frowzytwo If I wasn't so libertarian I would call it criminal and ask for the parents to be taken to court.

Wondering how wide spread our followers are. Please tweet what country you are in please!

@Frowzytwo We live in a society that is rapidly becoming stupified. I worry at times.

@MaryECostello It makes no difference really as we're run by a government of idiots. Left wing idiots are just as bad as right wing idiots.

Corbett seeks "green" jobs, talks trade with Ireland's PM: philly.com/philly/blogs/h…

USA put Ireland to the sword at World Handball Championships: rte.ie/sport/gaa/hand…

Occupy Belfast protesters quit building after near-tragedy in street. belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-nat…

Ireland, Portugal, don't qualify for ECB's bond buying yet: ECB's Asmussen foxbusiness.com/news/2012/10/1…

Why European debt targets are fantasy figures: theglobeandmail.com/report-on-busi… via @GTCost

Boston Herald: Ireland looks like GOP country. bostonherald.com/news/opinion/o…

IMF representative in Ireland says eurozone prospects deteriorating: rte.ie/news/2012/1013…

Halloween comes early for Ireland: irishtimes.com/newspaper/brea…

The woman behind Ireland's first abortion clinic: irishtimes.com/newspaper/week…

Took a break form Twitter this morning as family duty called. Dad-taxi had to roll out..

Great to see Coderdojo, an Irish initiative, have its own conference today! conference.coderdojo.com/coderdojoconfe… Respect to @jwhelton & @liaonet

Not a soccer fan but heard Trappatoni comment on last nights game. Bit of an arrogant type isn't he?

@TWkLGBTQ Pushing my wheelchair around when i'm old & feeble...

Irish children's TV shows free to run cheese ads: irishtimes.com/newspaper/irel…

Tonights dinner was a tasty Bacon & Cabbage. Very fitting with the weather.

Is there some kind of sporting event going on?

@FixMySt You're welcome.

@AnaPetrovna That too...

@forfeza It feels great. It all depends on who you're married to I guess. Don't know how it feels for @mrs_Bopp....

@doortje Dankjewel!

@AveTeresa It seems to be mostly a rural affliction...

@auntyamo None taken. I have never felt the urge to be "normal".. @frbryanshortall

Delighted to use @FixMySt today. Irish initiative helping you to report problems directly to your local council.

@AveTeresa Are you living in a city or in the countryside?

@Julian_Lee76 That could have something to do with it.

@Julian_Lee76 Sounds great. Wish more schools had a wide choice like that.

@mms_ire Woohoo, thanks you! @mrs_bopp

@Julian_Lee76 In Ireland?!

.@notRuairi For my kids it's hurling, camogie or soccer. What happened to basketball, volleyball, hockey or god forbid track & field.?

Did I mention that I'm 16 years married to the stunning @mrs_Bopp today? ;-)

@Contrepeter Oh nice. Enjoy!

@Claredaisy Go on, have two. Supersize baby!

Question for Irish followers; should Irish schools offer wider range of sports for PE?

Giant Mystery Eyeball Washes Up On Florida Beach | Geekologie geekologie.com/2012/10/giant-… via @geekologie

@Contrepeter Sure but all the way to Egypt for the weekend?

@mms_ire What movie is playing?

@the_WineStore Cheers! @TanneryDungarva

@I_amGermany Yes, that's a good plan. How many in your family?

@PeopleOfUK Will they win? @ConwyBoroughFC

@conorobyrne Oh that could be fun!

@Contrepeter A pyramid? In Ireland?!

So, what have we all got planned for this weekend?

And here's a tune for those finished already this Friday and rushing home: youtu.be/aUwjyr17l0M

@contact_ie One does not exclude the other...

@travors I've used it in counties Galway & Tipperary without any hitches. Affordable too.

@travors That seems to be the case indeed. Any idea what causes that?

@wearerabble Savings are generally surplus income/revenue which has already been taxed.

@wearerabble show me a taxation system that is 100% equal all the time.

@travors I have used at least three different private waste collection firms and have had no complaints.

@wearerabble Why should there be a tax on savings and/or investments? That money has more often than not already been taxed.

Why European debt targets are fantasy figures soc.li/SVeP01Q via @GTCost

@wearerabble So I ask for arguments and you retort stating I don't have a clue?

OK, have to fetch kids from school. See ya'll in a bit.

@wearerabble Why not?

@GuyLeJeune Fully agree. Tenders are rarely awarded to the best supplier.

@wearerabble Really. Show me a real world calculation which supports your position?

@wearerabble Untrue. You will see that taxes paid by top earners are generally less than the proposed 17-15% flat tax rate.

@colmcoyne Lower the spending by cutting waste and you can lower those taxes.

@colmcoyne The problem is that we currently have a call for increased spending funded by increased taxation.

@wearerabble Eh no. Removing the multiple loopholes and tax deductions will increase the percentage paid by these "rich"...

@colmcoyne Agreed but inefficiency in the private sector is not paid for with public (tax) money.

@colmcoyne Do you or do you not agree that there is a lot of "fat" in the public service that can be cut?

@PaulFedayn Why? Would be interested in your reasoning behind that comment.

@StoneHuts Mmm no. What do they stand for?

Clarification on previous tweet: Education, healthcare and security (police) are amongst core service in my opinion...

@wearerabble Specifically income tax.

@StoneHuts Of course. That is the biggest problem.

@colmcoyne I suppose you think the government should just hire everyone?

@PaulFedayn How so?

@Claredaisy That would be the case, yes.

@wearerabble Yup, flat tax rate on everything over a certain tax-free amount. Taxed at source. No tax loopholes etc.

@contact_ie There is a substantial waste even on essential services.

Privatisation of all non-core governmental services would also make Ireland more efficient.

Giving my "tips on improving Ireland" at the moment.

A revision of the Irish public tender system which currently is resulting in the opposite of what it was supposed to achieve.

Removing out-dated and expensive "pensions" for former members of government would save Ireland substantial amounts of money.

A revision of the political system with more regulatory & executive power instated at local level. List system for national elections.

A general approach within the Irish government where effectiveness is measured by result rather than amount of money spent.

Introducing a flat tax system in Ireland would increase tax revenue while lowering the cost of collecting taxes.

Audit public sector from middle management up. Let everyone compile 2 page report validating their position. No validation = fired.

Run business start-up programs which creates teams of entrepreneurs and final year students from relevant disciplines.

Another way to encourage entrepreneurship is by "opening up" all the IP gathering dust in educational institutes.

Ireland also needs to lower the financial pressure of running a business. Lower local authority rates and employer PRSI.

While most of every euro paid in fuel taxes disappears in a black hole with little real world impact.

Every euro saved in fuel costs will be spent in the real economy and have a multiple impact. It's basic economics.

One of the things that would improve Ireland's economic situation would be a lowering of fuel taxes. How expensive is fuel in your country?

galwaynews.ie/28246-garda-ch… -- Garda chief concerned at ‘worrying’ rise in Galway rapes

Search continues for €500,000 Irish Lotto winner - News - Galway Independent galwayindependent.com/stories/item/4… via @galwayindo

@constantwaif Hell no! All taxes are evil.

@constantwaif There is too much fixation on tax percentages rather than absolute amounts.

@constantwaif No. It is actually possible to increase tax revenue by only closing loopholes, and exemptions.

@constantwaif Cuts in spending do not have to equal less services.

@constantwaif There is lots of room for spending cuts. Substantial waste and overspending in current budget.

Court lifts reporting restrictions on identities of Provisional IRA accused. sluggerotoole.com/2012/10/11/cou…

Troika in Ireland says: we are not undemocratic euobserver.com/tickers/117842 < and continues to point out flying pigs..

More cold hard facts from @GTCost: "Irish Savings Myths" trueeconomics.blogspot.ie/2012/10/121020…

@constantwaif Really? How is he doing that?

@constantwaif I hope he knows better than to pander to that..

@paulmwatson Hey, not across the board but I'm attempting to be unbiased here...

Irish Bank Debt Deal Could Help Credit Rating – Moody’s - The Euro Crisis - WSJ on.wsj.com/TERFAl via @WSJ

Where is Ireland at in terms of 4G spectrum? ComReg answers our questions #ComReg #4G siliconrepublic.com/comms/item/296… via @siliconrepublic

Skills of Ireland's business diaspora not being utilised, Dublin Chamber of Commerce told irishtimes.com/newspaper/fina… via @IrishTimes

Ireland: Sean Quinn a fallen idol - FT.com - Analysis on.ft.com/QUsQya

Kenny visits US in bid to attract investment and tourism to Ireland irishtimes.com/newspaper/irel… via @IrishTimes

Offshore turbines could power 300,000 homes in Northern Ireland - Environment, News - Belfasttelegraph.co.uk shar.es/59K08

@bigrig480 Agreed. False pandering to the Irish-American vote.

@Contrepeter Oh, we're absolutely delighted with that. Can we sell it and pay off some of our debts?

@Ambler09 We're going somewhere?

Irish Communist party is having a "National Muammar Ghadaffi Day" on.fb.me/QoRFjq. This *must* be a joke...

@sharpfang That's a joke right?

@StoneHuts If he ever did more than write or talk maybe. @carolinesimons

By the way wasn't it great to see two US vice-presidential candidates, both with Irish roots, go head-to-head last night?

It's sunny & clear in Galway this morning so here's a tune that befits the weather: youtu.be/iPUmE-tne5U

Gooood moooooorning Ireland!!

@maryroche Aaaah. Bangs head of/off desk.

In lightlight of the recent oil finds of the Irish coast this old blog-post by @carolinesimons is worth reading: carolinesimons.ie/Blog/Entries/2…

@mackenab I've sent you a connect request through Linkedin.

@mackenab Will do. And yes it was regarding that and also general interest.

Eircom Spider Awards shortlist revealed #Eircom Spider Awards businessandleadership.com/small-business… via @thebusinessday

@Contrepeter Will tweet the link but feel free to follow my personal account and check out my blog: @TheEvertBopp & evertb.wordpress.com

@Contrepeter Not to a great extent. There were a lot of suggestions about strenghtening local communities and economies.

@Contrepeter I won't RT them but plan to do a blogpost after this week and will list them.

... In order to reciprocate tomorrow I will give my 7 tips for getting out of this mess. Feel free to mute ;-)

Yesterday I asked our followers for suggestions on improving the current economic & political situation in Ireland....

@mackenab I see you specialize in wireless networking by the way?

Ireland's richest have paid the most says Commission's mission chief - RTÉ News rte.ie/news/2012/1011… via @rtenews

RT @haiti_connect Fundraiser position open | Haiti Connect my.zartis.com/haiti-connect/… #jobs #haiticonnect

@mtobinod Can you not pay the rent via bank transfer?

@bjsebeck @hellofrmSG @WalesThisWeek @TWkUSA I'm getting thirsty now...

@mmeller @TWkUSA It's a real nuisance when taking payment for goods. Can't ship until cheque clears.

@mmeller So if someone writes you a cheque but it bounces the government compensates for that? @TWkUSA

@shirleybar Been there done that. Got the sticky fingers ;-)

@shirleybar It's great on pancakes too. Although the name makes me snigger every time..

@hannigancork Really, where and how white were they? Did they eat gypsum and poop chalk?

@hannigancork Oh absolutely. Where would be without banks really...Uh umm, better not answer that.

@hannigancork Not much apart from that a promissory note is a "official" IOU...

.@hannigancork Are you familiar with the expressions "tongue in cheeck" perchance?

@TWkUSA It's mad here. Cheques are also not guaranteed so you don't know if you have actually been paid until the cheque clears.

@jccatlover I've also noticed a reluctance by people in the USA to give their bank account details in order to transfer funds to them.

@hannigancork Savages. If you insist on using cheque you might as well accept IOU's. Or shells & beads.

@TWkUSA 4-7 days depending on your bank.

@StoneHuts Way too much!

@beatingblog A bank transfer wasn't accepted?

@beatingblog But they offer no security and actually delay payments. I refuse to accept or issue them.

@TWkUSA But they offer no security of payment and take ages to clear.

@FizaIsa @joycorkery Ah, at least we are not alone. Cheques are pretty useless though.

The ubiquitous @topgold is spending a day at Ireland's Learning Innovation Network. Learn more here: ww.insideview.ie/irisheyes/2012…

Interesting commentary in the 2008 Irish banking guarantee: dublinopinion.com/2012/10/11/tel…

It amazes me that Irish banks still issue cheque books. What other civilized countries still use them?

@darraghdoyle Will do my little anti-rain dance.

@jellytreats Those people are counter-productive in a work situation anyway.

@jellytreats Only a disincentive for those who are happy with very little income and do not want to work.

@StoneHuts I was thinking of a flat-tax rate of 17-22% on all income over a certain basic tax-free allowance.

@StoneHuts Wow, those are some hefty percentages!

Seeing that the rain has stopped falling here I've decided on a change in musical theme: youtu.be/X_PDns23RWY

Aaaand I'm back!

.@soundmigration renewamerica.com/columns/huston… & answers.yahoo.com/question/index…

@Nerin_ There are extremes on both sides of the debate.

So, any followers going to the Dublin Web Summit this weekend?

Might not get any sleep tonight, what with the US vice-presidential debate and all...

@KathOMeara Same here. I'm a world citizen. #trendy ;-)

@Nerin_ Well obviously.

@jellytreats Yes. Detailed description here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_inc…

@StoneHuts Don't understand what you mean by a "max % of income"?

@jellytreats Hell no! I would not support it if it was.

@mikeneglia It looks amazing alright. January would give me 3 months to get fit. #worrying

Great to read more about @stripe techcrunch.com/2012/10/10/str… Founded by two Collison brothers from Limerick.

@ImKateMc Having been raised in the Netherlands I never gave it much thought until I started having children. Now I am principally opposed.

It's a very principal issue and people get very emotional over it.

@ImKateMc Agreed. However respect and reason seems to be missing form the debate most of the time.

@ImKateMc Agreed that a balanced report would have been better. Not in favour of it myself but willing to listen to reasonable arguments.

@KathOMeara Kinds. I'm born & bred Dutch but married to an Irish woman and living here for 16 years.

Stuck for something to do? Ireland's Toughest 10km Challenge - HELL & BACK 2012: youtu.be/SEz2gaee8ow

@ImKateMc Didn't the pro-choice lobby get what they want with this?

Should Ireland introduce a "basic universal income" & flat tax? #discuss

@KathOMeara You're not from Ireland?

Toyota recalls 36,000 cars in Ireland over faulty window switch irishtimes.com/newspaper/irel… via @IrishTimes

Barryroe oil find to boost industry in Ireland | Herald Scotland heraldscotland.com/business/compa… via @hsnewsbreak

Ireland's first private abortion clinic to open amid outrage and condemnation shar.es/587RJ < #discuss

Some economic data befitting todays weather: "Is Ireland Really The Poster-Child Of Europe's Austerity Plans?" zerohedge.com/news/2012-10-1…

@dermotcasey Glad you enjoyed it!

So considering the weather here's a fitting tune: youtu.be/VILWkqlQLWk

Lots of heavy rain in Galway area early this morning with lots of light, localised flooding. pic.twitter.com/MzFgoAU9

Late start this morning due to an urgent workload that needed to be cleared.

Gooood moooooorning Ireland!!

If stoopid people call you does that make your smart-phone a dumb-phone?

@NoMansWoman Mattie or Enda?

To continue a hashtag from yesterday: what are you drinking this evening (with pics please). #whatisirelanddrinking

What’s The Difference Between InvestNI and Mitt Romney? dhkirk.tumblr.com/post/333003348… via @dhkirk

@MaryECostello There could be a multitude of reasons...

@MaryECostello #vinb = Vincent Browne, presenter of Irelands most popular late night current affair programs. Causes heated twitter debates.

@handelaar Evening John. Any update on Kildarestreet yet?

Strawpoll time: How many Non-Irish followers living in Ireland run their own business?

For all our followers based outside of Ireland. Follow the #vinb hashtag for some late night Irish political debate.

Why are we bailing out the banks? Part two. Theory, Ideology and Failure. golemxiv.co.uk/2012/10/why-ar…

Why are we bailing out the banks? Part One. The Simple Answer. golemxiv.co.uk/2012/10/why-ar…

Here's a little song to get proceedings underway this evening: youtu.be/CNAkbbKycCM

@notRuairi You're welcome. What did you win?

Apologies to all for that drawn out debate earlier. Normal service is resuming.

@MDRN1 Interact with me and I'll interact back ;-)

RT @haiti_connect Proposal/Grant writer wanted my.zartis.com/haiti-connect/… #jobs #haiticonnect

@dhkirk Had a discussion with someone working in that area today. We both agreed that return is low if any at all.

@Marcc68 ;-) @soundmigration

@Marcc68 It's 19:36 and they still have to do their homework? That's morally reprehensible! @soundmigration

@dhkirk Have you any data on that that refers to south of the broder? @soundmigration

.@soundmigration Am I correct in that assumption?

.@soundmigration You seem to have th opinion that any country offering lower taxes (avoidance) to foreign entities is a tax haven.

.@soundmigration I support the idea that a tax haven is where the bulk of supposedly taxable income ends up. The so-called final destination

.@soundmigration There are two opinions on this apparently.

.@soundmigration Going by the definition on Investopedia Ireland is clearly *not* a tax haven. investopedia.com/terms/t/taxhav…

@dhkirk Yup. We'll just miaow at each other ;-) @soundmigration

.@soundmigration You also accused Google of "dodging" tax which it doesn't. It *avoids* tax. Big difference.

@soundmigration Incorrect. You accused Google of using Ireland as a tax haven which it doesn't.

@JeremyTaxman Is "tax dodging" equal to evasion or avoidance? @GTCost @mrs_bopp

@JFTAXI Lots of financial companies only here because of loose regulation. @mrs_bopp @GTCost @RealEddieHobbs

@JFTAXI Agreed. @mrs_bopp @GTCost @RealEddieHobbs

@dhkirk Seeing that I'm more concerned with practicalities than abstracts I can agree to that. @soundmigration

@Marcc68 Take abortion. Morally OK for some while morally reprehensible to others. Respect different opinions.

@soundmigration No, we are *not* clear on that. I still insist that a tax haven is where the money eventually ends. @dhkirk

@GTCost evertb.wordpress.com/2012/06/27/may… @mrs_bopp @RealEddieHobbs

@GTCost But can it be considered a tax haven if most of the revenue isn't taxed there? @mrs_bopp @RealEddieHobbs

@soundmigration Whether Ireland is a "tax haven" is a different question than whether it is right to be one. @Marcc68 @dhkirk

@soundmigration No, I merely point out that different people have different points of view. @Marcc68 @dhkirk

Apparently the Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) appeared on the cover of Playboy. breakingnews.ie/ireland/mcgrat…

@soundmigration Should they? @dhkirk

@Marcc68 Morality is a subjective value. @soundmigration @dhkirk

Ireland benefitted most from ECB: Jean Claude Trichet - RTÉ News rte.ie/news/2012/1010… via @rtenews

Ireland fifth-most expensive in EU irishtimes.com/newspaper/brea… via @IrishTimes

.@soundmigration You seem to fail to grasp the distinct difference between "tax avoidance" & "tax dodging"... @dhkirk

@soundmigration No I wasn't. See previous two tweets. @dhkirk

@soundmigration In that context Ireland is *not* a tax haven. @dhkirk

@soundmigration The discussion started when I replied to your statement that Google is "dodging" taxes. @dhkirk

@dhkirk @soundmigration is arguing that it is actually a tax-haven..

@soundmigration My position is based on data published in the NY Times and Irish Times.

@soundmigration I'll agree to differ on ideologies but you are factually wrong.

@soundmigration You fail to understand reality.Ireland is *not* a tax haven but merely a transit hub for revenue.

An excellent insight into the Irish crisis: "The Irish Economy: Three Strikes and You’re Out?" papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cf… #recommended

@soundmigration Those "free market actors" have no allegiance to the greater good of the citizens. Our government does.

@soundmigration Ireland is *not* a tax haven. Most revenue is moved abroad. Read the facts, I sent you the link.

OK, have to go and fetch kids from school. Here's a tune to entertain you in my absence. youtu.be/T-QbZCPrvl0

@theapplefarmer So basically apples imported from China are cheaper than apples grown in Ireland?

@sevebeav Chat away!

@sevebeav It won't happen a second time.

@sevebeav As they say: "sure, we're grand now" ;-)

@ModErinDesign Why thank you for the compliment.

@sevebeav Had a violent "home invasion" years ago. Takes quite a bit of time to recover.

@ModErinDesign Don't know that one but love the "short skirt, long jacket" song..

@soundmigration Sure, whenever. I'll be right here.

.@soundmigration How am I embarrassing the @ireland account?

@soundmigration I'm merely giving facts. I didn't know there was a set political slant to this account?

@soundmigration And who makes them law? Yes indeed, the Irish government.

@maggiefairy You're welcome.

@Fagans3 Can't say i've even seen a Marqt shop... @ReadaCronin

@soundmigration This will give you some more details: evertb.wordpress.com/2012/06/27/may…

@soundmigration In the end they're applying laws put in place by the Irish government. Direct your ire where it's deserved.

Tune that is keeping me going this afternoon: youtu.be/LG9krB7_xAg

@louisemee True. But the private services far outperform the public ones.

@donal_cahalane :-)))

@Fagans3 I still have to see the first cashless shop in the Netherlands. @ReadaCronin

@soundmigration They are not "dodging" taxes. It's completely legal what they're doing.

Ireland still eyeballs NFL game profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/10/09/ire… via @ProFootballTalk < Bring it on!

Overweight children given fast food in hospital by parents | Irish Examiner: irishexaminer.com/ireland/overwe… via @irishexaminer

@donal_cahalane I always thought that cash at beaches was a pain too. It gets all sandy.

@beatingblog Aah yes. I was referring to the long distance ones.

Bank of Ireland won't let you pay credit card bill with cash via @independent_ie shar.es/5KqcA < Very strange.

@beatingblog Yes, there are several really good services between major cities. GoBus, JJ Kavanaghs, Citylink and more.

The really good & affordable private bus services. Much better & cheaper than public transport. < Things I love about living in Ireland.

@NoMansWoman Hello Sinead! #waves @mms_ire

@Siem_H En hoe komt Siem helemaal in Moate terecht?

@sevebeav Hope you have recovered OK.

@sevebeav Agreed. However the Garda are undermanned, undertrained and under resourced. it's a legistlative problem.

@NIALLC4 Legalise hemp or legalise marihuana?

@theapplefarmer Goeimiddag trouwens!

@theapplefarmer But why do we import apples from abroad?

@mms_ire Pop a few blue ones, they're good for the brain!

OK, gotta go and work on a project for @disastertechlab Will be back later. disastertechlab.org

@malachybrowne You're welcome. Great read!

@mms_ire What happened to that competition!? ;-)

@PaulAnthonyWard That is a silly allegation to make towards someone with 5 kids.

Find that fireball! When journalist turns stalker | Storyful Blog: blog.storyful.com/2012/10/09/fin… < Great story from great Irish company!

@PaulAnthonyWard I don't agree that they have more "experience". Exposure does not equal awareness.

@PaulAnthonyWard Instead we should focus on "older" people with families being forced to work abroad.

@PaulAnthonyWard They should not be forced. Rather stimulated. There is a stigma put on the whole thing now.

@lileeny I'm packing my bag already! @Ernestoscantina

@lileeny It reminds me of the days I used to frequent this place in the Netherlands: @ernestoscantina

Not a lot of people know this but Irish Rangers (Special Forces) are currently taking on pirates of Somali coast independent.ie/national-news/…

Playing some Buena Vista Social Club and pretending the sun is shining outside...

@PaulAnthonyWard Shouldn't all Irish youngsters spend some time abroad after they finish their education? See some other cultures.

.@PaulAnthonyWard Is youth emigration really a problem though?

EUobserver.com / News In Brief / Bono and Barroso team up euobserver.com/tickers/117810

A question for all followers; how would you improve matters in Ireland at the moment? Looking forward to lots of discussion today.

@sdempsey Tribunal system needs to be reformed or abolished. Spending 100 mln on something that might or might not have any impact is waste

Treasury becomes Ireland’s biggest casualty - FT.com - Property on.ft.com/ORbFio

Here's some potentially good news! - Ireland 'could make billions' from oil bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northe…

For those interested you can read about the Moriarty tribunal here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moriarty_…

@sdempsey I don't disagree with that. But in the end those are semantics and the result is the same.

@ZwartblesIE The mud is at the other side ;-)

@MadeinGalway0 Agreed on the supporting local. But we also need more authority & power locally.

@jtcurragh Feel free to complain but also act. Sitting on the fence and complaining has never helped anyone.

So far none of the findings have been acted upon. Partially because the tribunal itself has no judicial powers.

The Moriarty tribunal itself ran from 1997 to 2011. A joke if you ask me.

These legal costs are estimated at 5 million euro. This on top of the estimated 100 mln euro cost of the tribunal itself.

This in itself does not surprise many. However what is surprising is that the state (by proxy the taxpayer) is paying Haughey's legal costs.

What's even worse, the Moriarty tribunal has found that Charles Haughey (former prime-minister of Ireland) received 11 million in bribes....

Not a morning of great news in Ireland. One of the country's largest car dealerships has gone into receivership: businesspost.ie/#!story/Home/N…

Here's the view from my office window right now: pic.twitter.com/HyauVx3y

Getting things going with a classic Irish tune this morning. Slightly different version though: youtu.be/boanuwUMNNQ

Slow start this morning in a chilly & foggy Galway.

Gooooood mooooooorning Ireland!!

A question for all followers; how would you improve matters in Ireland at the moment? Looking forward to lots of discussion in the morning.

IMF much gloomier about the global economy ritholtz.com/blog/2012/10/i…

.@ebhodge That's why people need to put aside differences and unite out of common interest. Party (petty) politics are ruining Ireland.

@michaelgmadden Oh I am enjoying it!

So a total of 20,000 farmers protested in Dublin today. We should all pay attention and learn.

Just went for a lovely walk in the fields behind our house with son #2. Love (dry) autumn days in Ireland. great walking weather.

@michaelconnole I presume that's not yourself in your profile pic?

@michaelconnole We rented the old Hynes's cottage down the other way from the quarry.

@michaelconnole Ah yes, I remember looking at those house often and wondering why nobody has done them up.

@michaelconnole Is it the house up towards the mast or the derelict cottage the other direction?

@michaelconnole Wow. The house we lived in was just down the road from the quarry.

@michaelconnole Wow, that's a great picture. You're from around there?

@kml1973 Not exactly *from* Doolin but lived there for my frst years in Ireland. It was a great start.

@LeojjKelly I somehow don't think Ted as with us anymore..

OK, signing of to do some overdue work. Back later.

@reverbstudios @mrs_bopp Lived there for nearly two years. Magical place. #doolin

I really want a @landrover 130 passenger conversion: foleysv.com/wordpress/wp-c… … #lateralthought

Irish students apparently have an "ass fund": flickr.com/photos/irishey…

@LizMcGPR Already tweeted about that earlier today.

The story how myself & @mrs_Bopp actually ended up living in Doolin is another one of those great stories of Irish serendipity...

So there you go; Ireland the land of two degrees of separation.

Amazingly enough it was Ted the one legged taxi driver who has driven us home from Lisdoon to our house in Doolin on may occasions!

The answer was "He's drives a taxi and only has one leg!"...

Looked him in the eye and asked "Oh really, who is this friend then?"...

At this point I thought he either wanted free drink or was letching all over my wife and her sister. So I decided to step in...

When he heard we'd lived in Doolin he went "I have a great friend in Doolin, you must know him"...

He was ll "ah yer Irish, how great, we Irish people should stick together" etc..

As their Irish accents were quite obvious some Irish bloke (looking the worse for wear) started talking to them...

Was in a pub in Maastricht many years ago with my wife and sister in law..

True story coming up...

@robertbabington Exactly.

@conorjh @worldirish Get a scientists to volunteer!

@IrishFoodCrafts I hate to dissappoint you but it's not.For the average Irish person the situation is getting gradually worse.

Some interesting replies as how the Irish economy is viewed from abroad.

@Wicklowwitch That's what I mean about the total lack of principles. @itsskitime @MGraham969

Everyone knows everyone or at least someone who knows someone who you know. Things I love about living in Ireland.

Anyone else agree that an "Irish coffee" is really a pint of Guinness? As in going for a cup of coffee ends up in drinking pints?

@oceanclub Not clear what you mean?

@WeAreFFM That's correct.

@kml1973 Increased taxation, and increased public expenditure (on itself) is slowly bleeding the country dry..

@kml1973 I have to strongly disagree. Heads are firmly planted in the sand here.

@kml1973 Well yes, basic economics teach that whatever goes down has to come up again.

@Wicklowwitch What we have is policies implemented by government solely with the aim to keep themselves in power. @itsskitime @MGraham969

@Wicklowwitch As right & left politics are ideologies we don't have a right wing party in Ireland. @itsskitime @MGraham969

@IrishFoodCrafts Is that the way it's portrayed in the media in Germany?

@PaulClancyNL Absolutely. Greece is seen as the red-haired stepchild of Europe.

@mackenab Just had a look at your Twitter-bio. "Wireless networking expert"? We should talk sometime.

@mackenab Really? That's interesting.

@AmandaDean True. But I get the impression when abroad that foreign media report Ireland as "doing OK"...

@Chris_McW But is there any reporting of that in the national media where you are?

@PaulClancyNL True. However any time I visit another EU country people seem to have the impression that Ireland is doing OK.

@PaulClancyNL Goeiemorgen.

@jlfxa Not a hurling fan myself but I would insist that Galway is the better hurling county ;-)

A question for all followers located outside of Ireland; what is your impression of Irelands economy?

@jlfxa @SarahPalinUSA Kerry has since also brought us Michael Healey-Rae so its credibility has severely suffered... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_H…

@poshknacker_1 Yawn.

OK, time to feed the machine. Be back in a bit...

And just to remind everyone in Ireland: we are *still* paying off a bank debt that has been turned into a sovereign debt. Not ours to repay.

OK, need to correct a small spelling error so going to repeat one of my previous tweets.

@maryroche Aah, I knew it. It's my one flaw. @mrs_Bopp will give out to me again.

And just to remind everyone in Ireland: we are *still* paying of a bank debt that has been turned into a sovereign debt. Not ours to repay.

@conorleeson CAP reforms: bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northe…

@IrishBinka If you paid *all* contributions you are entitled to unemployment benefit. Or a refund of premiums paid.

The best way to make your objection to paying of this bankdebt known is to join this protest: thechatteringmagpie14.blogspot.ie

@IrishBinka I agree that there should be an option to pay PRSI-type contributions for self-employed people.

@IrishBinka It's because you don't pay contributions while working. Hence you cannot expect to get full unemployment benefits.

@IrishBinka How are you not eligible for dole?

I love foxes but I would like to shoot the one that ripped up one of my bags of rubbish left out for collection last night..

@doalty True. Just bouncing thoughts of the Twitter-wall here...

10,000 farmers protesting in Dublin today. They seem to be the only ones getting things organised...

@doalty True but is there such a thing as "expectation"?

@donal_cahalane I would like to see them try...

Mainlining a gallon of coffee here before I bring the kids to school.

Ireland joins battle against online hate speech | Irish Examiner: irishexaminer.com/ireland/irelan… via @irishexaminer

Ireland 'only bailout country to post growth', says IMF via @independent_ie shar.es/5kvri < Things that make you go mmmmmm....

Question of the day: If you paid social contributions for years but when you need dole it is cut does that count as breach of contract?

Here's a little tune to wake you up this morning: youtu.be/jTR3wNUQ3Cc

First port of call is a big mug of coffee.

Time to rise & shine! It's a beautiful sunny and crisp morning here in East Galway. Looking good for today.

Gooooood moooooooorning Ireland!

@reverbstudios It requires a certain level of manual dexterity but yes.

OK, going to put my feet up and watch a movie. Here's a soothing tune to bring the day to an end: youtu.be/IWvEXChflEE Enjoy.

@Marcc68 It's not that hard. I said no TV *channels*. We do have several TV but mainly watch downloaded series & movies.

Latest emigration data throws Ireland's financial crisis into chaos: freshbusinessthinking.com/news.php?NID=1…

Ireland Finance Min: Target Promissory Notes Agreement by March. online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-…

@AGirlOnACliff I've been saying laters for like decades...

Picked up a few drums of heating oil today. It seems to be that nobody buys a tank-full anymore.

@topgold #edcahtie is one of the more impressive Twitter uses I've seen.

@KathOMeara Saw a great mailbox label in Netherlands: "No junkmail except Ikea catalog"...

@KathOMeara Yup. It amazes me every time I visit friends/family abroad.

@AGirlOnACliff Excuse me?!

@mininube What sort of things do you like?

Living in the middle of nowhere, no TV channels, no junkmail but I *do* have broadband. Things I love about living in Ireland.

So, dinner has been consumed, fire has been lit and dark has fallen over the land.

@Marcc68 Nope, wouldn't do that.

@mininube Work or pleasure?

@metaphysikhall To eat yes! To smell no!

@metaphysikhall Will make a note.

@metaphysikhall Sounds like it.

@metaphysikhall Like most of that type of food. Grew up on Indonesian food which is a bit similar.

@metaphysikhall Not a particular one but I had a eggplant dish ones with shrimp paste type sauce. Tasted kinda smokey. Delicious.

@meconor I've voiced the UK option before. Would prefer the USA personally.

@metaphysikhall There is a really nice Filipino restaurant in Dublin. Very nice food indeed.

@meconor Are you saying the USA is less democratic than the EU at the moment?

Wouldn't hang my washing out though...

Dusk settling across the South-East Galway landscape. It's been a nice & dry day so far.

@metaphysikhall Ah, Filipino cuisine!

@QueenELVIS And that's a true sign of liberty. @MGraham969

@MDRN1 I am now. Fingers starting to smoke though....

@metaphysikhall Sounds like a plan!

@jlfxa Will it be a straight forward swap?

@meconor Why?

@MDRN1 Hello Mairead.

Anyway, time to help son #2 with his homework. Laters people.

@Jim_Sheridan And that will only improve once Romney is elected. ;-) @MGraham969 @QueenELVIS

@Jim_Sheridan Patriot Act and all I still see the US as a lot "free-er" than most other countries. @MGraham969 @QueenELVIS

@Judes_photo Being allowed to stay in the pub after closing time when the doors are locked. Hence the name..

@brianhalliga Yes, I already corrected that shame-inducing blunder. @MGraham969

Absolutely mortified. That should of course have read *51st state*!!

NOTE: Tweeted questions are just that; questions. Not endorsements but discussion generators.

Do "lock-ins" still happen in Irish pubs? Have been out of pubs for too long to know.

Should Ireland leave the EU and ask to become the 52nd state in the USA? @mgraham969

@mkearley2008 True. @MGraham969

@dermotcasey I can imagine. It's hugely popular though...

@yvonnewatterson "hot whiskey" another one of those peculiar things...

@doortje It "doesn't travel well" apparently...

Stephen Donnelly: Here's why the €64bn is ours for the asking via @independent_ie shar.es/5xtYT via @sharethis

@Claredaisy I do dear.

I've just questioned the taste of Guinness. Is that heresy or blasphemy?

@Claredaisy Are you insinuating I'm not a man?!

I do however like Irish whiskey's. Powers being a particular favorite.

Strangely, after 16 years in Ireland I still do not like Guinness. Wondering how many other people don't like it?

@mkearley2008 Language please! @MGraham969

Hearing @mgraham969 on #newstalk; Things I love about living in Ireland

@FitzoSligo My favourite city is Maastricht though.

@jasonpkennedy In the cities maybe....

@FitzoSligo 1995

@FitzoSligo Utrecht is nice, as long as you stay away from Hoog Catharijnen.

"Being able to build a proper bonfire in the garden without the cops calling by". Things I love about living in Ireland.

@FitzoSligo Down south, near Maastricht.

@mmeller @I_amGermany Also not just tweeting during elections but all year round.

@mmeller @I_amGermany Yup.

@FitzoSligo No, but I grew up there.

"Having your own water-supply or well" Something I love about living in Ireland.

@plallin The so-called drug tolerance in the Netherlands is rapidly being reversed as it's only causing problems.

@plallin I'm not saying that it's evil. I just don't want it readily available.

@whitebug71 Zuid-Oostelijk van Galway.

@whitebug71 OK, that's a good enough reason.

.@plallin In my experience you can buy more (or as much) soft drugs in Ireland as in the Netherlands.

@plallin But under no circumstances would I legalise drugs.

@plallin Mmm, I would make sure that people enforcing drugs laws would be better informed.

@whitebug71 Ah Breda! Leuke stad.

@whitebug71 So non-Dutch speaking people can "listen in". ;-)

@plallin What would I do about drugs laws?

@whitebug71 Why would you want your kinds in an Irish school?

@whitebug71 You must be lucky. Whereabouts do you live?

@whitebug71 Friend who lives near Sittard (Limburg) has son in school there. Class it 10+ kids.

@whitebug71 Really? When I lived there classes were 25 and upwards.

@plallin However current Irish policing of drugs is largely based on ignorance.

@plallin Difficult subject. I do not favour legalisation as it's called.

@a_byrne_ Yes. Most classes in netherlands seem to be 25+.

@whitebug71 The smallest class my kids have been in was 4 and the biggest 20.

I do like the smaller class-sizes in Irish schools compared to Dutch or Belgian schools. It's a huge benefit.

The lack of proper computer/internet training and languages in Irish 2ndary & primary schools is also something which amazes me.

@syddels Local primary did 1.5 hours of "sex ed" for 6th class. Homosexuality & contraception wasn't mentioned as it might upset. #stupid

Sometimes Irish schools can be rather parochial and outside of reality.

Got a letter today from kids school announcing "Drug abuse awareness talk". Sorry but I grew up in the Netherlands, I know all that already.

@notRuairi Footbal is as good a reason to get up as any.

@saoili figuratively.

Irish Industrial Production - August 2012: trueeconomics.blogspot.ie/2012/10/610201…

Any irish expats are advised to tune in to @topgold on Sandays to catch up with Irish news: insideview.ie/irisheyes/2012…

@JKSthlm I use a prepaid "Three" sim. 20 euro per month gets me unlimited data. Average data-use in our household is 2-3Gb per day

While I still complain about broadband in Ireland it's great to now be able to work from a rural location using 3G mobile broadband.

@I_amGermany The second is actually replying to people and engaging.

@I_amGermany The first one is just posting up links and statements.

Hey Ireland; what gets you out of bed in the morning?

@I_amGermany There is a difference between a tweeting politician and a politician who communicates via Twitter..

Financial transaction tax to reduce Ireland's EU contribution by €534 million in 2020 ec.europa.eu/ireland/newsle… #cynical

Ireland has it's own Crisiscamp? Interested in using tech to help people hit by disasters? Check out: crisiscampireland.com

@idahocafe Be careful with that chainsaw!

Currently listening to: youtu.be/dL6XwAl_hNo < It's like Irelands song to the "Troika". ;-)

@Ruaidhri_ Ah go on. Even an ugly child deserves the occasional pat on the head.

@emfmcc Indeed. Men should be men and treat women with chivalry and adoration.

Contrary to the protest against the 1bln AIB bond payment last week there's little noise about the 1,2bln that Ireland is paying to the ESM.

Five Irish farmers ride Route 66 from LA to Chicago in their vintage tractors for cancer charity | irishcentral.com/news/Five-Iris… < Suckin' diesel!

Irish men embracing their metrosexual and feminine side say experts | irishcentral.com/news/Irish-men… < Really?

@KathOMeara Nice ink!

Markets Everywhere Are Sinking businessinsider.com/european-marke… via @themoneygame

RT @BrianHonan: I will be speaking at the HEAnet National Conference heanet.ie/conferences/20…

@DeVriesEllis But your name is rather Dutch. Or is that also makey-uppey?

@paudy67 I mean it exactly as I tweeted it...

@mmeller Those look very sturdy.

@MattsoH I swear by Timberland boots. Have 3 pair myself.

@DeVriesEllis Are you Dutch by any chance?

@DeVriesEllis Stylin'!

@shaunabrowne Oh, scary!

The Celtic Comeback? Don't Believe the Hype. forbes.com/sites/karlwhel… @time

@shaunabrowne Cool. You anywhere near Gangnam?

@gundubh Oh very nice!

@gundubh What kind of pattern is that on your trousers?

@paulkelly1234 They're all the rage with the "cool kids"..

RT @fboss: The votes are in and tonight's #edchatie discussion (8.30-9.30pm Irish time) is on "Junior Cert Reforms" #jcreform See you online

@auntyamo Mooooh!!

Strongly recommend that people use FixMyStreet @FixMySt for reporting issues to their local council.

@ken_nicoletti Ha! I had a pair like that once!

RT @ballyhea14: Open letter to @catherine_mayer, editor of Time (Europe) magazine. bondwatchireland.blogspot.ie/2012/10/the-di…

Plugging my own blogpost with tips on "Safer surfing: or “how not to look like a fool online" evertb.wordpress.com/2012/10/02/saf…

It has always amazed me that I have met more cheese-making Dutchmen in Ireland than I have ever met in the Netherlands....

RT @liaonet: Excellent opportunity for startups in Cork check out the "Going International" conference corkbic.com & CU there :-)

@ScottArbs ;-)

@dublinbermia Much more classy than shiny new ones.

@I_amGermany Good afternoon Germany.

RT @MatinaStevis: In #luxembourg awaiting #euro fin mins ahead of #esm inaugural meeting, #eurogroup later this afternoon.

@philipoconnor Or; the state should be supporting *all* schools so that religious groups don't have to. @Newstalkfm

@constantwaif Ride 'm cowgirl!

@claireskane Baaaahhh...

@ScottArbs Is that red nailvarnish I spot?

@poshknacker_1 Not today and not here. Check my personal account for my opinion.

Here is one of the first Irish bands that @mrs_Bopp introduced me to: youtu.be/IlcIrMyPibA The most excellent Horselips.

In other news; the ESM goes live today. I wonder what it will bring. youtube.com/watch?v=5CZr17…

RT @TheDigitalHub: The countdown to @InnovationDub is on. Check out our selection of events #idub12 programme tinyurl.com/9mea4ce

@Gaanutter I like the rug.

@poshknacker_1 Yes I have. And you know what it is.

@mms_ire Nice. Any chance of an M&M competition this week? We'll run it through this account.

@donal_cahalane You're truly a sick bastard.

@NinaLjFr Looks nice & toasty.

Ireland; what are you wearing on your feet today? Pics please! #myleftfoot pic.twitter.com/K2KXDbp8

@stmediocrity And where they have "statistics" to prove it..

Irish tech start-up of the week: Zinmobi #Marketing #Mobile #Zinmobi siliconrepublic.com/start-ups/item… via @siliconrepublic

Time for another tune. This one is for @Clarabel youtu.be/8Uee_mcxvrw

@AWanderingIrish Groan. #beforecoffeetweet

BBC News - Irish eviction resistance has echoes of post-famine history bbc.in/SDq4u0

RT @biablasta: Favourite Irish food trends / Irish food products folks??? Research purposes for a project. Pls RT..

Former Anglo trio due in court in Anglo shares case | Irish Examiner: irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/i… via @irishexaminer

@cathyby But that's the problem; "cheap & easy" seems to be the general approach to building standards. No aesthetics or durability.

Should Ireland legalise (soft) drugs? Dutch 'weed pass' law driving Cannabis trade underground publicserviceeurope.com/article/2558/d…

@JohnMoynes Yeah, but it looks like shit.

@fhayesmccoy @Martin_Flood They would get focal replies...

Something that still puzzles me after 16 yrs in Ireland; why do most Irish houses have the plumbing on the outside?

Looking forward to the US vice-presidential debate on Thursday. Ryan vs Biden. Will it be fact vs fiction? #GOP

@clarevirtually It is indeed.

Here's a tune to keep you entertained until I return: youtu.be/RAEaxGfekD8

OK people, I am going to tend to my, now cold, piece of toast.

Here's some reading fodder courtesy of @GTCost Goldman on Euro Area banks: trueeconomics.blogspot.com/2012/10/710201…

@auntyamo Gentle, moi?

@TanneryDungarva Ah jayzus, begorrah, it is indeed.

@rickoshea Thanks for the RT sir!

@Martin_Flood See!

@auntyamo Just shining a light on all facets of Irish society..

@erlkilala Hellow. #waves

@SharonNicG #winning

@bjsebeck Because Donegal sheep have an close relationship with their breeders. All that love makes for better wool.

@StoneHuts That's German dude. Be careful.

@bjsebeck Well here's one especially for you then: GOOOOOOD MORNING USA!!!

@SharonNicG Ground or instant?

aon chion.

Note: any of your Gealic-ofiles; you will be dissapointed this week. There won't be focal Irish.

The score is evenly divided between tea & coffee so far. #whatsirelanddrinking

@bjsebeck Dude, if you're in the USA and awake it's *not* a good morning! Go back to bed!

@ZwartblesIE Hiding.

Irish novelist McCabe asks ‘Was Dracula Irish?’ in a BBC4 radio radiotimes.com/episode/sgb99/… < Also; are his descendants currently in government?

RT @thedoggingsite: Welcome to Mark who has joined The Dogging Site in Loughrea. Enjoy the FREE membership!

Oh and let's all say a big "Good morning" to Mark from Loughrea. He might have been up late. Check next RT for details..

Mine is a big mug of steaming coffee. Douwe Egberts if anyone wants to know.

Staying with a current popular theme can I have your feedback on #whatsirelanddrinking this morning?

@dulpit27 That's probably the best thing to do with them...

@emfmcc buongiorno so!

@ConnemaraTweets No, I'm in a muddy field in South Galway.

Unfolds the papers...

@ConnemaraTweets You bet!

@emfmcc I'm good, thanks for asking. It's a mild Irish autumn day here. Although it could also be an Irish summers day. Hard to tell...

@BirinBeo Morning.

@PieterVos @patquirke Oranje boven!

@emfmcc God morning Emer! How's your Monday?

@MarcasPadraig You do. I'll post you out a signed photograph of myself. How's that for a treat?

@paddycullivan I will do my best. Scouts honour.

To kick things of this week, here's a little song to set the mood: youtu.be/IbLRf0j80wU

Oh and please put your hand up if you need to go to the bathroom.

Please feel free to ask questions, make comments and generally keep me on my toes...

I'm @TheEvertBopp and I will be holding your hand this week as we tiptoe our way to the digital minefield called Twitter...

Coming at you this morning from a muddy field in the West of Ireland at grid 53.0927811 N , 8.218540599999983 W.

Goooooooooooooodddd mooooorning Ireland!