We should have adopted these proposals.

How might the following proposals have helped to keep a cap on the horrendous housing boom which is at the root of many of our current economic problems

A National Housing Strategy and a National Housing Agency to co-ordinate all aspects of housing provision (no ghost estates, building houses when they needed, where they are needed)

Increased and sustained funding of local authorities in the 26 counties to provide housing with a target of supplying suitable accommodation within two years for 70 per cent of applicants on the waiting lists. (stopping local authorities from completely exiting the housing market, which left it at the mercy of speculative developers)

An increase in Capital Gains Tax on speculative owners of multiple dwellings, introduced on a phased basis over two years (hammering speculators)

A statutory ceiling on the price of land zoned for housing to stop speculation and reduce soaring house prices. Compulsory Purchase Orders on landowners sitting on land banks and derelict property. (hammering speculators)

Direct community involvement in planning for housing. Legislation to ensure that social needs are incorporated in all housing schemes from the earliest stage. (better planning, no ghost estates)

Rent control in the private rented sector and enforcement of enhanced legislative protection for tenants. (a complete no brainer, in line with what most of Europe do to ensure affordable rented accomodation, and increasing employment mobility)

A Government fund to provide capital loans for universities and third-level institutions to facilitate the development of purpose-built student accommodation. (taking students out of the paws of greedy landlords)

There may be a simple answer to all this. Surely there is something we have that we don't want. Something that nobody would miss. An 'asset' that we could offload to a billionaire Arab or American businessman - anyone. Something that we may be better off without and that offers nothing to the country. To cut to the chase - lets sell Mayo.

Think about it. We wouldn't be losing any heritage, infrastructure, GAA history - it's win win win. We might shoe horn Westport into Galway in order to hold on to it though.

If these guys can buy football clubs for billions then why not Mayo. We could overhype the sales pitch - next door to the USA, 365+ offshore islands , carbon friendly, industry free etc. They could just build a wall around it and use it as a safari park or something. Go for it!

ps Was gonna suggest Leitrim but we need €15 billion not €15 ....

Jayo Cluxton wrote:ps Was gonna suggest Leitrim but we need €15 billion not €15 ....

The road to recovery starts at Fenagh.....On a more viable note, why not wall off Dublin ta' fook and leave us get on with reinvigorating the country....
I'm at me wits end here, trying to keep bread on the table, establishing cottage industries, utilising natural raw materials and keeping a tribe of immigrants gainfully busy, while your lot up there just keep burning money.
I'm not so miserable that I'd see you stuck personally, I'd run up with a lock of turf and spuds off and on and fire them over the wall to you...

I said to herself last night around 8.30
"Get your coat"...
"Grand" says she, "Where are we going"?....
"I'm off to the pub myself, I'm turning off the heat"

It's gone to that...

As much as I love the idea of getting rid of Mayo and ever hoore in it Jayo, who in the name of God would buy it? Billionaire Arabs have no bother spending money (one bought Man City for God's sake) but Mayo? That's gonna take some advertising campaign..

Wall it off ta fook is right - ye are draining the life out of us surely. 99% of taxpayers in Dublin and only 4% of welfare recipients .... And I'm fooked if I'm gonna bother reading the Ireland's Own for any of ye any more either ....

[quote="Jonsmith"]Billionaire Arabs have no bother spending money (one bought Man City for God's sake) but Mayo?[quote]

Thats the whole point Johnny boy - if they bought City then ...........

Jonsmith wrote:As much as I love the idea of getting rid of Mayo and ever hoore in it Jayo, who in the name of God would buy it? Billionaire Arabs have no bother spending money (one bought Man City for God's sake) but Mayo? That's gonna take some advertising campaign..

Throw this optimist in with the package and all will be solved

Jayo Cluxton wrote:Wall it off ta fook is right - ye are draining the life out of us surely. 99% of taxpayers in Dublin and only 4% of welfare recipients .... And I'm fooked if I'm gonna bother reading the Ireland's Own for any of ye any more either ....

46% of statistics are made up on the hoof...

Boxtyeater wrote:46% of statistics are made up on the hoof...

Correction there Mr B - 100% of mine are made up on the hoof ...

Boxtyeater wrote:

Jayo Cluxton wrote:Wall it off ta fook is right - ye are draining the life out of us surely. 99% of taxpayers in Dublin and only 4% of welfare recipients .... And I'm fooked if I'm gonna bother reading the Ireland's Own for any of ye any more either ....

46% of statistics are made up on the hoof...

Sure don't 67% of people know that.

Dr.Shephard wrote:Sure don't 67% of people know that.

Yes but worryingly 53% don't!

Jayo Cluxton wrote:

Dr.Shephard wrote:Sure don't 67% of people know that.

Yes but worryingly 53% don't!

What about the 120% floaters in all this

JimWexford wrote:

Jayo Cluxton wrote:

Dr.Shephard wrote:Sure don't 67% of people know that.

Yes but worryingly 53% don't!

What about the 120% floaters in all this

Double flush should do it.