President signs Criminal Justice and Blasphemy bills into law

[FutureChiefJustice]

I think we'll just have to elect a new Dáil and get them to repeal them.

I forgot about that option.

[Marascal]

I take it you consider spelling to be a form of religious dogma.

Oops! Think anyone will take offense?

[TradCat]

I don't believe the claim that the blasphemy law will not be used but even if it never was it creates a chill factor. We are less free this morning.

[drkpower]

I would love to know how much the members of the council of state were paid in fees and expenses to deliberate over this matter (with a rubber stamp)

I doubt Bertie came cheap

Yes; this is the heart of the issue.......yawn.
Should they be uncompensated for performing this function?

And what is the "rubber stamp" criticism about?

[Cato]

Atheism is actually a system of beliefs and as such counts as a religion in practice (although I dont think they'd like us calling it that). But more interesting still, in following one religion (say christianity) you're actually blaspheming against all of the others by implying that they're nonsense. So the entire population is currently guilty and owe the government some €25,00 apiece.

Non believers are in even more trouble.

*Sigh* Atheism is not a 'set of beliefs'.

It's stunning how some people completely miss the point and then go on to take some kind of pride in displaying their ignorance.

[Toland]

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[Akrasia]

Atheism is actually a system of beliefs

no it's not, it's one lack of belief.
Is aleprechaunism a system of beliefs?

and as such counts as a religion in practice

bollox

[Akrasia]

Yes; this is the heart of the issue.......yawn.
Should they be uncompensated for performing this function?

It's not the heart of the issue, but i'd still love to know how much these 'experts' and washed up politicians value their time when called to the council of state.

[The OD]

So an unelected President just signs a possibly unconstitutional law in being?

Which makes this state what?

[drkpower]

It's not the heart of the issue, but i'd still love to know how much these 'experts' and washed up politicians value their time when called to the council of state.

So what rate do you think is reasonable for an ex-Head of Goverment, Head of State etc to attend to attend and give your advice to the current President on a matter of consitutional imprtance to a Nation?

How should the rate be decided?
Should it be compared to people of similar qualifications in the private sector providing their time and expertise in providing advice on matters of utmost public importance?

I'd like to know how you value their time and expertise?
Before you can criticise from the sidelines, perhaps you could actually tell us what you think.....