Absolutely Shocked

[Rtye]

I know in some quarters it is considered treason to criticise Tony Holohan but I think he got it badly wrong here. I'm not saying there shouldn't be social distancing nor lockdowns but surely the shocking thing isn't that there are parties happening outdoors (remember the "outdoor summer"?) but the degree of compliance in one of the harshest and longest lockdowns anywhere in the world during a winter which many find depressing anyway. The finger wagging and moralising has just gone too far now. Its beginning to feel like people in Ireland jate each others guts.

I agree, after what happened with the government not taking his advice at the end of last year and then the numbers skyrocketed he knows the government will not go against what he says anymore.

We've been listening to the government and NPHET for the last 5 months banging on about us having an outdoor summer and as soon as it comes people are treated to the condescending and judgemental finger wagging.

I think the councils have a lot to answer for too, closing toilets, removing bins and closing off areas then blaming people.

Personally I wouldn't go in to town ( Dublin city centre ) at the weekend after 4.30 now.

I wouldn't go into the city at the moment either, just couldn't be arsed dealing with it. The whole "outdoor summer" concept rubs me up the wrong way. We're in the middle of a housing crisis and the younger generations don't have back gardens to go sitting out in! Where else do you expect them to meet up but parks and city streets? Just totally out of touch.

I had to be in the Grafton Street area late on Saturday evening.
Around 6pm- definite air of menace.
I dont say that lightly as I dont intimidate easily in the face of young men being silly.
It was primarily young men- there were small huddles of young women in doorways.
LOTS of drink in evidence.

Saturday evening, Bank Holiday weekend, after lockdown.
I could expect a party atmosphere and would have loved the buzz of the city centre with people enjoying themselves.
There were lots of Gardai.

I wont be heading that way again next weekend.

Tony Holohan is entitled to express concern.

Young people's need to get out and enjoy themselves is not going away and the Councils need to find a way to direct people safely, rather than shutting gatherings down.

Whats needed is- lots of outdoor tables outside every pub, with open areas filled with planters to dissuade large groups congregating.
It would take organising- but I imagine traders/ pubs/ restaurants in those areas would be happy to support an initiative.

Tony Holohan must regret that tweet.i am horrified at Baton charges in Dublin .There is apparantly a scum bag element in the crowds but there was i would imagine plenry of people having drinks in the sun just enjoying themselves and meeting friends with no sinister agenda. Gardai dispersing crowds in portobello and city centre due to restrictions still on going when we are a 15 months into this and the majority of the vulnerable vaccinated. Like its ridiculous. Like all their parents and grandparents are vaxed. Just leave people alone. Its horrifying riot police in town and does so much damage to business in tbe city. We wont be going near the place for shopping or food. Is it safe / not safe. The poor businessees !!

Tony lost the people long ago. The severest and most draconian lock down in Europe. The poor business owners. Gardai are losing support too which is not their fault. Govt are spineless. Tony needs to go / stop tweeting. I just wish there was an election around the corner maybe the govt wouldnt be so pious. Irish journalists and Rte providing no real questions as to what this governance is spiraling into .

Its mad. Outdoor summer with no facilities on the street planned for. They need to open everything up.covid numbers are tiny in hospitals now and 3 millionth jab given.
It really is nonsence and people can see it for what it is nonsensical

I think the Gardai have been very heavy handed and it's wrong that so many Gardai covered up their Garda ID Numbers. I've seen posts elsewhere that with Drew Harris in charge it's like the RUC have taken over the streets and I don't think that observation is far off the mark.

It's the business owners and the public that have been let down very badly with the gobshites in charge.