IN MARCH 2017, Ireland recognized the ethnic identity of Irish Travellers, with then-Taoiseach Enda Kenny saying:
We all want the same for our children: to grow up and thrive in a society where everyone is free to be who they truly are. No one should have to hide their religion, their sexual orientation, their race or culture to be respected or even accepted in society.
So it was a bit confusing why despite making dubious comments about Travellers, failed Presidential candidate Peter Casey has been chosen to be on tonight’s The Late Late Show.
#CancelCasey @RTELateLateShow @rte Irish media & journalists - please stop platforming a bullying racist millionaire like Peter Casey. He's using hate speech to generate publicity and harm the Travelling community. Solidarity to my Traveller comrades @itmtrav @PaveePoint
— Leona (@leonaleecully) November 2, 2018
Don’t completely boycott The Late Late though, as it’s still worth watching because former-President Mary Robinson is on, but here are five alternative activities you can do when Casey comes on the telly.
1. Watch ‘The Power of Vulnerability’ by Brené Brown
With nearly 9 millions Youtube views, Brené Brown’s video is one of the most successful ever TedTalks ever.
Dr Brown is a research professor who studies courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy. Her poignant and hilarious TEDTalk will on love and belonging will genuinely change your life and how you connect with others.
I mean, if Oprah is besties with her, she’s doing something right.
2. Write an email to TDs and Senators about abortion legislation
The fight for choice is not completely over.
The Health Bill that will legislate for abortion is now at the Committee stage, and amendments are being debated. Contact your representatives to have your say about waiting periods, refusal of care by GPs, gender exclusion, and the proposal by some TDs to force people to have a burial for aborted foetuses.
You can find out who’s on the Health Committee here and find your representatives here.
3. Write a letter or card to your best friend
Is there anything better than getting post that is not a bill or your 4th debit card replacement in three months?
If nothing else you’ll feel super fancy, like you’re in a Jane Austen novel, as you sit down and hold a real pen in your hands.
4. Treat your skin
Fix up a quick DIY facemask to give your craiceann some TLC with ingredients you have in your house.
Mash up half an avocado (or one banana) until there are no chunks, and blend with one tablespoon of honey, one tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of plain yoghurt.
The omega fatty acids found in olive oil and avocado help to seal the cracks between skin cells, whilst the cooling agents in honey and yoghurt create a soothing balm.
Apply generously to your face, leave for 10 minutes and then rinse off.
By the time you do that hopefully Casey will be off the telly.
5. Clean out your closet
Is there a better feeling than de-cluttering your wardrobe?
Well…yes, actually there is! De-cluttering your wardrobe and getting some dolla bills for your efforts.
Tasty Threads, located on Middle Abbey Street, is a fashion exchange that allows you to do just that. The premise is simple: you bring in your pieces you don’t wear anymore to Tasty Threads and if the pieces sell you get 40% of the sale price to use in-store as credit.
