The Dublin Community Blog

Oh it feels good to write that score! It felt better having being at the match and having the pleasure to witness such an extraordinarily unexpected performance from Leinster and Munster. I am hoarse. Roll on Edinburgh on May 23rd.

From the Sunday Times

Leinster came with a plan and also the determination to implement it ruthlessly. First of all, they did what so few teams do against Munster and bullied them in the collision area. They apparently shocked Munster by their line-speed and then piled into the tackle area, causing any number of turnovers, with Rocky Elsom, the destroyer in chief.

They won because they got big performances from players supposedly past it — Malcolm O’Kelly, Chris Whitaker and especially Shane Horgan, who looked like he was enjoying himself again. Isa Nacewa also made light of any doubts over his ability to play full-back with an assured display.

Most of all, though, Leinster did it because they came to play some rugby and not be distracted. Granted a beautiful spring afternoon, when they got themselves into striking position, they broke the habit of the season and actually brought their backs into play. And it worked — three tries, all by the three-quarters. Hallelujah.

From: TheEconomy@brightwater.ie [mailto:TheEconomy@brightwater.ie] On Behalf Of David Bloch
Sent: 01 May 2009 06:01
To:
Subject: Irish Media – Please stop spreading the misery!

Below is a copy of the 2nd email I sent to my address book, to massive and almost universally positive response.

Yesterday, The Media headlined an ESRI report about THEIR view on the miserable outlook for Ireland. Some people were angry about it, others like me disagree with the report and the majority shrug their shoulders, claiming it doesn’t affect them. It does!

We are a recruitment company and have seen real signs of some green shoots (and no new waves of redundancy announcements), with April the best month of the year to date. Yesterday (Wednesday, 28th April) due to the negative, sensational reporting making people nervous and anxious, we had 3 jobs pulled, 5 put on hold and no offers in at all. It DOES matter! Yesterday, The Media cost thousands of people their jobs across the country.

Please read the email below.

Thank you.

***********

The Irish media is spreading fear and panic!

I am the MD of an Irish Company. I have a job and I want to keep it. I also want to keep the jobs of my staff and my friends… and I want to live and work in an upbeat country!

The Irish Media is spreading fear and panic – it makes me think about cutting more costs, salaries, staff and saving money. If it affects me, it must affect other people.

With the positive American attitude, do we have any doubts that the US will recover?

Ireland has one of the youngest and well-educated populations in the first world (after the US) – let’s use our energy and can-do attitude and get out of this.

I sent a similar e-mail to a few people from my address book a couple of weeks ago.

Here’s a few comments from the dozens of replies I’ve had which show I’m not alone in my thinking:

From Senior Manager at Big 4 Accountancy Firm:

“…it’s giving a desperate impression to investors, commentators etc. Also too much time spent pummeling those who are easy to blame – bankers, developers etc. By all means accept there have been mistakes, learn the lessons, add regulations etc. but now time to move on and have plan for the future.”

From MD of major European Bank, based in Ireland:

“I know RTE would argue that in criticising them we are in danger of “shooting the messenger” but “the medium IS the message”.

“Those in RTE are relatively “bullet proof” in their jobs. They are playing “Russian roulette” with private sector jobs as visiting business people and others latch on to our depressive outlook. Other development agencies will also use this to argue against Ireland as a location to invest in, in favour of their own place.”

From Partner at medium-sized Law Firm:

“What irks Me about say RTE is that the doom laden voices of George Lee, Ann Doyle and others announcing yet more job cuts etc as the lead item. It is literally depressing. It is usually preceded by a really sad ad from one of the NGO’s with pictures of starving emaciated Africans. I know their plight is tragic but the continuous subliminal effect of all of this is to drag one down in terms of “mood”. The best piece of news is in fact “Nationwide” at 7pm with Mary Kennedy and Michael Ryan. They are cheery and upbeat.”

From Irish person recently moved to New York (don’t know her details):

“Hear Hear I say!! I live in New York and although things are tough here, people are getting on with the new reality and figuring out creative ways of dealing with the downturn.”

From Owner of private Irish company:

“Frankly, I’m enraged about what RTE specifically are doing. They’re destroying hope and thereby destroying Ireland. ”

From Director of Big 4 Accountancy Firm:

“I have come across a lot of clients who I am dealing with on other issues, non recruitment related and they are definitely looking at costs and savings because they feel they have to because everyone else is!!”

Anon – PLC Board Director:

“I am having to respond privately as Company Policy does not allow for me to endorse anything!

************

I have voiced the same concerns privately in conversation with many people and whilst many agree with the view that the Media is spreading doom and gloom, there is no action being taken to reverse this”.

I’ve also started a campaign on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/10/336/ab7 and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/notes.php?id=76003642139#/pages/David-Bloch/76003642139?ref=nf (you will need to be a member, and then become a ‘fan’ to comment / reply). Please feel free to add me to your network.

Most business people seem to feel this is an important message… Ireland is a special country, but this constant negativity (glass half empty) is very bad for the country – nationally and internationally.

If you agree with this email, please be brave and send it on. It might make a difference!

Thank you.

David Bloch

Managing Director

PS. In my company we have created a little enclave of positivity and energy, but it is hard to battle the daily media barrage of misery – please help!

PPS. If you want to read the hidden Good News, we have been running a “Good News Corner” on our website since October last year www.brightwater.ie (including yesterday’s ESRI report that actually said “While on average 1,000 jobs were being slashed every day in January and February, that figure dropped to about 500 a day in March and dipped slightly again in April”)

Probably one of Leinster Rugbys most important games takes place in Croke Park today – the European Rugby Cup semi-final against Munster. Kick off is at 5.30pm. If you are lucky enough to be going to the game, please wear blue.

Pop over to the Leinster Fans forum and join in the many debates/discussions going on.

I’m lucky enough to be going to Croker.  Whatever the result, it’ll be a pleasure to witness such an event.

Go Leinster!

Image courtesy of AJB on Leinster Fans forum.