Too Many Taxis. (By Stephen, AKA Ratcatcher)
Stephen January 26th, 2010
An interesting week in the industry which saw ITC emerge from it’s self imposed exile. The response of those who blog was somewhat downbeat with a couple of pledges of unconditional support preceding the detail. Their instruction to members to refuse to pay the SPSV driving licence renewal fee was met with even less enthusiasm.
Publication of correspondence and minutes of meetings revealed nothing radical. ITC will continue to seek to remove drivers rather than plate licences. In contrast they will continue to oppose all efforts made by the Commission to exercise such a cull: the 9 year rule, the 3 year rule, increased fees, more stringent vehicle testing, indiscriminate skills testing, etc.
Every taxi plate in issue represents (gainful) employment. Every taxi driver you remove will create a situation vacant. With almost half a million people on the dole these positions WILL be filled. We, as an industry, are obsessed with self harm. We continuously seek to replace double jobbers and other less productive drivers with full time competition.
Seeking a temporary suspension of multiple plate holders’ licences does not go nearly far enough. The practice of renting saloon licences must be stopped. Some of us will remember when there were independent bookmakers, family run newsagents and butchers shops in every town and village. We cannot allow what is a simple one man service to become the next victim of corporate society.
There are positives though. There is no mention of a desire for rank space just for the sake of rank space. Rank space is required only where demand exists. There is a need to establish criteria defining the maximum number of taxis that can safely operate within such infrastructural constraints. A simple analogy lies in the excellent bicycle rental scheme. Do you think Dublin City Council would permit anyone and everyone operate such a scheme within the City and would jump to provide facilities for all with no regard for market demand? I don’t.
We have clearly identified methods of reducing and controlling the size of the fleet which comply with the current regulatory framework and, to some degree, with the policy objectives of the Commission. The fact that there is little or no interest in promoting such policy confirms the fact that we are, and will remain, divided and defeated.
It does not suit DAA licensed drivers to draw attention to the regulatory framework employed by that State agency. It does not suit those involved in the rental market to seek restrictions on their activities.
It does not suit us to stand up and be counted.
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- Comments(39)
@ steo
You wallopped the nail on the head there bud.Not paying the licence renewal fee is an act of self harm.How is it going to improve anything if you lose your licence .Look logically at how this gig will play out.You as a protester will refuse to pay for your renewal .So your licence will be deemed to have lapsed as it was not renewed on timeSo you will have to pay the reactivation fee .I dont know how much that is now since the increase in renewal fee and will you have to sit the new skills test in full to reactivate your licence.Im sure the daring young protesters have checked this out before embarking on this cunning plan.If they do have to resit the test how long will they have to wait for an appointment.How will they support their families while they wait to resit or renew.In his post FB said it only takes one case to go to court to set a precident.Correct the precident is you were opperating a taxi without a valid SPSV licence guilty as charged.The chinaman who was charged recently in swords court set the precident no licence =guilty.So back to the drawing board on this one boys.
As ever Stephen, words spoken with true insite and knowledge. I must say I’m impressed with your comments. Our position on the 250 euro is a nessacary position as we need to get a judgement on the regulators statutory ability to impose decisions without prior consultation. In relation to your other points, I would be delighted if you were prepared to give us your opinion. As you know I have great degree of respect for your opinion and would welcome any positive contribution.
Regards,
Frank.
@ FB
RTE first broadcast was in November 1961 on the day that I was born Since then the TV licence has been increased many times I have never once been consulted.The controller general of rte applies to the minister for communications for an increase in licence fee.Im sure the same principal applies to the SPSV licence increase.The TAC is an ADVISORY council it gives advice to the regulator ,advice which she does not have to accept.If the regulator had to accept what they say they would possibly be called the taxi legislative council.So contact with TAC although usefull is not necessarily fruitfull
Hi John,
Thanks a million for your personal message, I read it with care. Just a point though, are you not giving the regulator pointers here? The fact remains that yes maybe your tv licence was increased over the years, but not by in excess of 8000 per cent in one go. I have asked the regulator to provide us with a similar example of percentage increase in licence fees and the cost analysis report used to justify this increase, still waiting. In regard to my personal stance in this, to be honest mate I have nothing to loose. Any spare money my wife and I had is well gone. Haven’t had a holiday in 2 years and to top it all I lost a friend yesterday, a long time, full time taxi driver found dead in his bed (58 years of age). What the fcuk have we got to loose now. The Government may wish to take my house or my liberty, or both, but the fight will continue with or without me.
Get the picture John, bankers, developers,builders, TD’s, quangos, pigs with their snouts in the trough! etc..etc..
Who’s going to pay?
US.
Hi Stephen ,I have just read your excellent piece relating the problems faced by drivers in your industry.My husband who has recently been made redundant from his firm was contemplaiting becoming a knight of the road and driving a taxi .Now that I have read your very insightfull piece on how drivers are being forced out of the industry only to be replaced by new ones I think that I will caution my Ambrose against joining the ranks as I feel he might be a little meek for the taxi industry.You on the other hand sound a really strong educated man .I suppose you had a good Protestant boarding school education you sound so forcefull and commanding Id say you are a very willfull man who knows what he likes.Your writings exude strength and character and I would dare to suggest you have a beautifull written hand.I can see it now in my minds eye lovley flowing strokes of a gold nibbed fountain pen dancing across the page leaving behind it a manuscript of pure thought.Do you ever write poetry or prose ?You seem such a gentle soul .Your concerne for your fellow man in so illuminated in your writings.I will away to bed now.
Dymphna
Dymphna! you really need to get those hormones under control!
@Dymphna,
Stephen ya gotta laugh mate, funny as fcuk! Not me tho!
I think you lot should all be driving left hand drive cars they will take you to the airport from which ever direction you travel. you all pay the DAA an annual fee to sit for hours waiting for that ‘country’ run to come in, or that run that will bring you onto the M50 where you can make loads’a bucks but it rarely happens, but while you are waiting there little gangs of you will climb into all the seven seater,s have your smokes and talk shite in fact i’d nearly say that you all sit down to piss, take the bull by the horns and tell the DAA that you are no longer going to pay their rip off annual fee to enter an already over subscribed-under facilatated facility. but you wont do that girls will you? because you cant you are afraid of becoming a street cab and besides who will you talk to or who is going to listen to the shite you have to talk about. look up girls there’s a flight coming in and guess what there’s no one on it and there never will be if you don’t get your act together and stand together the unions are dead… but something has to rise from the ashes lets hope it’s TOGETHERNESS.
dear royston
i find your remark about hormonal control in response to my response to stephens excellent post as crass ignorant and sexist. Had i of made my response in a more masculine format eg. Jaysus bud thats telling them, would you have felt the necessity to make a stupid response as to my hormonal condition.Taking your response into consideration you will see why i was so touched by stephens superb verbage.roy if my sentiments and responses are going to be held up to ridicule by small minded sexists then i think i shall desist from lauding your excellent posters. Having discussed the issue of taxi driving with Ambrose and the pitfalls associated Ambrose has decided not to continue on his quest to be a Knight of the road.In Stephens original article he made reference to non full time drivers. I have noticed that stephen also uses the suffix ratcatcher. Is Stephen involved in vermin control as he seems such a gentle man and i cannot envisage him wishing to inflict harm on any other of gods creatures.I shall away now and walk the dog
Dymphna
Dear Dymphna
As you may know the hormonal levels in us poor males tends to wane as we get older, I’m sure Ambrose isn’t quite as lively as he once was?
However this is not the case with you girlies, therefore I believed that possibly your excitement with Stephens outpourings might well have been hormonal in nature.
However disregarding all of the above which I can see is just an excuse for my poor behavior, I must apologise most wholeheartedly for any offense caused to your most innocent and sweet natured mind, please forgive my crass, ignorant and sexist attempt at humour.
Roy
Dear Royston
Thank you for your lovely reply I do appolagise if I misunderstood the tenet of your post .Yes Ambrose is not quite the dynamic man I set out on lifes venture with but this is down mainly to stress brought about by our present employment situation .You seem to be another very aware taxi driver ,your understanding of the rigours of life experienced by us girls is heartwarming.Like Stephen you exude a certain strength in your writing.Not quite as verile but a kinder softer use of language more in touch with all the fasets of your inner self.Stephen however is more my type of man positive ,strong .Allmost Churchillian in his demenour a leader, a man who knows what he wants and dare I say gets it.I see Stephen as a strong tall type possidly a more mature man in his late fifties rugged lined face etched with the scars of age and wisdom piercing knowing eyes that can see into a persons soul.His opening post is so insisive explaining to taxi users and drivers the dilemma between providing a service and achieving a living while at the same time maintaining a work life balance which would allow people like Steve to enjoy some of lifes other little pleasures.
away now to prepare lunchon
Dymphna
Well said, Stephen. You made a few excellent observations. But, as Frank Byrne mentioned, to find a solution will not be so easy. My observations concern only the Dublin area, but I have the feeling that the taxi industry in the rest of the country is facing the same problems That is: Sharply rsing cost, an OBSCENE rise in supply (apart from some short periods of peak demand the market is grossly oversupplied), and authorities who could not care less. I observe that more and more drivers in pure desperation break the law. If a taxi driver thinks that (s)he can earn a living without at least bending the rules from time to time then I would be inclined to call them a liar. Or perhaps a part-timer who can afford to see a fare stolen by another driver who will play bumper cars to get to a fare first.
The regulator is issuing licences like confetti. Those already working as taxi drivers have to compete with a stream of new entrants. And to be honest, is it fair to blame an immigrant for wanting to do an honest day or night’s work rather than living off a government handout ? Then there are those who lost heir jobs and also prefer to work rather than draw the dole. They use redundancy money to buy a taxi licence. I did that myself many years ago, the difference was my (old) number was 5449. Now I am told there are 3 times as many taxis operating in Dublin. The regulator, when she does appear in a TV interview, gives the strong impression that she does not give on gold darn about taxi drivers. Get on with it, there is plenty of work so go and get it is her message !
In the meantime, those of us who do not have some lucrative contracts are slowly strangled financially. When I started, a DAA permit was free. One paid 50 pence when entering the Kesh. Then we had to pay an annual fee of £ 50 plus 50 P. This became 70 Euro and 70 cents soon after. Still, it was worth it. But now, to pay 450 Euro a year for a permit to what is now a long term car park ? DAA must be kidding ! But still, there are drivers willing to fork it out. And sit and eat greasy food in the Kesh.
The taxi industry is badly fragmented. It has become a merry-go-round or perhaps more accurately: a musical chair. Many drivers who have a financial setback, perhaps an illness in the family (need not necessarily be themselves), unexpected repairs to the taxi (they always come at the wrong time) or any other minor disaster and they are OUT. Their place will be taken by many more new entrants before they even are out of the industry themselves.
In the meantime, the regulator is still raking in the money. In spite of the fact that it has become common knowledge that it now is well nigh impossible to earn a decent living from driving a taxi, still many newly unemployed are considering to become a taxi driver. Reduced dole pay may well be the greatest incentive for them to spend their savings or redundancy money on a taxi licence and get on our not-so-merry go-round until they discover the hard reality and find themselves trapped in an industry that is sinking fast into chaos and no easy way back out.
Sharply rising cost will force many old-timers out. We see a huge number of immigrants now driving taxis but is the problem their fault? I don’t think so. We are being ruled by incompetents who have the power to take our means of income away if we don’t abide by their idiotic rules. We can only “take it or leave it”. No licence? Inevitably the driver who has refused to pay the OBSCENE (I use this word again) increase in renewal fees will inevitably be forced off the road by the Gardai. And worse: If involved in an accident (s)he may well find him or herself not to be insured if driving a taxi without valid PSV licence !!
The “nine year rule” is another idea that could only have been devised by MORONS. I know of at least one taxi, first hand, this is not hearsay !, a Japanese tin can, petrol, four years old with 320.000 niles on the clock (yes: three hundred thousand miles). Needless to say, it was clapped out but, according to the “nine year rule”, still good for another 5 years if it can pass an NCT.
A few months ago, I was offered a ’00 reg Mercedes S320. It was immaculate, a few inches stretch for ultimate leg room, all possible luxury extras: leather interior, a factory installed video system, a bar, even a fridge. It had air supension for the ultimate ride comfort, two previous owners and full Mercedes service history. With about 100.000 miles it was barely run in but, apply the “nine year rule” and it is not good enough to be used as a taxi.
Is that insanity or not ?
And while at it: I still see taxis that are clearly unsuitable. Not because they are sub-standard, quite the opposite. How can a driver make ends meet with a recent large SUV (like an Audi or Beemer) or a last model S-class Mercedes ? The only answer must be that they still do limo jobs and put the roof sign back on when they do not have any. Illegal and a falsification: Without roof sign they cannot use the bus lanes, but still charge triple. So tell me: Who is wrecking the taxi industry ? The taxi base companies in the meantime are the big winners. I see new names on roof signs nearly every week. They take 70 or 100 quid a week from the drivers and the public loves them: There is nearly always a free taxi nearby when they call. Many even have a waiting list.
Gardai now resort to fining the minor offences. Easy and it brings in their quota.
I have but one advice to those who are considering to put their savings in a taxi licence: THINK and talk to taxi drivers. Then, if you want to see for yourself: go into (Dublin) town in the evening and see for yourself the “yellow river”, the sea of lit-up roof signs, the blockages at Harcourt Street, Camden Street, Leeson Street where free taxis often totally obstruct traffic. The same at Nassau Street. Observe the way taxi drivers break the law just to get to a fare first and THINK AGAIN !
For the moment, I think I have said enough.
Frank (and Stephen), what do you think can be done ?
Without being unfair to those thousands who are still working till they nearly drop just to survice – or slowly sink !
My Dear friend Dymphna
I am distraught that my insights into your demeanor somehow make me less manly in your eyes, however, I will do the honorable thing and step aside to allow your friendship with the Rat Catcher to blossom
Farewell Dimples …………………..
Roy
@Frank in 1977 a road tax licence for a private 2 litre car was zero,today 614 euro per year.
@brian, AYE! and you could go to the pictures, buy a packet of woodbines and get the bus home and still have change out of a sixpence ….if only I’d a sixpence
@ roy
In the 70 you could go into Fergal Quinns first shop in Kilmainham get a box of milktray a gateaux swiss roll a package of calvita cheese a bottle of slainta american soda and if you were good it wouldnt cost u anything
Cadet! orange cadet, cola cadet, lemon cadet, orange cadet, cola cadet………..
@ Roy
wates the story with that Dympna bird she sounds verry poshe
Her IP puts her in the deep south , on a Missisippi River boat, not sure how Ambrose will cope driving a Taxi ’round Dublin!
@ ROY
Is she just a wind up ? Rat probably went and got a haircut I thought she was nice to you as well .How do you know she is a yank and whats a ip.She dosnt type like an amerikan she spells in englesh.I bet her bloke isnt called Ambrose she is probably an oul widda woman who taught sunday skool thats why she liked the rats posts he uses full stops and commahes.
@ Roy
@ Rialto drivers
Agreed but I am not the one proposing to go to jail because 1977 prices have been increased. Frank also questions the fact that the increase was applied in ”one go”,is he suggesting that the increases should have been applied annually? if so, do we now owe 33 years back money ?
What does Frank and the gobshites think they are doing this time,Last time they went on gur and slept rough the protest lasted no time at all and achieved nothing.now the same collection of idiots want us to not pay our licence fee.Man whats your buzz do you get your jollies thinking that people think you are smart and a great leader.I dont play with all the other bleeding hearts on this site who complain how crap the job is if you got off your hole and went to work instead of pricking around playing computer you wouldnt have any money problems.Taxi advertising taxi rental radio rental all the usual shite.He said you said crap.The Stephen bloke sounds off but its obvious that he doesent give a shit he only wants to sound clever among the usual collection of idiots.Since this site started you clowns have been waffeling about the same crap it gets boring
@bloke in a cab, you’re right, why didn’t I think of that, if I give up my family life and all my hobbies and some of my sleep, and work 18 hours a day i might just earn enough to live on
Dear Stephen and Royston
I am sorry my candour and levity has been misconstrud by your posters .My interest in both Stephen and yourself was based on the quality of your writings.In comparison with the ramblings of your fellow poster Rialto Driver who misspeled most of his post to give the impression of stupidity while trying to mask his true identity and his inner turmoil.He chose to be rather rude in his refrence to my good self. Of course this attack on my personage was instigated when my bona fidies were challenged and it was announced that I was in the USA.This was incorrect I abide here in Dublin in the village of Renelagh close to the city.Ambrose was employed by a leading investment firm while I have been researching the history of Malachy Lynch in preperation for a novel based on his work.Your poster Stephen has a very concise direct slant to his proclomations and this I found delightful as I struggle to develop a writing style of my own .My refrence to stephens physical appearance may not of been welcomed but my favourite author is Dame Olivia Harrbinger Butt who although I have never seen a photograph of her I believe in my reality was a petite elegant victorian lady.Until you have met a person in real life then you can only imagine what they might look like.Maybe someday you will have a group photo or possibly a face book link to your site and it will be possible for me to see you all and evaluate my impression of stephen
to sleep to dream
Dymphna
Just to clarify one or two points. I’m in the tiny minority that supports Frank and ITC in their effort to gain a victory on the licence fee issue, for two reasons. First, notwithstanding consequent discussions on “Progressing Quality Improvement…”, CTR did not observe it’s decision making process in imposing this fee and second, we desperately need such a victory, anything that displays an ability to oppose, anything that makes those in power realise we exist.
On the contrary, I don’t believe that ITC have yet identified the right policies to improve this industry. In short, if they achieved all they are seeking (which isn’t a lot) it would not put a cent more in my, or any other full time driver’s, pocket. We need to shift our objectives from merely seeking turnover of drivers to seeking proper controls on the quantity and operation of plates in issue. I believe (and yes I am somewhat biased in this regard) that the proposals within “Engaging For Progress….” (http://irishtaxi.org/forum/index.php?topic=3870.msg37476#msg37476) provide the obvious starting point.
Qualitative issues such as those relevant to vehicle standards and driver participation should only be addressed as and when quantitative measures necessary to ensure the basic viability of the industry are identified and implemented.
What is most disappointing is that we are incapable of standing up to those in power. Regardless of what is proposed or who proposes it, the vast majority of drivers oppose it or mock it. Will we ever realise the power we could have if we stood up to be counted?
Dear Stephen
what a lovely expression.Qualitive issues I have had this debate with Ambrose on oh so mamy occasions.
Regards
Dymphna
Poor Ambrose, henpecked comes to mind. Women always seem to confuse quantitative and qualitative issues and there in lies the problems in the taxi industry.
SD i’ve always said that quality outweighs quantity every time
Dymphna & Stephen…get a room
Roy, get an adjoining room
Ambrose, grow some leerodey
@ Stephen
Had a look and agree with most of “engaging for progress”, will take it on board. Please discuss privately if poss,
regards,
Frank.
Dear Royston
Thank you for posting the delightfull snaps from the golden age .Although I was very young I do remember green busses and A young boy from a cottage on the Naas Road taking me to the Whimpey restaurant for a Knicherbocker Glory and then on to the pictures in the Metropole .Walking home along the river LIffey listening to the humming of the flies as they buzzed around the encrusted excrament that was draining into the river.Even now after all this time if Ambrose lets off the stink that he makes reminds me of those halcyon days.Walking along the river up to Chapelizod then pushing the bicycle up the hill to Ballyfermot At this point I would jump onto the crossbar of the bicycle and we would cycle to the Nass Road where we would have tea and shortbread fingers in the scullary.Then my beau would ask his father for the use of his BSA motorcycle and return me home to Templeogue .The shuddering and vibration of the motorcycle was such a trill for a young girl especially as you placed your hands on your young mans hips to balance yourself on the back of the bike ,OH happy days.whatever happened to that young man ?we lost touch.His name was Stephen to.Isint it funny how pictures smells and music make you recall the past.Royston I see you as a prog rock man the quo sabbath jetro tull .Stephen a devotee of the classics Bach. Mendelson.possibly even baroch parlour music.Sometimes on a Sunday Ambrose will take the newspapers and retire to the sunroom and listen to his music on the headset.This is when I do most of my writing.I have tried to write love stories but my limited life experiences with boys and men has left me short of the mechanical experiences to create great dramatic physical interplay between my characters.Perhaps now that Ambrose no longer needs or enjoys the physical closeness of our partnership I should consider spreading my wings and embracing new horizons.What say you Stephen.Should I dare to encounter new loves new situations .Should I dare to dream.
away now to water the plants
Dymphna
Many thousands of Nigerian and Congolese families are joining the ranks of the unemployed in Ireland due to the economic meltdown.They were lured to the island paradise during the boom years,and instigated a baby boom in the overcrowded maternity hospitals.They now face a future of increasing poverty as the taxi business is totally saturated with non Caucasian drivers, and their earnings are falling weekly.
Some weapons have already arrived here in clandestine shipments,and the Special Branch are now focussing their full attention on this new internal threat to the stability of the Irish state.
Thousands of new Gardai may be recruited to contain the unrest which is expected to worsen.
More info here:
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/congo_approves_economic_stimulus?utm_source=videoembed
Dear Stephen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjDugDPHqTg
with affection
I will away now to wipe a tear
Dymphna
Goodbye sweet man
Dymphna/johnM/aesop eff off!!
Dear silverbullet
I do .I really do appreciate the strain you are under as you try to perform your duties as a knight of the road.Ambrose too was feeling the stress and strain of being unemployed and had difficulty with performing his duties also.Ambie embraced tantric meditation and explored the nature of his relationships with all around him.Part of this programme of discovery involved reassessing his relationships to worldly things and trinkets.You have entered this site and I have not seen your moniker used before,and seen fit to introduce yourself to all our bloging friends by proudly pernouncing that we should .eff off.Now I see in you the same desperation I noticed in Ambie.One day while carrying out some gardning chores that I had allocated to him he stubbed his toe on a terracotta clay garden planter and used that foul expletive that you used to introduce yourself to our little community.Now mister bullett I wonder if you would benifit fron a self examination of your inner turmoil.Poor John m bless him seems to be infatuated by television while the other gentleman Aesop has not yet made my acquaintance.Self examination can be a very enlightning pleasant experience and might help to relieve the stress you are under.Some of the more refined posters in our little community would never stoop to using profanity.If you are offended by the openess of the communications between myself and other posters.Then another forum may be the place for you.Do please try self exploration it will help with your anger management .
I will away now a friend is calling Ambie is on retreat with his meditation group.
Dymphna
@ bull
did that dirty oulone just tell you to go and have a w……
i wonder who her caller is could it be somebody we know ?whos name begins with R..
Hello Lisa C
I have just finished reading your excellent piece on protesting by taxi drivers and how such actions could be illegal.I love the way you use coloured jonnys to distinguish between different drivers.Johnny red and johnny blue such a simple colour coded system to describe two sides of the same coin.You seem to have cracked the omerta which exists amongst taxi drivers I have tried on many occasions to initiate social intercourse with some of the posters on this lovely site.One poster (stephen)who I have endevoured to communicate with has continually spurned my efforts to engage .Lisa do you think it would be possible for you and I to meet for coffee and you might tell me your secret for communicating as many posters have responded in a very forceful manner with you.My favourite place for taking coffee is the little coffee shop in the rear of the national art gallery.I do so like looking at the pictures in the gallert, dont you?My favourite is the Convent Garden by William Leech That young novice hanging out the clothes to dry on the bushes in the convent garden .It so reminds one of the time in school with the Sisters of Mercy .I noticed you once said you were a convent girl So we would at least share that.My husband Ambrose being COI had a different upbringing to my catholic ethos and this has created a barrier between us.Lisa I feel now is my time to flower and dip my hand into the candy jar of life and experience new horizons and take adventures.I have just finished reading A day in the life of ivan Denisovich by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn and have decided to have a day in my life.Get up early and see how many experiences I can have in one day.Our coffee morning will not be that day as I need to prepare myself spiritually and emotionally for this adventure.Lisa the boys chose to ignore my efforts for contac.So from now on i am going to restrict my contact to ladies.
I shall away now and do my makeup
Dymphna
Dear Dymphna,
Thank you so very much for your kind invitation for coffee. Unfortunately as I work coffee mornings are a luxury that passes me by. I envy you your hours spent soaking up the atmosphere in the National Art Gallery. Have you been to the Francis Bacon exhibition in the Hugh Lane Gallery yet by any chance? If you haven’t you must spend a morning there. A fascinating glimpse into the life of a tortured genius.
Dymphna you strike me to be a lady of a certain age. A Shirley Valentine for want of a better phrase. I don’t believe that my rough and ready “charm” would be suiting to a lady of your obvious breeding, flattered though I am by your invitation.
A lady such as you contemplating a personal adventure needs a stimulating yet caring companion. In the absence of Stephen who appears to have taken a hiatus from the site might I suggest that you reach out to a new poster on the forum who goes by the mane of Ignatious (though I prefer to call him Igie) This is a man who in my opinion could offer you more than either Stephen or I could. Stephen by his own admission has no passion and I not to put too fine a point on it feel that should we meet my strident ways and crude tongue would only bring on a case of the vapors. Igie on the other hand appears to be a man of passion who would be able to take you on a journey of exploration. In addition e appears to be a man of means due to his enterprises with the hotel porters of Dublin. I wish you luck on your voyage Dymphna but while you attend to your own needs please do spare a thought for Ambrose.
I must away now and fcuk some junkies out of my place of work.
My world is no place for you dear lady.
Darling lisa
It was so kind of you to respond so quickly to my invitation .I do so appreciate the efforts required today of the professional career orientated lady .It is such a shame that you cannot take respite from your ardious lifestyle to take coffee and chat.Your assumption that your company would be anything but pleasant and enjoyable to me is a terrible slight on your personage.I am sure I would enjoy your company no end.You say in your reply you must evict junkies from your place of work.Darling it is so brave of you to stand up to them.In Ambroses last place of work on the fourth floor drug use was rampant some of the office staff would boast about their cocaine usage but poor Ambrose was not man enough to stand up to this illegal activity.Our two sons Sebastian and Hector both strongly dissaprove of drug usage.Seb is Living in Amsterdam.Hector is traveling with a friend in colombia.You refer to Bacon a much maligned artist .I knew you would appreciate the finer things in life like art and books.This gentleman you have pointed me twords sounds a very industrious hardworking honest type .He would appear to be honest and dilligent and what you see is what you get.Alas dear child I think I shall avoid trying to contact Ignatious although that is a good strong Catholic name.I recall my great grandfather refering to an Ignatious Rice who started some kind of boys club thingey.I still maintain hope that if or when Stephen returns from his self imposed exile he will contact me.
I must away now and get a small paper bag the neighbours dog has fouled the pathway to my front door.
Dymphna