Woeful Journalism

Culture
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Waitress told: ‘Go back to Poland’ after description of life on the dole in Ireland

A POLISH WAITRESS has been told to go back to her homeland by a Labour senator after an account of her life on the dole in Ireland was published in a newspaper in her homeland.

‘Magda’, not her real name, has told the Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza in an article which translates as ‘Pole in Ireland. I love you, unemployment’ that even though she is unable to work, she is able to claim social welfare and do other things with her life.

A translation of the article appears in today’s Irish Independent in which she is quoted as describing the life on the dole as like a “Hawaiian massage” and reportedly claims that Donegal is a “shithole”.

Reacting to that, a Labour Senator has told her to go back to Poland describing her comments as “outrageous”.

However in a translation of the article obtained by TheJournal.ie, the 36-year-old says that while she is able to live well on benefits she does not like doing so at the government’s cost.

“Do I feel guilty about living on benefits? Certainly! I don’t want to live at the government’s expense, which is why I treat this help as an opportunity to start my own business,” she says.

‘Magda’ says she receives an allowance of €188 per week plus €59 for her flat in Donegal and €20 for fuel – giving her a total of €267. This is €67 more than she was earning as a waitress in a local hotel and more than she might hope to earn from the social welfare system in Poland.

“How am I holding up? Great. I move on and change. I can breathe,” she says of her situation.

According to a translation of the article ‘Magda’ describes Donegal as “either the most beautiful, or the most remote and boring in Ireland.”

Wherever you look, there are green hills, beaches stretching out to the horizon, and it looks like a postcard. On the other hand, you could walk on the beach for an hour and you won’t meet anyone except for an old man in a wind jacket.

‘Magda’ says her life involves going to the local beach to watch the sunrise: “It charges me for the rest of the day” while she has used the time out of work to take up yoga, surf, decorate her house and have a healthy diet.

“Unemployment benefits are for people to stop for a while and think about their lives. I for one discovered that I no longer want to work for someone. I like having things settled my way,” she is quoted as saying.

[b]However her story has drawn the ire of a local Labour senator, Jimmy Harte, who has described her comments as “outrageous”.

He told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that he would “willfully pay for her airfare back to Poland” and said that she was doing a “disservice” to the local Polish community.

“If she had any humility in her at all, she would just leave Donegal and go back to Poland,” he said.[/b]

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Polish Ambassador’s response to Irish Independent article

Wednesday February 01 2012
Dear Editor,
I refer to the article “Welcome to ’good life’ on welfare – how Polish waitress embraced La Dole-ce Vita” published in the Irish Independent of Feb 1.
Firstly, let me focus on the article itself and on its level of inaccuracy relative to the original article (published in the magazine Wysokie Obcasy to the Polish daily Gazeta Wyborcza of Jan 29).
I wish to stress that the authors of the Irish article use the facts presented in the Polish article in a very selective and subjective manner. The subject ‘Magda’ states in the Polish article: “I have a big problem with being unemployed, I don’t want to live at the State’s expense and for that reason I use this assistance to allow me start up my own business”. I believe that this is the sentence that best summarizes the context of the original article and it is decidedly unfortunate that it has been omitted in your article.
In terms of her describing her life as ‘Hawaiian Massage’ , at no stage in this article does she make such a statement. What she actually says is that she has completed a FÁS course in Hawaiian Massage and that she’s planning to open a massage business next year. I think you can agree that this misrepresentation completely changes the tone of the article.
She also never describes the place where she lives as s***hole (in fact she loves it and is very passionate about it), she merely refers to other people saying that.
There are many other inaccuracies of that type throughout the Irish Independent article which could have been easily avoided if only the Polish article had been translated correctly or its content presented in a more objective manner.
I fully understand how potentially damaging this article might be to the good reputation that the Polish community has amongst Irish society and I ask your readers not to judge us on the basis of this solitary article. You have managed to get to know us well in recent years and you know our work ethic and our system of values which, I’m sorry to say, is inaccurately presented in this article published in the Irish Independent.
The decision to remain in Ireland[/url] that so many Polish people made in the recent years is a decision to make a valuable contribution to the Irish state by living and working here, integrating with the Irish society and being a part of it all in good times and bad. It’s impossible to imagine that this decision, sometimes a very painful one, is made on the basis of the level of [url=“http://searchtopics.independent.ie/topic/Unemployment”]unemployment benefit or other kinds of support granted to the jobless by the Irish State.
Polish people that come to Ireland are young, well educated, dynamic and ambitious people who make a conscious choice to settle down here. Their first priority in life is to make an honest living for themselves. I cannot say that people like Magda don’t exist – they do in every society and community around the world, including the Polish community in Ireland. On the basis of my personal experience with so many Poles living here, I can assure you that people like Magda constitute a very small minority of Poles in Ireland, and are in no way representative of the entire Irish – based Polish community.
The danger of an anti-immigrant atmosphere developing during harsh economic times is well-documented throughout history. I would hope that a major newspaper such as the Irish Independent would be conscious of this and take great care when fact-checking such a potentially inflammatory article.
Yours sincerely,
Marcin Nawrot

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Great spot MBB - can’t believe no-one else posted it :shakefist:

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great work Mac,i didnt see this in the papers today & its quite interesting to see how what was in the papers was so at odds with the reality

nice one

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The bolded part Mac, the bolded part.

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As a man with close links to Poland, I’d just like to express my absolute seethingness with this. Pretty much every Pole I’ve fathered, I’m friends with or have made love to has experienced some type of anti-Polish abuse or behaviour in their time here and this kind of shit from the Indo is seriously worrying. We all know now that it’s bullshit, because we read forums and broadsheet and maybe listen to whatever radio show it was covered on but I can guarantee you there’s thousands of people who’ll sit in pubs or at work or at home today and ask their friends or family did they see the story in the paper about the bloody Polish bitch swanning around on the dole in Donegal.

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That thought always comes into my head any time I pick up The mirror or sun etc, that there are people out there who know nothing other than what they read in those rags.

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I have written to the good senator (Harte) asking that he might fund my trip to Poland for Euro 2012 instead of paying for a flight for an undeserving non-national.

[font=arial][size=3]Senator Harte,[/size][/font][font=arial][size=3]
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I was delighted to read of your speedy contribution to the debate on non-nationals in our country.[/size][/font]
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[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]
I noted your kind offer to fund a flight home for “Magda” who is living off our generous welfare system and wondered if I could plead for some assistance in a related matter. Along with a number of friends I intend travelling to Poland this summer to support our national soccer team, a sport close to your heart. As you can imagine the flights are quite expensive and particularly difficult to afford in these economic times. Given your unsolicited and kind offer to pay for a trip home for Magda I was wondering if you might extend the offer to an Irish person who might be more deserving.[/size][/font]
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[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]
As I’m sure you would agree it would not be particularly fair for Magda to benefit from your benevolence, considering the manner in which she has taken advantage of Irish hospitality. That money could instead be channeled to real Irish nationals who would be much more grateful of your contribution. I make no particular claim to deserve this funding above other Irish supporters hoping to travel to Poland, but I think you’ll agree that I’m certainly a more deserving recipient than Magda.[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]

I look forward to hearing from you and, pending your agreement, can provide the required details for the transfer of said funds. In the meantime I’d just like to wish you all the best and to thank you for speaking out on behalf of the Irish people on a topic others are afraid of. James Connolly and the founding fathers of the Labour Party would be very proud indeed.[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]

Kind regards,[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]
[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]
Rocko[/size][/font]

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:lol:

Classic. Like the Rocko of old as opposed to the bland substitute we’ve had to put up with for the last few years. :clap:

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The Indo don’t even apologise, they just lead into the article with:

Thursday February 02 2012
YESTERDAY’S story about a Polish woman living on welfare payments in Ireland sparked much discussion and controversy.
Some parts of the original interview, on which the story was based, were inaccurately translated. The following is a fuller version of the interview written by journalist Katarzyna Brejwo
IT is six in the morning and we are marching through the golf course in the pitch-black darkness. I came to Ireland to see how Poles who lost their jobs manage in Ireland…

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Jaysus they are thick necked uber cunts of the worst degree.

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As ever, they will have a large representation in the COTY 2012 race.
I wonder if any non-cunts work there and what they must think of the cunt cabal around them?
This calls for a separate thread.

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“Magda” is on The John Murray (cunt!) show now on Radio Eireann and comes across very well indeed.

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They also distance themselves from the poor translation with thir passive voice. Why don’t they just come out and blame Google Translate for the error?

Jimmy Harte got back to me last night. Didn’t seem keen on my proposal, cheeky and cowardly were insults flung at me. I’ve asked him to reconsider.

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Fire it up.

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Jimmy Harte twittered the following last night, starting at around 1am. I’d say he was a little bit pissed. The tweets were later taken down.

[size=2]11h[/size][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/JimmyHarte”][size=2]https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/1675909815/240x160_jimmyharte_normal.jpg[/size] [b]Senator Jimmy Harte[/b] [s]@[/s][b]JimmyHarte[/b]
[s]@[/s][b]unspeakable28[/b] With a face like yours I would nt advertise your pict …

[size=2]11h[/size][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/JimmyHarte”][size=2]https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/1675909815/240x160_jimmyharte_normal.jpg[/size] [b]Senator Jimmy Harte[/b] [s]@[/s][b]JimmyHarte[/b]
[s]@[/s][b]PaddyJoeMcGilly[/b] Yes no problem

[b]In reply to PJ McGillicuddy Hide conversation [/b]

[size=2]11h[/size][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/JimmyHarte”][size=2]https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/1675909815/240x160_jimmyharte_normal.jpg[/size] [b]Senator Jimmy Harte[/b] [s]@[/s][b]JimmyHarte[/b]
[s]@[/s][b]bwalsh[/b] No but I recognise infantile actions … Just look in the mirror and just nod Poor guy.

[b]In reply to Ben Walsh Hide conversation [/b]

[size=2]12h[/size][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/JimmyHarte”][size=2]https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/1675909815/240x160_jimmyharte_normal.jpg[/size] [b]Senator Jimmy Harte[/b] [s]@[/s][b]JimmyHarte[/b]
[s]@[/s][b]unspeakable28[/b] actually I’m working late. Don’t try to be smart.

[b]In reply to Ken Mc Fadden Hide conversation [/b]

[size=2]12h[/size][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/JimmyHarte”][size=2]https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/1675909815/240x160_jimmyharte_normal.jpg[/size] [b]Senator Jimmy Harte[/b] [s]@[/s][b]JimmyHarte[/b]
[s]@[/s][b]bwalsh[/b] U don’t know Donegal thank God

[b]In reply to Ben Walsh Hide conversation [/b]

[size=2]12h[/size][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/JimmyHarte”][size=2]https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/1675909815/240x160_jimmyharte_normal.jpg[/size] [b]Senator Jimmy Harte[/b] [s]@[/s][b]JimmyHarte[/b]
[s]@[/s][b]unspeakable28[/b][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/oceanclub”][s]@[/s][b]oceanclub[/b][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/bwalsh”][s]@[/s][b]bwalsh[/b][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/labour”][s]@[/s][b]labour[/b] Actually you are. U look like Dunphy. And you are a FF lackey I’m told.

[b]In reply to Ken Mc Fadden Hide conversation [/b]

[size=2]12h[/size][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/JimmyHarte”][size=2]https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/1675909815/240x160_jimmyharte_normal.jpg[/size] [b]Senator Jimmy Harte[/b] [s]@[/s][b]JimmyHarte[/b]
[s]@[/s][b]S_F[/b] Another pseudo concerned git. I know ur type. All mouth and never did anything. Twitter is limit of ur intellect.

[b]In reply to SF Hide conversation [/b]

[size=2]12h[/size][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/JimmyHarte”][b]Senator Jimmy Harte[/b] [s]@[/s][b]JimmyHarte[/b]
[s]@[/s][b]bwalsh[/b][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/labour”][s]@[/s][b]labour[/b] Get a life.

[b]In reply to Ben Walsh Hide conversation [/b]

[size=2]12h[/size][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/JimmyHarte”][b]Senator Jimmy Harte[/b] [s]@[/s][b]JimmyHarte[/b]
[s]@[/s][b]bwalsh[/b] You are xenophobic. Anti Donegal. When the last time u had non national in ur home. ? Never I suspect. I do. Go back to D4

[b]In reply to Ben Walsh Hide conversation [/b]

[size=2]12h[/size][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/JimmyHarte”][b]Senator Jimmy Harte[/b] [s]@[/s][b]JimmyHarte[/b]
[s]@[/s][b]bwalsh[/b] Sort out your own inadequacies I suspect childhood issues. Believe me I have degree in psychology. Talk to someone

[b]In reply to Ben Walsh Hide conversation [/b]
]

[size=2]12h[/size][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/JimmyHarte”][b]Senator Jimmy Harte[/b] [s]@[/s][b]JimmyHarte[/b]
[s]@[/s][b]bwalsh[/b][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/labour”][s]@[/s][b]labour[/b] Go back up the mountain you came down my friend.

[b]In reply to Ben Walsh Hide conversation [/b]

[size=2]12h[/size][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/JimmyHarte”][b]Senator Jimmy Harte[/b] [s]@[/s][b]JimmyHarte[/b]
[s]@[/s][b]oceanclub[/b][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/bwalsh”][s]@[/s][b]bwalsh[/b][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/labour”][s]@[/s][b]labour[/b] You show your anti Donegal bias. Typical get a life.

[b]In reply to Paul Moloney Hide conversation [/b]

[size=2]12h[/size][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/JimmyHarte”][b]Senator Jimmy Harte[/b] [s]@[/s][b]JimmyHarte[/b]
[s]@[/s][b]bwalsh[/b] Why ? Check your facts and your anti Donegal bias. Join Eamonn Dunphy on the Late Late.

[b]In reply to Ben Walsh Hide conversation [/b]

[size=2]12h[/size][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/JimmyHarte”][b]Senator Jimmy Harte[/b] [s]@[/s][b]JimmyHarte[/b]
[s]@[/s][b]conorhcasey[/b] Yea ?

[b]In reply to Conor Casey Hide conversation [/b]

[size=2]12h[/size][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/JimmyHarte”][b]Senator Jimmy Harte[/b] [s]@[/s][b]JimmyHarte[/b]
[s]@[/s][b]mcullinane[/b] Which remarks ? That Donegal is a shithole ? Typical Dublin 4.

[b]In reply to Mark Cullinane Hide conversation [/b]

[size=2]12h[/size][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/JimmyHarte”][b]Senator Jimmy Harte[/b] [s]@[/s][b]JimmyHarte[/b]
[s]@[/s][b]ChristianLOReil[/b] U sad person. Check your facts.

[b]In reply to Christian L-O’Reilly Hide conversation [/b]

[size=2]12h[/size][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/JimmyHarte”][b]Senator Jimmy Harte[/b] [s]@[/s][b]JimmyHarte[/b]
[s]@[/s][b]S_F[/b] I don’t see your views on welfare ? I support non national residents in Donegal. I don’t take lectures from Dublin 4 set.

[b]In reply to SF Hide conversation [/b]

[size=2]12h[/size][/url] [url=“https://twitter.com/#!/JimmyHarte”][b]Senator Jimmy Harte[/b] [s]@[/s][b]JimmyHarte[/b]
[s]@[/s][b]anruiseach[/b] You are a waste Read the article. I wonder when you last had a non national in your home. Never I’d day

[b]In reply to An Rúiseach[/b]

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Not much to it really but here you go:

[font=arial][size=3]Thank you for not having the courage to give your correct name and no contact number. As someone who has been following the Irish soccer team on away trips since 1976 I intend to travel to Poland myself. And if you were a true Irish fan you would not look for a hand out to follow your heros.[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]You have a sad life if your only concern is looking for a free trip to Euro 2012. I wish I had your cheek.[/size][/font]

[font=arial][size=3]Senator Jimmy Harte[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]Seanad Eireann[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]Leinster House[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]Dublin 2[/size][/font]

[font=arial][size=3]
Senator,[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]
[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]
I wasn’t sure my real name was relevant to my request as I’m quite sure we are not acquainted. Courage doesn’t really come into it.[/size][/font]
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I am aware of your playing history, so suspected you would have been a supporter. I too consider myself a genuine fan though my playing career, while still ongoing, is less illustrious.[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]
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[font=arial][size=3]
I regret you interpreted my request as a plea for a hand-out. In fact it was your reaction to hand-outs that prompted my mail as I thought you might extend your offer to an Irish person in full time employment who is trying to make ends meet.[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]
[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]
I understand your instinctive reaction to the “Magda” story, particularly given its relevance to Donegal. I hoped that with the passing of time you might have seen that it was not the wisest course of action. The last thing this country can afford is more hand-outs to “welfare tourists” and that money offered would be better spent locally.[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]
[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]
If the flight offer can be extended or transferred to me then do let me know. I shall make the trip regardless so please treat this as a request for fairness, not for charity.[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]
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[font=arial][size=3]
Hoping for a successful Euro 2012 and continued success for the Labour Party.[/size][/font]
[font=arial][size=3]
Kind regards[/size][/font]

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:smiley:

Kudos on your letter writing Rocko, obviously making up for your shortfall in telephone skills.

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I can’t help but feel that Rocko bottled it with his reply.

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It was a good effort and Rocko showed great initiative but it definitely falls short of my dialogue with Andrew Smith of the Scotsman.