RTE News

[New Ireland and Wales]

Opposition Leader Demands Vote on Energy, Loses

Last Tuesday the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Environmental and Wildlife Protection jointly announced a plan to phase out and ban fracking in New Ireland and Wales by the year 2022. This is a proposal that goes back to Sinn Fein's campaign promise to put New Ireland and Wales on track to using "green energy" as the main source of energy right now. As of 2017 renewable energy only accounts for 15% of energy production and 17% of energy consumption in New Ireland and Wales while coal still takes up 53% of energy production and 56% of energy consumption. The plan was fully backed by the Taoiseach and the environmental group Green Nation.


However, the plan was met with much opposition specifically from outgoing Opposition Leader, Raymond Mulligan. On the Assembly floor he spoke and demanded that the Government bring it to a vote before the National Assembly "Mr. Chancellor, what the Taoiseach and his Government have done is dangerous. They are starting to legislate on their own without consulting the National Assembly. This is a dangerous move towards an authoritarian government that we can not allow to take place. Not only is the Taoiseach starting to legislate on his own but what is his first action in doing so? Declaring war on coal. Coal has fueled this economy and taking coal out with make coal miners lose their jobs and make energy prices skyrocket. The Taoiseach is declaring war on clean, efficient coal and the citizens of this country who can not afford such high prices if coal is taken out. Mr. Chancellor, I demand that the Taoiseach immediately propose a bill to the National Assembly so we can vote on this issues. I'm sure the reason the Taoiseach hasn't done that is because he knows it would fail. Where's the bill?"


The Taoiseach laughed along with a few Government ministers before standing to speak Mr. Chancellor, I think what we see across from the Government benches is a man who does not have the support of his party, a man who is close to leaving his post as Leader of the Opposition, and a man who before getting elected to the National Assembly was a big advocate for the coal and oil industries receiving over 150,000 Euros in donations from them. The "Honorable" Leader brings up something that doesn't exist: clean coal. Mr. Chancellor, I think I and anyone can tell you, clean coal does not exist. The Leader is doing nothing more than inciting fear and acting like his party has some type of mandate from the people. Clean, renewable energy is the future of energy and it is necessary to protect the environment and protect the health of our citizens. The pollution put off by coal and gas is dangerous to the very health of our citizens especially our nation's children. If this Assembly wishes me to submit a bill on this issue I will but let's all remember that the Leader of the Opposition is willing to get in bed with energy companies at the expense of our environment and the welfare of our children. Coal is a dying industry and I can assure you that with all the jobs that will be lost in the coal industry many more will be created by the renewable energy industry such as solar and wind power. We have laid out a common sense plan for a smooth transition and I believe that we should follow through with it."

A vote took place 30 minutes later with the proposal passing the National Assembly 366-284, with the entire government bench voting in favor of it and all 3 TD's from the Welsh Union voting in favor. When the results were announced a few members of Sinn Fein chanted "Na Na Na goodbye" as the Leader of the Opposition stormed out of the chamber before the Chancellor brought the house back to order before chastising the members.

---

Federal Reserve Building to Be Named After Late Austeren Leader

 

The bill to create a Federal Reserve Bank passed the National Assembly two weeks ago but today the Government announced that the building that the Federal Reserve will be named the Chancellor Giorgio Asher Federal Reserve Building. The Minister of Finance when she was announcing the name stated "Chancellor Asher reached out a hand to New Ireland and Wales and helped formed the special bond our two nations now have. We feel it imperative that we commemorate people like Chancellor Asher who gave a great service to New Ireland and Wales. The announcement received bipartisan support with TD's from all parties giving their praise to Chancellor Asher. The Government also announced that the flag of Austerain will fly outside the building in commemoration of the Chancellor and the special relationship.  

[New Ireland and Wales]

2017: The Year NIW Came to Its Knees

New Ireland and Wales entered 2017 on a hope of improvement. The economy was starting to show signs of stabilization, unemployment was falling albeit slowly , and the political scene was fairly calm and stable. 2017 was looking to be the year New Ireland and Wales restored itself and progressed to better field.

This hope did not last long. By mid-February the stock market had crashed 1,500 points, unemployment rose, and wages started falling. This stock market collapse and economic ripple effect was blamed on the assassination of Chancellor Asher and Secretary Cox and not necessarily on the failure of the Edwards Administration to implement laws aimed towards stabilizing and growing the economy. Whatever the point, the hope and confidence in the improvement of the Irish and Welsh economy had been shot. 

In March, on the political, scene Christiana Polacco was elected Governor of North Wales and immediately started lobbying for the secession of North Wales from New Ireland and Wales, causing another stock market crash in April when North Wales was getting close to seceding. When North Wales did secede the popularity of the once very popular President Edward began to crumble. The war would last for months, killing thousands, and causing billions in damage to the infrastructure and economy of NIW. 

The Government promised reforms for months and months on the economy but people grew tired of waiting for reforms and voted in a new party in National Assembly elections in July. But the new Taoiseach, Edward Collins would cause much controversy when he attacked Austeren President Versace and would cause another stock market crash in August when the Government announced the delayal  of a vote on critical pieces of legislation aimed at economic reform. 

NIW also lost many leaders from the revolutionary era and modern era. The first was Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Brandon Cox who was assassinated in February, Confederate President Nioclas O'Malley would follow soon dying of a heart attack, the Education Secretary was assassinated shortly after the secession of North Wales, political giant Peyton Bennet was the most recent to die but the nation might soon have to prepare for the death of former President John Frank, who served from 1988-2000, after he was admitted to the hospital with sever chest pains. What's next for NIW and what can rebuild the broken nation's confidence? Only time and energy will tell us this.  

[New Ireland and Wales]

Benjamin Floyd: From Poor Orphan to President of the Democratic Union 

Benjamin Mark Floyd surprised the nation and perhaps the world when he was elected as President of the Democratic Union of New Ireland and Wales. Floyd ran against many established candidates including an incumbent President and the nominee of the governing party, Sinn Fein. But the question most people had was not “How did he win?” but instead “Who?”


The man who is about to take office as President was born in a small town 20 miles east of Dublin. Born in to poverty his parents couldn’t afford a trip to the hospital for the birth. Unfortunately, due to more than anyone else in this world.” Floyd said in an interview in 2010 shortly after his 3rd term as Chairman of Dublin City Council-his first two terms were from 1998-2004 and his third term was 2007-2010. Floyd’s father, Jay, worked at a car manufacturer and died in a tragic death when the factory exploded in flames. Floyd was only 6 when his father died. He and his father lived in a small 1 bedroom apartment that the factory housed its workers in. Floyd, like most people who lived in the apartments were poor and his father dying did not help his situation. Floyd became a ward of the state under a military government that did little to help the poor. Like most orphans at the time he was either stuck in orphanages or constantly shifting between foster homes, often suffering mental, physical, and sometimes sexual abuse.


Despite these hardships Floyd graduated top of his class and attended the Dublin Institute of Learning earning a Master of Social Work with the intention of reforming the system “from the inside.” Two years before graduating college he ran for City Council in 1980. Since winning in 1980 he has served without break. During his time on the council he lobbied for the formation for the Dublin Department of Family Welfare Services which he has worked with to ensure the system in Dublin has more money and regulations are put in place to ensure the safety, security, and stability of the child. If you aren’t heavily involved in Dublin politics you probably never heard of him but now in just a little while he will take office as President. Something many people have called a “true success story”

Inauguration of the 2nd President of the Democratic Union

 

Dublin: “Good evening and thank you for tuning in with RTE News for the inauguration of President-elect Benjamin Floyd. Before we continue let’s explain the process from what has happened up until now and what will happen in the events leading up to Benjamin Floyd’s Inauguration. At 12 AM the National Legislature Council began voting on a new President. At 1 AM the NLC announced that Benjamin Floyd had received a majority of votes to become President-elect. At 1:30 AM the Electoral Commission certified the authenticity of the vote. This gets us up to now. In a few minutes, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court will order the Leader of the National Assembly to go to the National Assembly Chambers and ask for their confirmation of Benjamin Floyd as President. Upon delivering the request the Chancellor of the National Assembly will order the House to order and most likely call for unanimous consent of the President-elect. The Leader of the National Assembly will once again report to the Chief Justice proclaiming that the National Assembly has unanimously voted to confirm Floyd as President. The Chief Justice will then, along with the Marshal of Dublin Castle walk to the chambers of the National Assembly and order the members to proceed to St. Patrick’s Ballroom, where the inauguration will be held. After all TD’s are in the ballroom the Chief Justice will call for the President-elect to be brought to the chamber where he will take the oath of office in both Irish and English. After which the President will give his inaugural speech. It must also be noted that the National Assembly is holding a special session in Dublin Castle for the event. We go live now to Dublin Castle where the Chief Justice is about to speak.” 

*at Dublin Castle*


Chief Justice O’Neill: “Having finished voting on a new President at 1 AM this morning the National Legislature Council chose Benjamin Floyd of Dublin to be President of the Democratic Union. I hereby order the Leader of the National Assembly, Mary O’Malley, to deliver this to the National Assembly and ask the Chancellor of the National Assembly to call for a vote of confirmation by the National Assembly.”


*Leader O’Malley leaves the Ballroom and heads to the Chambers*


Leader O’Malley: “Mr. Chancellor! The Honorable Chief Justice has certified the results of the Presidential election and now it is the duty of this house to proceed to a vote on the confirmation of President-elect Floyd as President of the Democratic Union.”


Chancellor Hamilton: “This house will come to order! This house will now vote on the confirmation of President-elect Floyd as President. Is there a motion?”


Taoiseach Collins: “Mr. Chancellor, I motion for the confirmation to be unanimously consented.”


Chancellor Hamilton: “Are there any objections? Then it is so ordered. This Chamber unanimously consents to the confirmation of Benjamin

Floyd as President. Madame Leader please report this to the Chief Justice.”


*minutes later*


Chief Justice: “Mr. Chancellor, Members of the National Assembly you are hereby ordered to proceed to the St. Patrick’s Ballroom for the inauguration of President-elect Benjamin Floyd.”


*TD’s file out of the chamber and walk towards the ballroom, arriving minutes later*


*TD’s take their seats while Taoiseach takes seat behind desk where Floyd will sign papers of office*


Chief Justice: “I hereby order the President-elect to this room so the oath of office can be administered in both Irish and English.”


*President-elect Floyd arrives in the ballroom and stands behind desk*


Chief Justice: “Mr. President elect, raise your right hand and repeat after me. I láthair Dia na nUilechumhacht, táimse, Benjamin Floyd, á ghealladh agus á dhearbhú go sollúnta is go fírinneach bheith i mo thaca agus i mo dhidín do Bhunreacht Éireann, agus dlíthe a chaomhnú


President-elect Floyd: “I láthair Dia na nUilechumhacht, táimse, Benjamin Floyd, á ghealladh agus á dhearbhú go sollúnta is go fírinneach bheith i mo thaca agus i mo dhidín do Bhunreacht Éireann, agus dlíthe a chaomhnú”


Chief Justice: “mo dhualgais a chomhlíonadh go dilís coinsiasach de réir an Bhunreacht is an dlí, agus mo lándícheall a dhéanamh ar son leasa is fónaimh mhuintir na hÉireann. Dia do mo stiúradh agus do mo chumhdach”


President-elect Floyd: “mo dhualgais a chomhlíonadh go dilís coinsiasach de réir an Bhunreacht is an dlí, agus mo lándícheall a dhéanamh ar son leasa is fónaimh mhuintir na hÉireann. Dia do mo stiúradh agus do mo chumhdach”


Chief Justice: “Now in English. In the presence of Almighty God, I, Benjamin Floyd, do solemnly and sincerely promise and declare that I will maintain the Constitution of Ireland and Wales and uphold its laws,”


President-elect Floyd: “In the presence of Almighty God, I, Benjamin Floyd,do solemnly and sincerely promise and declare that I will maintain the Constitution of Ireland and Wales and uphold its laws,”


Chief Justice: “that I will fulfil my duties faithfully and conscientiously in accordance with the Constitution and the law, and that I will dedicate my abilities to the service and the welfare of the people of Ireland and Wales. May God direct and sustain me.”


President-elect Floyd: “that I will fulfil my duties faithfully and conscientiously in accordance with the Constitution and the law, and that I will dedicate my abilities to the service and the welfare of the people of Ireland and Wales. May God direct and sustain me.”


Chief Justice: “Congratulations, Mr. President”


*Hail to the Chief plays as the room stands and applauds. After a while the band starts playing the National Anthem and everyone starts singing along standing at attention*


President Floyd: “An Taoiseach, Members of the Government, Chief Justice O’Neill, TD’s, Diplomats, and Fellow citizens today I am addressing you for the first time as your President. I promise I will try and be brief-“


*light laughter*


“Today what I hope that we sent a message to our people and the world. That message is that you can be poor, sick, or have any detriment in life and still be successful in New Ireland and Wales. It is an honor of a life time to be taking this high office. Like many citizens of the past generation I grew up in poverty but unlike most I was in extreme poverty. By 6, I lost both of my parents. I lost them due to a government that had created a system that favored the big rich companies and ensured that the common worker did not rise to their feet lest they want to be struck down. But through that I made my own story. A blessing came in the form of the revolution in 1975 to 1980. After that we created a system that favored the common man and since 1980 I have served in office as a city councilor. Now I have just taken office as the 2nd President of the Democratic Union.


I decided to run for President because I saw ourselves returning to that vile system. I saw unemployment rising, I saw wages falling, poverty on the rise, and I saw something I championed so dearly, the welfare of our children being thrown down the drain. Our nation is divided more than ever and our nation is hurting. It has been beaten down so much by political strife, economic instability, and so much more. Our nation does not need martyrs, our nation does not need politicians with big heads fighting each other all the time further dividing this nation while at the same time getting nothing done. Our nation doesn’t need hate, fear, or bigotry. It needs love, compassion, and unity. That’s how we become a great country. We must fix this economic mess we are in, we must solve the political strife, we must combat bigotry, and we must learn to love each other as brothers and sister. We are all children of the same nation and it is time we start acting like it. It is not right that a mother is starving while busting her butt with 3 jobs just in order to feed her children, it is not right that a black man walking down the street has a higher chance of getting arrested than a white man walking down the street, it is not right that we send our children to dilapidated public schools telling them to be leaders and telling them that they are lucky, it is not fair that the wages of big bank executives are skyrocketing while in the past decade the average worker has not seen a single penny in their wages rising. This is not who we are. We must be a nation that stands with its people. While I may not have much personal power as President I will call upon the National Assembly to put aside political differences and create real, positive change for the people of our nation. I will speak to the people to hear their fears, concerns, and even their anger. The people need a government the banks don’t. Thank you and God bless our wonderful nation!”

[New Ireland and Wales]

Collins Reshuffles Council of State After Vote of No Confidence  

 

The Government of Edward Collins got a boost today after surviving a vote of no confidence put forth by the opposition leader Malaki Duncan. Duncan described Collins’ Government as “Unorganized chaos that has destroyed our markets, destroyed our international standing, and has made an open mockery of who we are as a nation.” The motion was voted on shortly after 2 PM. The motion failed 240-410 but what surprised many people was Agriculture Minister Saahir al-Mohammad voting in favor of the motion. Shortly after the motion failed the Taoiseach spoke on the floor saying “It is obvious that our Government has made multiple mistakes both big and small. I would be lying if I said we won’t make anymore because we will. We are governing and learning at the same time. But what is obvious that we need a shake up in the government. We need a reset. That’s why today I am reshuffling my cabinet. We are bringing in new leaders who will work for the will and interests of the people.”



So, who’s in and who’s out?



A few hours ago, RTE News received news that the Taoiseach was only seeking to replace two Government Ministers but at 11:30 PM the Government announced a total of 5 changes to the cabinet. The added benefit, according to the Government? The first gender balanced cabinet in the history of New Ireland and Wales 8 Men and 8 Women.


DEFENSE


Defense Minister Dominik Malone, who was appointed under President Edwards, stepped down from the cabinet last night saying, “I give Taoiseach Collins my full support but I feel he can change the military like he wants with someone else as its Minister.”

Taoiseach Collins announced Celandine El-Amin as the new Minister of Defense. The first woman to take the role she is new to the political scene but was a Defense Advisor to the Board of the Association for Military Veterans and has a degree in International Diplomacy from Trinity College.


JUSTICE AND EQUALITY


Jackson Taylor was the second Government Minister to leave being replaced by Liza Hall a former Attorney General of South Wales who was regarded as a reformer of fair justice in South Wales and has for years advised many politicians on Criminal Justice Reform. Many people expect she was brought on to help Collins work on criminal justice reform.


CULTURE AND INTERIOR AFFAIRS


Perhaps the most surprising announcement of the night was that Alexander Ross would be leaving his post as Culture and Interior Affairs Ministry and that Agriculture Minister, Saahir al-Mohammad, the man who voted for the motion of no confidence, would be promoted to the role. The Taoiseach said “We all need voices of criticisms and opposition. I also feel Saahir could provide a sound voice on many critical issues over the next few years.”


ENVIRONMENTAL AND WILDLIFE PROTECTION


Jim Ross was moved out of the Council of State as Minister of Environmental and Wildlife Protection and replaced by former Chair of the Green Ireland and Wales Initiative Karolyn Rhodes. Rhodes headed the GIWI for 13 years before deciding to get into politics in 2016 becoming a Fine Gael Congresswoman before switching to Sinn Fein early in 2017.



AGRICULTURE 

Replacing Saahir al-Mohammad the Taoiseach chose Elizabeth Ryley to come on as Minister of Agriculture being the final change of the night for the Council of State. Ryley comes from one of the largest farming provinces in the country and was elected with the support of the Farm Workers Union. She grew up on a farm and for most of her career she worked with farmers in helping make their job easier and more efficient.



The Taoiseach also announced his new Chief of Staff. He promoted Press Secretary Trina Clinton-Lavrov to the Chief of Staff position replacing Andrew Underwood who resigned to become First Minister of North Wales.


Council of State: www.nationstates.net/nation=new_ireland_and_wales/detail=factbook/id=736489

[New Ireland and Wales]

Former President John Frank Dead Aged 93

Benjamin: "Good evening, at 11:00 PM Dublin Time the Government announced the death of former President John Frank at the age of 93. Three weeks ago Frank was admitted to Northern Healthcare after having a heart attack, this was his third time in the hospital this year. The first time, in late February, he fell down and broke his hip and then in July he was again admitted to the hospital after he had a stroke. President Frank ascended to the Presidency in 1988 after 8 years on the national spectrum.  


His political career lasted for a good part of the late 1900's. In the revolution he served as Political Adviser on Foreign Relations which led to him being appointed Secretary of State in 1980 under the Confederate Government where he served until 1984 and Secretary of Foreign Relations under President Carson in 1984. It was in these positions he positioned himself as the expert on Foreign Relations though he never once met with a foreign leader personally he still had personal connections with many world leaders. 1988 was perhaps his most active year in politics after he stepped down as Secretary of Foreign Relations to primary the incumbent President, Ed Carson who had approval ratings that couldn't reach above 40%. He soundly defeated Carson and went on to win the Presidential election in October. His term as President has often been described as the "Beginning of the modern era" in New Ireland and Wales as he shifted the economy to work towards the 21st century and fought for many public works projects. However, shortly after winning reelection to a third term in 1997 his Cabinet rebelled trying repeatedly to declare Frank unfit for office calling him "Too much of a do nothing fat***" in response Frank sacked his Cabinet in 1998 bringing in many new people that the Congress described as "Too centrist or too liberal" and repeatedly pushed for Frank to hire his old Cabinet back after fighting for over a year Frank conceded after Congress stripped him of many powers and defunded many projects. This concession would cause many members of the National Conservative Party to form the Progressive Union in 1999. Though he still had high approval ratings among the people Frank decided to not seek a fourth term as President citing the need "For a new leader" and saying that his political capital "had been destroyed by the conservatives in Congress." His son would succeed him as President though in January of 2017 Frank said that he never voted for his son opting not to vote in 2000,2004,2008, and 2012 and voting for his opponent Theodore Edwards in 2016. 


President Frank's death sent shockwaves throughout the nation with the Taoiseach issuing a statement in which he said "The death of President John Frank marks that we are getting near of saying goodbye to all those who fought for the foundation of the nation we now know. His dedication to this nation during the Presidency set a precedent of noble service that we must all seek to follow. " The Taoiseach also said that the markets might remain closed on Monday to ensure that the death has as little effect as possible and out of respect for President Frank. President Floyd has ordered all flags flying over NIW Government buildings both inside and outside the country."  

[New Ireland and Wales]

Government Stands Firm on Guns, International Manhunt
 

Despite massive protests in certain cities around New Ireland and Wales and a larger than expected opposition in the National Assembly, the Government has stood firm on its goals to institute sweeping gun control reform with the Conservative Daily calling it "The largest attack and most anti-gun bill in this century in the entire world. The Government wants to take your guns so they can have a submissive populace without the ability to fight back when the Government takes over. The socialist commie government of Taoiseach Collins is truly revolting." The Government shut down these claims when Chief of Staff Trina Clinton-Lavrov said in an interview  "This isn't an attack on the people's right to own guns. It can't be a constitutional attack because the right to own guns is not a constitutional right. Look it up yourself if you want. This is a common sense piece of legislation that should have been passed months ago. We will pass it and we don't need the backing of the conservatives to do so."

The bill itself is a lengthy piece of legislation imposing many restrictions on gun owners, gun dealers, and gun manufacturers. The largest part of the bill is the total ban on fully and semi automatic assault rifles which was a speaking point of the last government but nothing was proposed. Another part of the bill bans sawed off shot guns which the Director of the National Police Bureau called "one of the greatest threats to police officers when they arrive on the scene of a crime." The bill also institutes a national registry which all citizens must register with before they are allowed to buy a gun so necessary back ground checks and gun safety classes can be conducted. Taoiseach Collins called the bill "One of the most necessary pieces of legislation that has ever been proposed. We will take the assault rifles and keep them out of the hands of criminals. We are no longer a fledgling little country with a tyrannical government. I understand and fully support the right to own guns, I have a gun, but we need to enact common sense measures to help keep our streets safer. Conservatives want to call us weak on crime but what are they doing to solve the problem? They want to insist that giving people MORE guns will solve the problem but that makes absolutely no sense."

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The nation was shocked when the Director of National Intelligence announced that the District Court of Dublin, upon his request, had issued an arrest warrant for former President George Frank. A months long investigation started after it was revealed that intelligence agencies had spied on critical NIW allies including Austerain is finally completed and the conclusion is that President Frank did, in fact, order the investigation and on top of that leaked many of the emails, texts, and recording to some of his allies and enemies of the leaders he spied on. The investigation January but was halted in March and began again when Taoiseach Collins came to office.

In a press conference Director Allan Hamilton said "Irish and Welsh police have begun looking for the former President who we believe is guilty of ordering our intelligence agencies to spy on foreign leaders taking their recordings of phone calls, texts, and emails and leaking that information to his own political allies who were political opponents of the leaders he spied on. This is treason, possibly sedition, and the intent of tampering with another nations elections all of which are highly illegal. We are asking the world to help look for him with as we fear the possibility that he may have fled the country." Check points have been set up all over the nation and the Bureau of Transporation Security have instituted stronger means of security at airports, train stations, and ports in hopes of finding the former President.  

 

[New Ireland and Wales]

Special Message from the Taoiseach 

The Press has gathered in the Conference Room at the Government Buildings waiting for Taoiseach Edward Collins to give a statement to the Press on the status of the search for former President George Frank. The Press Secretary walks in and walks to the podium "Ladies and gentlemen, the Taoiseach." The Taoiseach walks in and takes the podium. 

EC: "Thank you, I am here to inform you that at 11:30 AM this morning Irish and Welsh forces stormed the beaches of Corsicane Island in Austerain near the city of Gaul and captured President George Frank in his compound on the island and as of 7 PM he has been booked into Dublin City Jail where he will wait for his trial. This mission was given approval by the President last night. I will now take questions."

Reporter #1: "Erick Bell, Austerain International Times. Has the Government of Austerain been in contact with you and the NIW Government?"

EC: "Yes, we called the President and got approval for NIW forces to go in and capture Frank. He was very helpful in this matter."

Reporter #1: "So, how did the Austeren Government participate?"

EC: "President Thorne cleared all military personnel out of the area so they wouldn't interfere with our operations."

Reporter #2: "John Paris, RTE News. So you are confirming that President Thorne on behalf of the Austeren Government gave permission for the military forces of a foreign nation to go into their territory with the intention of capturing President Frank?"

EC: "Yes, I called President Thorne after and I think he seemed very understanding."

Reporter #3: "Michelle Pence, Welsh Chronicle. You called the President afterward? So did you call anyone beforehand?"

EC: "Yes I called the Governor of the local province and I assume he was giving permission on behalf of the President as we couldn't reach the President beforehand."

Reporter #1: "Taoiseach, I'm receiving reports that you and the President were never in contact tonight or anytime over this issue. Is this true?"

EC: "Listen, the simple fact is that we caught President Frank and we caught him in a diligent manner."

Reporter #1: "You didn't answer my question."

EC: "Well you're not the center of this Press Conference. Next time ask a question that is worth me answering."

Reporter #1: "This is a question worth asking Mr. Collins. This is about did you violate the sovereignty of another country in capturing him."

EC: "Well I didn't violate the sovereignty of another country. First off, the President gave the order and second off, President Frank was a danger and we acted in accordance with our abilities now please sit down and shut up."

Reporter #4: "Isolde Averett, Coastal Ireland Journal. Did anyone die in this operation?"

EC: "Yes. Special Services Sergeant Michael B. Evans was shot and killed by President Frank's bodyguard in a gunfight. The bodyguard is dead too by the way. That's all I have time for."

[New Ireland and Wales]

Taoiseach Interview

Steve Goodwin: "Good evening and thank you for tuning into our special broadcast from Government Buildings, Dublin. Here today we have the Taoiseach, Edward Collins. Thank you for giving us this interview Mr. Taoiseach. How are you doing?"

Edward Collins: "Thank you for having me, Steve. I can attest to the fact that I have seen much better days."

SG: "Yes, I'd like to begin about that. What was your reaction to the assassination of President Thorne in Austerain a few days ago?"

EC: "Well, I'm not ashamed to admit that I was saddened, deeply saddened actually, when I heard the news. It was a bit chaotic. I was resting at the time and next thing I know agents bust down my door and rush me and other members of the government to special barracks. So once all that chaos was somewhat less chaotic I was briefed on what happened. I think I just shut down for a long time. I know for a fact I had tears in my eyes and they weren't being contained there. I had been looking forward to meeting President Thorne and had already met with Secretary Lacroix and let me tell you she was an absolutely brilliant woman. You know you see someone on a TV and they look so nonhuman at times but she was a warm person and I had a conversation with Thorne and he was very articulate. Austerain lost some brilliant leaders."

SG: "And what did you do when you found out Malaki Duncan might have had something to do with this assassination?"

EC: "Well, I don't want to make assumptions right now but I can tell you I was livid. The fact that another NIW "leader" might have had something to do with the death of a Austeren leader made me sick. So, I did what I had to do."

SG: "Governor Polacco wasn't an Irish-Welsh citizen though."

EC: "No, but Ms. Polacco was appointed by a reckless Irish-Welsh leader and was made the Governor of an NIW province."

SG: "How do you think your administration compares to that of President Edwards? I mean he had been in office for 6 months before his approval ratings got worse and you've been in office for what? 4 months? and your approval ratings have reached a new low?"

EC: "That's quite a question. But yes I've been in office since June and I think we've accomplished a lot since then. Of course, this recent controversy with Austerain was a big slap to my approval ratings but I think we've done a tremendous amount of work."

SG: "Like what exactly?"

EC: "We've restored the Federal Reserve, we've passed major landmark pieces of legislation on the economy that have already started seeing good effects, we are working on a gun and crime bill, the fact is we have done a lot."

SG: "Mr. Taoiseach, you entered office with 66% approval ratings now they are at 37% with nearly half the country disapproving of your leadership. Now you and the late President Thorne have often been identified as very similar people so do you think that people here in NIW saw the mistakes Thorne made and used that to judge your leadership?"

EC: "I beg your pardon? Might I remind you that President Thorne is a dead man and in NIW we respect the dead especially those who were good friends and great leaders."

SG: "Forgive me I did not mean any disrespect to President Thorne but do you think it's possible?"

EC: "I don't think so, Steve. I've made mistakes since entering office and this recent crisis was a huge mistake. I think that's what people are judging me off of."

SG: "Well do you have a plan to fix your Premiership and get people to trust you once again?"

EC: "Yes. I want to push the reset button on this government. I entered office with a passion in my heart and people on my mind. I think I've gotten away from that. I will be touring the nation giving large speeches and small town halls. I want to speak directly to the people so I can get back to work for the people."

SG: "That's all we have time for. Thank you for this wonderful interview, Taoiseach."

EC: "Mhm."