PMN Log

I was searching for a flight home yesterday and was surprised when hipmunk found a direct flight between Helsinki and Dublin. When I saw it was offered by Norwegian Airlines, I headed to kayak.com as they offer a tool for looking up direct flights from any airport. In addition to the usual Aer Lingus schedule (Saturday and Tuesday), I saw that Norwegian offer direct flights on Friday and Monday which is much more sensible for a weekend break. I personally prefer this schedule and have already booked an extra trip with Norwegian. I wonder why the schedule planning team in Aer Lingus couldn’t have offered what the city break consumer wanted on the Dublin- Helsinki route?

Even though I’ve been living outside Ireland too long to be suitable to have a vote myself, I still think that expatriates who have an Irish passport should be allowed to vote for around 7 years after they leave. That’s why the editorial in today’s Irish Times makes good sense.

Ireland is one of the few European countries that denies emigrants even a restricted vote in local and national elections. In situations of forced migration, that represents a double rejection. Some expatriates may resent being asked to help a society that failed them. If the Government wishes to value these citizens and establish a creative relationship with them, it could begin by extending the franchise.

So Longford is going to have a bypass. I’m going to miss those battered sausage & curry chip pitstops on my way home.

The hottest country in Europe for PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) in July is…
Ireland

What is PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) anyway? According to Investopedia:

PMI is a very important sentiment reading, not only for manufacturing, but also the economy as a whole. Although U.S. manufacturing is not the huge component of total gross domestic product (GDP) that it once was, this industry is still where recessions tend to begin and end. For this reason, the PMI is very closely watched, setting the tone for the upcoming month and other indicator releases.

The magic number for the PMI is 50. A reading of 50 or higher generally indicates that the industry is expanding. If manufacturing is expanding, the general economy should be doing likewise. As such, it is considered a good indicator of future GDP levels. Many economists will adjust their GDP estimates after reading the PMI report.

Read more: http://www.investopedia.com/university/releases/napm.asp#ixzz22ITKRJ8s

No doubt about tonight, it’s the biggest game for the Irish since the game against Germany in Japan in 2002. However, we need an even bigger performance than that night as we need at least a win against Spain to have a realistic chance of making the quarter final. I don’t think 4 points are going to be enough to get out of the group.
I have a feeling that the Irish could transform themselves. They did it against France in the play-off for the world cup when after a poor performance in the first leg, they went on to dominate the second match and won it 1-0 after 90 minutes. Could it be a similar story tonight?

Nice idea to develop this route along the west coast of Ireland. The Irish Times is going to have someone travel the route and write about it every day.

Take the existing coastal road up and down the western seaboard between Derry and Cork, a route of some 1,400km, develop it, package it and market it to visitors – from abroad and other parts of Ireland. The trick is to do it by taking what is there already – remote and wild beauty, coupled with people who in the main are warm and friendly and have a vibrant culture and history – and draw people into it without compromising it.

Business Insider has the scoop

The best performer in the world over the past year: Irish government bonds, returning 19.0 percent.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/best-performing-asset-12-months-2012-5#ixzz1vtNLYsCe

Having a mid-journey break in Longford. Taken in Valentines’s pub.

First flying to Manchester, then on to Dublin.