North Mayo gas, Michael Ring and Putin

BY AULD STOCK

I READ where the company running the gas production business off the north Mayo coast believe they can expand their gas output and help solve Ireland’s lighting and heating system.

I recently spoke to an expert in the field of gas production and he told me there was room for a great deal of expansion in relation to the production of gas in Mayo.

The most surprising aspect of the gas business in Mayo, he maintained, was that the company hadn’t come up with the idea some years ago.

However, better late than never, he quickly added.

Deputy Michael Ring usually presses the right buttons and was quick off the mark when he said he was supporting the idea of further gas exploration off the north Mayo coast.

Sometimes I feel our authorities move at a snail’s place when it comes to exploring new industrial ideas and methods.

Mr. Putin is determined to turn the screw on Ireland and other European countries when it comes to controlling his oil supply.

At the same time he is embarking on tit-for-tat blackmail which will eventually prove a disaster for Russia.

Putin made a master miscalculation when he invaded the Ukraine. One of his leading military advisers was severely rapped on the knuckles for his poor leadership.

The same will happen with the blackguardly manner in which he is using Russia’s oil and gas, stupidity of the worst kind.

Hitler tried the same tactics with Poland when he frog-marched his troops across the snowy plains of that country.

History has a way of repeating itself.

Putin should be looking over his shoulder. Mark my words, his biggest threat will come from within his own country.

The signs are already there, unrest in Moscow is growing day by day.

Russia has bitten off more than it can chew in Ukraine and is now beginning to lose ground.

Keep an eye on your jittery colleagues, Mr. Putin.

Yesterday’s friends can be today’s foes.