Let me convince you that at least 3 things are more interesting than the Taylor Swift endorsement deep/cheap/creepfake (which of course is just copying what Trump did, also for attention). These 3 things relate to political finance: 1. One party is spending 80% more in the run up
Revealing "shadow campaigns" and how AI-driven “deepfake” tools are reshaping political messaging and authenticity.
It looks like we are either 6 or 7 weeks out from the General Election. I am in full planning mode, and would love your input, advice, tips. As always, you can reply to this email to hit my inbox. I’ll be in a position to do about 2
Data Centres
In amongst the giveaways, was a opening for the Apple Tax windfall to be siphoned into state subsidies for data centres.
Tax and tech are entering their accountability era. The Irish State, which has both enabled and benefited from the previous Wild West era, faces the prospect of not just an economic but also a political crisis if it doesn’t adjust.
Internet Culture
Connor McGregor announcing he is running for President has me thinking about two epic grifters who have come on my radar recently.
Hello! I have a few cool links to share, but first I wanted to add 2 little programming notes. This is my 20th newsletter! The first one went to 38 people back in February, this one will go to just under 500. Thank you for being one of those people
elections
Michelle Obama's barnstorming speech in Chicago on Tuesday night announced that "hope is making a comeback". It made me nostalgic for "hopey-changey" 2008, staying up all night to watch Obama win, intoxicated by optimism, smugness, and aesthetic agreeableness. In hindsight of course it looks
Internet Culture
Are we seeing an unholy alliance between far right radicalisation, and the exhibitionist nihilism that emerged almost as soon as the camera phone did?
Tech policy
Simon Harris has come out swinging for Big Tech; a much needed tone shift at the top of Government. But what happens next will determine if we turn around our reputation in Europe, or descend into a pointless beef with a Silicon Valley manchild
I will be achieving a life goal this evening - playing a small role in RTE's coverage of the UK election count. I'm sharing some talking points I may get to share and am very interested in feedback - you can comment on this post, or
elections
A recent Op-Ed; an overview of the Irish online campaign that looks at what our fracturing internet means for campaigning and politics in 2024 in Ireland and the rest of the world
