Michael G Cronin
@mgcronin.bsky.social
Lecturer in English at MU. Author: Impure Thoughts (Manchester UP), Revolutionary Bodies (MUP) and Sexual/Liberation (Cork UP+ Sireacht). Irish Literature;Queer Marxism. Living quietly while thinking radically.
Patrick Freyne: From the removal of joy to global destruction, 16 reasons I hate AI
www.irishtimes.com/life-style/p...
www.irishtimes.com/life-style/p...
Patrick Freyne: AI’s weird billionaires want us all to be atomised units of labour and consumption
The weird billionaires behind artificial intelligence are desperately trying to shoehorn AI chatbots into every bit of technology you own
www.irishtimes.com
December 27, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Patrick Freyne: From the removal of joy to global destruction, 16 reasons I hate AI
www.irishtimes.com/life-style/p...
www.irishtimes.com/life-style/p...
Reposted by Michael G Cronin
Published four weeks ago - will keep posting here until there is another article supporting Irish neutrality published in a national paper.
Seems particularly important this week given the volume of fearmongering in the media & calls on Govt to prioritise military spending.
Seems particularly important this week given the volume of fearmongering in the media & calls on Govt to prioritise military spending.
December 13, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Published four weeks ago - will keep posting here until there is another article supporting Irish neutrality published in a national paper.
Seems particularly important this week given the volume of fearmongering in the media & calls on Govt to prioritise military spending.
Seems particularly important this week given the volume of fearmongering in the media & calls on Govt to prioritise military spending.
Reposted by Michael G Cronin
Stop using LGBTQ+ people to pinkwash genocide.
December 11, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Stop using LGBTQ+ people to pinkwash genocide.
Reposted by Michael G Cronin
Ongoing decimation of British universities part 252:
Apx. 1000 academic staff at University of Essex just received formal ‘risk of redundancy’ letters via email.
Please share @ucuessex.bsky.social @ucu.org.uk
Apx. 1000 academic staff at University of Essex just received formal ‘risk of redundancy’ letters via email.
Please share @ucuessex.bsky.social @ucu.org.uk
December 11, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Ongoing decimation of British universities part 252:
Apx. 1000 academic staff at University of Essex just received formal ‘risk of redundancy’ letters via email.
Please share @ucuessex.bsky.social @ucu.org.uk
Apx. 1000 academic staff at University of Essex just received formal ‘risk of redundancy’ letters via email.
Please share @ucuessex.bsky.social @ucu.org.uk
TCD’s Forgotten Tenantry - DRB share.google/6kVHv5npz36H...
TCD’s Forgotten Tenantry - DRB
Patrick Walsh writes: 1923 was a significant year in the life of Thomas Horgan of Ballynaskreena, Co Kerry. His youngest surviving daughter, Bridget (known as Bridie), was born, and he became the firs...
share.google
November 4, 2025 at 1:32 PM
TCD’s Forgotten Tenantry - DRB share.google/6kVHv5npz36H...
Reposted by Michael G Cronin
The reaction from legacy media and the political establishment to @catherinegalway.bsky.social just goes to show that any questioning of the EU or the US is effectively excluded from political debate in this country. This only serves to undermine the liberal democracy they profess to defend.
October 14, 2025 at 6:46 AM
The reaction from legacy media and the political establishment to @catherinegalway.bsky.social just goes to show that any questioning of the EU or the US is effectively excluded from political debate in this country. This only serves to undermine the liberal democracy they profess to defend.
Disconcerting reading Irish Times this weekend and noticing it's more sympathetic to Maria Steen than Catherine Connolly. Class solidarity beats pretence of liberalism.
September 28, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Disconcerting reading Irish Times this weekend and noticing it's more sympathetic to Maria Steen than Catherine Connolly. Class solidarity beats pretence of liberalism.
Reposted by Michael G Cronin
Keeping track of people withdrawing from the Polari Prize Longlist over the inclusion of proud self-described "TERF" John Boyne.
Let me know as we get updates on authors pulling their books in protest.
Let me know as we get updates on authors pulling their books in protest.
August 9, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Keeping track of people withdrawing from the Polari Prize Longlist over the inclusion of proud self-described "TERF" John Boyne.
Let me know as we get updates on authors pulling their books in protest.
Let me know as we get updates on authors pulling their books in protest.
Education is NOT childcare!
Louise McSharry: Yes, our teachers get a nice, long break off, Minister, but what about worn-out working parents?
As I type, I’m sitting at a table with my two sons. They’re six and eight, and generally good boys, but today I would like to make them disappear. They’re currently singing the same two lines of Justi...
share.google
August 10, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Education is NOT childcare!
Reposted by Michael G Cronin
so much wanton destruction; so much for history & heritage, which is surely more important for branding than lilac websites
Goodbye to the history department at Lancaster University, where the @socialhistsoc.bsky.social was founded 49 years ago. From tomorrow we are
part of a School of Global Affairs. Next year, who knows what will be - please sign our petition against mass redundancies chng.it/PZfTFDjNcr
part of a School of Global Affairs. Next year, who knows what will be - please sign our petition against mass redundancies chng.it/PZfTFDjNcr
Sign the Petition
Stop Mass Redundancies at Lancaster University – Hold Senior Management Accountable
chng.it
August 1, 2025 at 11:06 AM
so much wanton destruction; so much for history & heritage, which is surely more important for branding than lilac websites
Irish-Syrian activists ask Labour not to support Connolly’s presidential bid
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Irish Labour party obviously has a similar problem with internal right-wing schemers as British Labour (sounds v like undermining of Corbyn)
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Irish Labour party obviously has a similar problem with internal right-wing schemers as British Labour (sounds v like undermining of Corbyn)
Irish-Syrian activists ask Labour not to support Connolly’s presidential bid
Galway West TD Catherine Connolly officially confirmed her candidacy on Tuesday
www.irishtimes.com
July 17, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Irish-Syrian activists ask Labour not to support Connolly’s presidential bid
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Irish Labour party obviously has a similar problem with internal right-wing schemers as British Labour (sounds v like undermining of Corbyn)
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Irish Labour party obviously has a similar problem with internal right-wing schemers as British Labour (sounds v like undermining of Corbyn)
Reposted by Michael G Cronin
Pictures from the 'Homes not Hazards' exhibition in Tailor's Hall on June 28th. Supporting ongoing public housing campaigns across Ireland.
W/ @catuireland.bsky.social & @foeireland.bsky.social
Thanks to Augustine O'Donoghue for curating.
experience.arcgis.com/experience/a...
W/ @catuireland.bsky.social & @foeireland.bsky.social
Thanks to Augustine O'Donoghue for curating.
experience.arcgis.com/experience/a...
July 14, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Pictures from the 'Homes not Hazards' exhibition in Tailor's Hall on June 28th. Supporting ongoing public housing campaigns across Ireland.
W/ @catuireland.bsky.social & @foeireland.bsky.social
Thanks to Augustine O'Donoghue for curating.
experience.arcgis.com/experience/a...
W/ @catuireland.bsky.social & @foeireland.bsky.social
Thanks to Augustine O'Donoghue for curating.
experience.arcgis.com/experience/a...
Reposted by Michael G Cronin
'Certainly, we encourage aid that helps us dispense with aid. But in general, the policies of assistance and aid have only disorganized us, enslaved us, and made us irresponsible in our economic, political, and cultural space.'
Thomas Sankara at UN (1984, one yr before Live Aid)
Thomas Sankara at UN (1984, one yr before Live Aid)
Thomas Sankara’s speech at the United Nations general assembly
Thomas Sankara’s historic speech at the United Nations General Assembly on October 4, 1984, was a powerful plea for the dignity and independence of African and Third World peoples.
www.nofi.media
July 14, 2025 at 8:59 AM
'Certainly, we encourage aid that helps us dispense with aid. But in general, the policies of assistance and aid have only disorganized us, enslaved us, and made us irresponsible in our economic, political, and cultural space.'
Thomas Sankara at UN (1984, one yr before Live Aid)
Thomas Sankara at UN (1984, one yr before Live Aid)
Also not clear how accepting money for "research" from Microsoft chimes with TCD's recent commitment to BDS?
July 10, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Also not clear how accepting money for "research" from Microsoft chimes with TCD's recent commitment to BDS?
Article on AI in today's IT cites "research published by Microsoft and Trinity College Dublin" - which debases the concept of research as a meaningful category and makes you despair about the future of our universities (amazingly research funded by a corporation affirmed their worldview)
July 10, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Article on AI in today's IT cites "research published by Microsoft and Trinity College Dublin" - which debases the concept of research as a meaningful category and makes you despair about the future of our universities (amazingly research funded by a corporation affirmed their worldview)
Reposted by Michael G Cronin
New redundancies in Higher Education at:
*Anglia Ruskin
*Birmingham City
*Bristol
*De Montfort
*Derby
*Goldsmiths (yet again)
*Greenwich
*Hertfordshire
*Lancaster
*Leicester
Every single day in HE is like this. Nothing will be done.
*Anglia Ruskin
*Birmingham City
*Bristol
*De Montfort
*Derby
*Goldsmiths (yet again)
*Greenwich
*Hertfordshire
*Lancaster
*Leicester
Every single day in HE is like this. Nothing will be done.
July 7, 2025 at 6:41 PM
New redundancies in Higher Education at:
*Anglia Ruskin
*Birmingham City
*Bristol
*De Montfort
*Derby
*Goldsmiths (yet again)
*Greenwich
*Hertfordshire
*Lancaster
*Leicester
Every single day in HE is like this. Nothing will be done.
*Anglia Ruskin
*Birmingham City
*Bristol
*De Montfort
*Derby
*Goldsmiths (yet again)
*Greenwich
*Hertfordshire
*Lancaster
*Leicester
Every single day in HE is like this. Nothing will be done.
Reposted by Michael G Cronin
Congratulations to all of our prizewinners, and thanks to our wonderful Head of Department Conrad Brunstrom for awarding certificates today. We were delighted to host students and their families for such a lovely occasion! @maynoothuniversity.ie
July 7, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Congratulations to all of our prizewinners, and thanks to our wonderful Head of Department Conrad Brunstrom for awarding certificates today. We were delighted to host students and their families for such a lovely occasion! @maynoothuniversity.ie
Reposted by Michael G Cronin
The Dept of Transport appears to be doing more about a replica ship anchored off Killiney than it is about genocidal warplanes carrying munitions through Shannon and Irish airspace.
This morning Irish authorities have officially contacted a controversial sail training vessel which is suspected of links to Russian Government.
Read more here:
http://jrnl.ie/6756760t
Read more here:
http://jrnl.ie/6756760t
TD calls for 'Russian' replica sailing ship to be removed from Irish waters off Dublin
The Shtandart is a replica of a ship built in 1703 by Peter the Great, a Russian Tsar – she is currently visible at anchor off the village of Killiney in south County Dublin.
jrnl.ie
July 8, 2025 at 5:01 PM
The Dept of Transport appears to be doing more about a replica ship anchored off Killiney than it is about genocidal warplanes carrying munitions through Shannon and Irish airspace.
Reposted by Michael G Cronin
🏘️❗️The housing crisis affects us all—and hits workers hardest.
The #RaiseTheRoof rally calls for emergency action to address homelessness and unaffordable rents.
📍 Leinster House, Dublin
🗓 June 17 | ⏰ 6pm
Join the call for dignity and housing justice.
#HousingCrisis #RaiseTheRoof
The #RaiseTheRoof rally calls for emergency action to address homelessness and unaffordable rents.
📍 Leinster House, Dublin
🗓 June 17 | ⏰ 6pm
Join the call for dignity and housing justice.
#HousingCrisis #RaiseTheRoof
June 12, 2025 at 7:26 AM
🏘️❗️The housing crisis affects us all—and hits workers hardest.
The #RaiseTheRoof rally calls for emergency action to address homelessness and unaffordable rents.
📍 Leinster House, Dublin
🗓 June 17 | ⏰ 6pm
Join the call for dignity and housing justice.
#HousingCrisis #RaiseTheRoof
The #RaiseTheRoof rally calls for emergency action to address homelessness and unaffordable rents.
📍 Leinster House, Dublin
🗓 June 17 | ⏰ 6pm
Join the call for dignity and housing justice.
#HousingCrisis #RaiseTheRoof
We are PhD researchers with advice for US colleagues: Don’t come to Ireland
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
We are PhD researchers with advice for US colleagues: don’t come to Ireland
Why would you do your PhD in Ireland when you can get decent pay, working conditions and dignity as a researcher in Germany or Sweden?
www.irishtimes.com
May 29, 2025 at 7:51 AM
We are PhD researchers with advice for US colleagues: Don’t come to Ireland
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Reposted by Michael G Cronin
Historian here, holder of multiple degrees, previous holder of RA posts, co-author of book, journal articles, numerous essays and book reviews - attributes and skills seemingly unwanted by most employers. Seeks freelance work, writing, editing, researching, etc, in pursuit of paying bills.
May 24, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Historian here, holder of multiple degrees, previous holder of RA posts, co-author of book, journal articles, numerous essays and book reviews - attributes and skills seemingly unwanted by most employers. Seeks freelance work, writing, editing, researching, etc, in pursuit of paying bills.
Reposted by Michael G Cronin
In trying to remove the Triple Lock, the Govnt has spun a narrative that Ireland should be mistrustful of the UN and supportive of the EU and Western alliances. That this narrative has gained any purchase says a lot about the media and political commentary in this country.
May 23, 2025 at 2:56 PM
In trying to remove the Triple Lock, the Govnt has spun a narrative that Ireland should be mistrustful of the UN and supportive of the EU and Western alliances. That this narrative has gained any purchase says a lot about the media and political commentary in this country.
Reposted by Michael G Cronin
Okay, so if it is a ‘land of strangers’ we are in it is because unfettered capitalism uproots peoples lives and forces them to keep moving to survive. Temporary jobs end, businesses shut down, landlords raise rents or sell houses… Many people’s lives are just insecure.
May 12, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Okay, so if it is a ‘land of strangers’ we are in it is because unfettered capitalism uproots peoples lives and forces them to keep moving to survive. Temporary jobs end, businesses shut down, landlords raise rents or sell houses… Many people’s lives are just insecure.
Reposted by Michael G Cronin
Today's the day! 😊
With only a week to go until the launch of This Interim Time by @oonaf.bsky.social, we thought we'd share some of the wonderful things people have been saying about it 🧡💛
Come celebrate with us on Tuesday May 13 at @booksupstairs.bsky.social where we will be joined by guest speaker Emilie Pine 🎉
Come celebrate with us on Tuesday May 13 at @booksupstairs.bsky.social where we will be joined by guest speaker Emilie Pine 🎉
May 13, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Today's the day! 😊
Reposted by Michael G Cronin
Public funding should prioritise the creation of secure, sustainable academic jobs and career pathways for existing staff and new entrants, rather than subsidising international salary competition.”
May 13, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Public funding should prioritise the creation of secure, sustainable academic jobs and career pathways for existing staff and new entrants, rather than subsidising international salary competition.”