Lucy Michael
@lucymichael.bsky.social
Sociologist.
Research, consultancy and training on equality, inclusion and justice at http://lucymichael.ie
She/Her. Ireland.
Ag foghlaim Gaeile arís - comhrá liom!
Research, consultancy and training on equality, inclusion and justice at http://lucymichael.ie
She/Her. Ireland.
Ag foghlaim Gaeile arís - comhrá liom!
Pinned
Lucy Michael
@lucymichael.bsky.social
· Nov 19
Bluesky #showandtell:
In 2019, after 16 years working in Higher Ed, including 10yrs in the UK, I set up an independent research and training firm in my hometown of Dublin - 5 years on, we are still going, and growing our impact every year. Couldn't be prouder of what we have built.
🔎 lucymichael.ie
In 2019, after 16 years working in Higher Ed, including 10yrs in the UK, I set up an independent research and training firm in my hometown of Dublin - 5 years on, we are still going, and growing our impact every year. Couldn't be prouder of what we have built.
🔎 lucymichael.ie
Reposted by Lucy Michael
🧵 I think it would help if people stopped ‘feeling’ whether or not a person or party is/was extreme or far right.
There’s actually a fairly respected definition. Let me take you through it & then you can decide if someone meets the definition. This is aimed, in particular, at journos [1]
There’s actually a fairly respected definition. Let me take you through it & then you can decide if someone meets the definition. This is aimed, in particular, at journos [1]
October 6, 2025 at 9:17 PM
🧵 I think it would help if people stopped ‘feeling’ whether or not a person or party is/was extreme or far right.
There’s actually a fairly respected definition. Let me take you through it & then you can decide if someone meets the definition. This is aimed, in particular, at journos [1]
There’s actually a fairly respected definition. Let me take you through it & then you can decide if someone meets the definition. This is aimed, in particular, at journos [1]
Reposted by Lucy Michael
"If progressive or left-wing critics of government policy are portrayed as anti-government, their democratic role as checks & balancers gets blurred.. It significantly decreases the space for critical engagement"
@lucymichael.bsky.social on reductive media framings
open.substack.com/pub/lucymich...
@lucymichael.bsky.social on reductive media framings
open.substack.com/pub/lucymich...
The anti-Government candidate
The language of our media is worth watching right now - Describing Catherine Connolly as an ‘anti-government candidate’ misrepresents her role and the nature of Ireland’s parliamentary democracy.
open.substack.com
October 6, 2025 at 12:56 PM
"If progressive or left-wing critics of government policy are portrayed as anti-government, their democratic role as checks & balancers gets blurred.. It significantly decreases the space for critical engagement"
@lucymichael.bsky.social on reductive media framings
open.substack.com/pub/lucymich...
@lucymichael.bsky.social on reductive media framings
open.substack.com/pub/lucymich...
Reposted by Lucy Michael
‘Lower socioeconomic groups, people working in healthcare and social services, and marginalised groups face a higher risk of poor mental health’. Suicide is leading cause of death for young people in Europe, new research shows jrnl.ie/6805543
Suicide is leading cause of death for young people in Europe, new research shows
Research from the EU think tank also found that in Ireland, “significant” mental health issues exist – largely due to economic and housing pressures.
jrnl.ie
September 2, 2025 at 9:26 PM
‘Lower socioeconomic groups, people working in healthcare and social services, and marginalised groups face a higher risk of poor mental health’. Suicide is leading cause of death for young people in Europe, new research shows jrnl.ie/6805543
Reposted by Lucy Michael
Governments should not lose sight of their human rights obligations when negotiating deals to transfer asylum, return and border control functions to other countries, the Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner has warned. @commissionerhr.coe.int
Externalised migration policies ‘may lead to human rights violations’
Governments should not lose sight of their human rights obligations when negotiating deals to transfer asylum, return and border control functions to other countries, the Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner has warned.
www.irishlegal.com
September 4, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Governments should not lose sight of their human rights obligations when negotiating deals to transfer asylum, return and border control functions to other countries, the Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner has warned. @commissionerhr.coe.int
Reposted by Lucy Michael
Irish NGOs Afri & Comhlámh, "are urging all Irish civil society organisations & concerned individuals to use their voices now to end Ireland's complicity in genocide of Palestinians & to demand urgent government action", including that Ireland join the Hague Group
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Sign Our Urgent Civil Society Open Letter: Ireland Must Join the Hague Group to End Complicity in the Genocide of the Palestinian People
We are asking Irish civil society organisations to:
Add your name to the open letter to all TDs and Senators (below) calling for Ireland to join the Hague Group before the deadline.
Share this call wi...
docs.google.com
August 26, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Irish NGOs Afri & Comhlámh, "are urging all Irish civil society organisations & concerned individuals to use their voices now to end Ireland's complicity in genocide of Palestinians & to demand urgent government action", including that Ireland join the Hague Group
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
In today's @irishexaminer.bsky.social , Siobhan Kangataran addresses recent racist attacks.
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Siobhán Kangataran: Our migrant communities need your voice
The people who are immune from a crisis have the best ability to effect change — it's not enough to be non-racist, you must be actively anti-racist
www.irishexaminer.com
August 20, 2025 at 7:48 AM
In today's @irishexaminer.bsky.social , Siobhan Kangataran addresses recent racist attacks.
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Reposted by Lucy Michael
Part 2 of our series looking at threats to our native seals. This one beggars belief, especially after the outrage in 2022 when a seal pup was killed after being picked up by a tourist for a selfie 😔 ⬇️
Tourists are disturbing Ireland’s largest grey seal colony by flying drones and picking up pups for selfies. The latest in our series looking at threats to the protected species by @trishdevlin.bsky.social
http://www.thejournal.ie/tourists-drones-selfies-seals-6787750-Aug2025/
http://www.thejournal.ie/tourists-drones-selfies-seals-6787750-Aug2025/
Snap happy tourists harming seals by picking up pups for selfies and flying drones
Tourists visiting the Great Blasket Island are causing ‘almost daily’ incidents’ leading to seals abandoning young, The Journal Investigates can reveal.
www.thejournal.ie
August 14, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Part 2 of our series looking at threats to our native seals. This one beggars belief, especially after the outrage in 2022 when a seal pup was killed after being picked up by a tourist for a selfie 😔 ⬇️
Reposted by Lucy Michael
A few weeks ago while I was on vacation in Copenhagen (a wonderful city!) I went to the museum of Danish Resistance - both because I was interested in Denmark’s unique history during WW2 and to find out if there was anything to learn about our country’s slide into authoritarianism. 🧵 1/?
August 14, 2025 at 10:51 PM
A few weeks ago while I was on vacation in Copenhagen (a wonderful city!) I went to the museum of Danish Resistance - both because I was interested in Denmark’s unique history during WW2 and to find out if there was anything to learn about our country’s slide into authoritarianism. 🧵 1/?
Reposted by Lucy Michael
NEW: More than half a dozen prominent authors have pulled out of the Bendigo Writers Festival after being told to sign a code of conduct that would inhibit criticism of Israel.
www.deepcutnews.com/p/authors-wi...
www.deepcutnews.com/p/authors-wi...
Authors withdraw from Bendigo Writers Festival over anti-Palestinian 'censorship'
Festival organisers sought compliance with controversial definition of antisemitism that includes criticism of Israel
www.deepcutnews.com
August 14, 2025 at 6:15 AM
NEW: More than half a dozen prominent authors have pulled out of the Bendigo Writers Festival after being told to sign a code of conduct that would inhibit criticism of Israel.
www.deepcutnews.com/p/authors-wi...
www.deepcutnews.com/p/authors-wi...
Reposted by Lucy Michael
Working with refugees or international protection applicants and want to upskill?
A small number of spaces left on our new micro-credential at UCD!
50% subsidies available for eligible learners
www.ucd.ie/microcredent...
A small number of spaces left on our new micro-credential at UCD!
50% subsidies available for eligible learners
www.ucd.ie/microcredent...
Working with People of Refugee Background - UCD Micro-credentials
This is an introductory module, aimed at people who are relatively new to working with people of refugee background.
www.ucd.ie
August 14, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Working with refugees or international protection applicants and want to upskill?
A small number of spaces left on our new micro-credential at UCD!
50% subsidies available for eligible learners
www.ucd.ie/microcredent...
A small number of spaces left on our new micro-credential at UCD!
50% subsidies available for eligible learners
www.ucd.ie/microcredent...
A significant part of our work at lucymichael.ie is reporting on human rights and equality in Ireland for the EU Fundamental Rights Agency.
We regularly conduct desk-based reviews and field studies for EU FRA on a wide range of rights issues as part of the FRANET 27-country research network.
We regularly conduct desk-based reviews and field studies for EU FRA on a wide range of rights issues as part of the FRANET 27-country research network.
Lucy Michael Research, Training and Consultancy – Providing bespoke research and training solutions for an evidence-led approach to equality
Providing bespoke research and training solutions for an evidence-led approach to equality
lucymichael.ie
August 14, 2025 at 10:08 PM
A significant part of our work at lucymichael.ie is reporting on human rights and equality in Ireland for the EU Fundamental Rights Agency.
We regularly conduct desk-based reviews and field studies for EU FRA on a wide range of rights issues as part of the FRANET 27-country research network.
We regularly conduct desk-based reviews and field studies for EU FRA on a wide range of rights issues as part of the FRANET 27-country research network.
Minister for Integration Colm Brophy hopes incoming Garda Commissioner will prioritize racism attacks, but denies that a crackdown on immigration was emboldening people who might attack migrants.
Minister for Integration Colm Brophy hopes incoming Garda Commissioner will prioritize racism attacks, but denies that a crackdown on immigration was emboldening people who might attack migrants. | Dr...
Minister for Integration Colm Brophy hopes incoming Garda Commissioner will prioritize racism attacks, but denies that a crackdown on immigration was emboldening people who might attack migrants.
http...
www.linkedin.com
August 14, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Minister for Integration Colm Brophy hopes incoming Garda Commissioner will prioritize racism attacks, but denies that a crackdown on immigration was emboldening people who might attack migrants.
Reposted by Lucy Michael
Jones has lost control of his media empire to a newly-appointed receiver who will sell it off to pay the Sandy Hook Elementary School families who sued Jones for defamation after the 2012 shootings.
Infowars conspiracist Alex Jones is a big step closer to losing his studio and brand
Jones has lost control of his media empire to a newly-appointed receiver who will sell it off to pay the Sandy Hook Elementary School families who sued Jones for defamation after the 2012 shootings.
n.pr
August 14, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Jones has lost control of his media empire to a newly-appointed receiver who will sell it off to pay the Sandy Hook Elementary School families who sued Jones for defamation after the 2012 shootings.
Reposted by Lucy Michael
Despite demographic changes in N. Ireland, the PSNI is completely unrepresentative in religious & black and ethnic representation. The post-conflict arrangement of 50/50 recruitment was dropped and they've engaged in egregious discriminatory policing unchecked.
'A police force for all communities'
'A police force for all communities'
Catholic PSNI officers one and half times more likely to be investigated for misconduct
Snapshot of internal police investigations show apparent imbalance
www.irishnews.com
August 14, 2025 at 6:22 AM
Despite demographic changes in N. Ireland, the PSNI is completely unrepresentative in religious & black and ethnic representation. The post-conflict arrangement of 50/50 recruitment was dropped and they've engaged in egregious discriminatory policing unchecked.
'A police force for all communities'
'A police force for all communities'
Reposted by Lucy Michael
We even have some real world experimental data on what happens when a government compels tech to open a surveillance backdoor, from the US.
There, in Nov 2024, it turned out that Chinese spies had also strolled through that same backdoor and were using it to track millions of phones.
There, in Nov 2024, it turned out that Chinese spies had also strolled through that same backdoor and were using it to track millions of phones.
August 13, 2025 at 7:53 AM
We even have some real world experimental data on what happens when a government compels tech to open a surveillance backdoor, from the US.
There, in Nov 2024, it turned out that Chinese spies had also strolled through that same backdoor and were using it to track millions of phones.
There, in Nov 2024, it turned out that Chinese spies had also strolled through that same backdoor and were using it to track millions of phones.
Reposted by Lucy Michael
If you need more ideas on how to explain to a TD (who may get their secretary to print out emails and then handwrites the replies in fountain pen) why this is a bad idea, I have a few extra ones here (no paywall)
www.thegist.ie/the-gist-a-b...
www.thegist.ie/the-gist-a-b...
The Gist: A Bad State of Affairs
This week, the talk has been about empowering the state. This is the Gist.
www.thegist.ie
August 13, 2025 at 7:49 AM
If you need more ideas on how to explain to a TD (who may get their secretary to print out emails and then handwrites the replies in fountain pen) why this is a bad idea, I have a few extra ones here (no paywall)
www.thegist.ie/the-gist-a-b...
www.thegist.ie/the-gist-a-b...
Reposted by Lucy Michael
Please read this piece by the irreplaceable Olga Cronin explaining why the Government’s plans to legislate to break encryption are a Bad Idea, and then explain it by email (good), phone call (better) or personal visit (amazing) to your local TDs.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Opinion: Letting gardaí access our WhatsApps and chats to investigate crime could backfire
Forcing companies to create access pathways would insert vulnerabilities that could be exploited
www.irishtimes.com
August 13, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Please read this piece by the irreplaceable Olga Cronin explaining why the Government’s plans to legislate to break encryption are a Bad Idea, and then explain it by email (good), phone call (better) or personal visit (amazing) to your local TDs.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Reposted by Lucy Michael
This latest madcap Internet plan from the Irish Govt will have EU-wide consequences as many of the most critical encrypted messaging systems companies are based here.
Use Apple’s iMessage or Meta’s WhatsApp in the EU?
You should be contacting your Govt and getting them to object to Ireland’s plan.
Use Apple’s iMessage or Meta’s WhatsApp in the EU?
You should be contacting your Govt and getting them to object to Ireland’s plan.
Please read this piece by the irreplaceable Olga Cronin explaining why the Government’s plans to legislate to break encryption are a Bad Idea, and then explain it by email (good), phone call (better) or personal visit (amazing) to your local TDs.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Opinion: Letting gardaí access our WhatsApps and chats to investigate crime could backfire
Forcing companies to create access pathways would insert vulnerabilities that could be exploited
www.irishtimes.com
August 13, 2025 at 7:57 AM
This latest madcap Internet plan from the Irish Govt will have EU-wide consequences as many of the most critical encrypted messaging systems companies are based here.
Use Apple’s iMessage or Meta’s WhatsApp in the EU?
You should be contacting your Govt and getting them to object to Ireland’s plan.
Use Apple’s iMessage or Meta’s WhatsApp in the EU?
You should be contacting your Govt and getting them to object to Ireland’s plan.
Reposted by Lucy Michael
BREAKING: A federal appeals court affirmed that Louisiana's state legislative districts dilute the power of Black voters and must be redrawn.
August 14, 2025 at 5:35 PM
BREAKING: A federal appeals court affirmed that Louisiana's state legislative districts dilute the power of Black voters and must be redrawn.
Reposted by Lucy Michael
The latest spate of attacks on Indian people is simply the outworking of a renormalisation of racism within our public discourse.
August 9, 2025 at 8:42 AM
The latest spate of attacks on Indian people is simply the outworking of a renormalisation of racism within our public discourse.
Reposted by Lucy Michael
The vigilante group are now raging that the PSNI are patrolling the areas they are operating in.
August 14, 2025 at 11:52 AM
The vigilante group are now raging that the PSNI are patrolling the areas they are operating in.
Reposted by Lucy Michael
“We’re here to talk about A levels”
“Free Palestine the BBC is complicit” 💀💀
“Free Palestine the BBC is complicit” 💀💀
August 14, 2025 at 2:19 PM
“We’re here to talk about A levels”
“Free Palestine the BBC is complicit” 💀💀
“Free Palestine the BBC is complicit” 💀💀
Policy research role, Dublin - apply by 3 Sept.
1 year contract, 3 days a week, Dublin. #hiring
Research in equality, integration, human rights and justice. Postgraduate degree and research experience essential.
Applications encouraged from underrepresented groups.
lucymichael.ie/contact/vaca...
1 year contract, 3 days a week, Dublin. #hiring
Research in equality, integration, human rights and justice. Postgraduate degree and research experience essential.
Applications encouraged from underrepresented groups.
lucymichael.ie/contact/vaca...
Vacancies – Lucy Michael Research, Training and Consultancy
Providing bespoke research and training solutions for an evidence-led approach to equality
lucymichael.ie
August 14, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Policy research role, Dublin - apply by 3 Sept.
1 year contract, 3 days a week, Dublin. #hiring
Research in equality, integration, human rights and justice. Postgraduate degree and research experience essential.
Applications encouraged from underrepresented groups.
lucymichael.ie/contact/vaca...
1 year contract, 3 days a week, Dublin. #hiring
Research in equality, integration, human rights and justice. Postgraduate degree and research experience essential.
Applications encouraged from underrepresented groups.
lucymichael.ie/contact/vaca...
Reposted by Lucy Michael
@migrantsrights.bsky.social found the 4 UK post codes subjected to the highest rate of immigration raids & enforcement are in N. Ireland and routes in and out of NI.
BT3 (Belfast – Airport & Port)
BT29 (Airport)
CH41 (Birkenhead – Ferry to N. Ireland)
DG9 (Stranraer – Ferry to N. Ireland) [2/2]
BT3 (Belfast – Airport & Port)
BT29 (Airport)
CH41 (Birkenhead – Ferry to N. Ireland)
DG9 (Stranraer – Ferry to N. Ireland) [2/2]
July 22, 2025 at 5:13 PM
@migrantsrights.bsky.social found the 4 UK post codes subjected to the highest rate of immigration raids & enforcement are in N. Ireland and routes in and out of NI.
BT3 (Belfast – Airport & Port)
BT29 (Airport)
CH41 (Birkenhead – Ferry to N. Ireland)
DG9 (Stranraer – Ferry to N. Ireland) [2/2]
BT3 (Belfast – Airport & Port)
BT29 (Airport)
CH41 (Birkenhead – Ferry to N. Ireland)
DG9 (Stranraer – Ferry to N. Ireland) [2/2]