punters to be criminalised for buying sex...

[ber]

I fully expect the law to be changed regarding this,the only thing i thought it might happen in the medium to long term but now
im not so sure. I see where Pat Rabbitt said he would be pushing for leglislation on the matter and seeing as most probably he
will be a minister in the next goverment it may happen more quickly than anticipated. As regards the website that would most
definitely be still illegal here, as only the ladies would be decriminalised ,not third parties profiting from it

[Bruno69]

I think the need is too great and the business too lucrative for new legislation to stamp it out. Although judging by the fears expressed by some regular punters here, clearly there will be an impact. I'm a self-confessed addict, so i'll take a high level of risk and it won't stop me.

My immediate thought on reading this thread is, what level of proof is required to prosecute?

Do you need to be caught in the act? And by the act I mean handing over the money, or there being evidence through messages of a financial transaction being agreed?

If so we will find ways to protect ourselves from this. Love will find a way :-)

And by the way, as you might be aware from previous discussions, I do fully support the drive to stamp out trafficking and sexual exploitation. I think there needs to be a sensible debate on this. However this is difficult because to debate in favour of prostitution makes you a marked man and open to abuse and damage to your career and personal life.

If there are people reading this who are interested in the punters viewpoint, I'm open to some level of confidential discussion.

As things stand, I dont think is any need for panic just yet.

[Fitzy]

If the law is changed down here south of the border how do the laws stand up north

[Bruno69]

If the law is changed down here south of the border how do the laws stand up north

Ah yes, shopping in the North.

I'm getting a vision of a bus tour service to Newry.
It will be called the Punter-Wagon.
On the way up, a selection of Jessica Loveit DVDs will be shown.
There will also be a trolley service offering drinks and a selection of envelopes and thank-you cards ( still makes me chuckle) and a range of small gift items such as perfumes and expensive looking but surprisingly inexpensive Celtic jewellery from Newbridge!

A beaureu de change service will also be available but at punitive rates.

While we are out having fun, a local sinn fein rep will sweep the bus for bugs, and on arrival back on the bus, we will be presented with 2 shopping bags, one containing 20 cans of heineken and the other a small electrical item. This will provide us with a cover story if the bus is boarded by the Gardai at the border on the way back.

A microphone will be passed around on the return journey, where punters will be requested to give a public 'review', have a squabble about the mods or to give us an oul song!

[Morpheus]

I think the need is too great and the business too lucrative for new legislation to stamp it out.

I'm a self-confessed addict, so i'll take a high level of risk and it won't stop me.

My immediate thought on reading this thread is, what level of proof is required to prosecute?

However this is difficult because to debate in favour of prostitution makes you a marked man and open to abuse and damage to your career and personal life.

Good points Bruno.

The fact that the need is too great and the industry lucrative - will I fear, only drive it further underground (and make it far more expensive because of the greater risk).

Like yourself, I'm a self confessed addict but would have too much to lose from being exposed. Hence I'll probably end up taking lots of weekend breaks to the U.K. and other parts of the continent such as Amsterdam. (Which would be such a waste seeing as my best punting experiences have all been in Ireland).

I think the strength of this new legislation is that they won't need much evidence to prosecute. Evidence of calls to escorts, internet usage of escorts sites - may all be used (I think). I also think that the real aim would be to embarass punters and therefore letters addressed to one's home or work address from the prosecutor general informing one of a summons to appear in court will do this. No need to gain a conviction there - damage will already be done (at least certainly in my case).

Lastly I full agree with your last point that we pretty much have our hands tied when it comes to public debate! I mean which of us would be willing to risk all and go public to defend "safe levels of escorting" as with E-I.

I'm not panicking ...yet. Just depressed about the whole thing. I can see a major joy/pleasure in my life being taken away..and unlike other 'political' issues I can't really fight for it publically.

[Morpheus]

Ah yes, shopping in the North.

I'm getting a vision of a bus tour service to Newry.
It will be called the Punter-Wagon.
On the way up, a selection of Jessica Loveit DVDs will be shown.
There will also be a trolley service offering drinks and a selection of envelopes and thank-you cards ( still makes me chuckle) and a range of small gift items such as perfumes and expensive looking but surprisingly inexpensive Celtic jewellery from Newbridge!

A beaureu de change service will also be available but at punitive rates.

While we are out having fun, a local sinn fein rep will sweep the bus for bugs, and on arrival back on the bus, we will be presented with 2 shopping bags, one containing 20 cans of heineken and the other a small electrical item. This will provide us with a cover story if the bus is boarded by the Gardai at the border on the way back.

A microphone will be passed around on the return journey, where punters will be requested to give a public 'review', have a squabble about the mods or to give us an oul song!

Excellent!!! Classic!! I love it!......Problem solved. As with everything ...we just go North of the border like in the good old days!

[Fitzy]

Ah Bruno shopping trips up north brings back fond memories.

[Bruno69]

Ah Bruno shopping trips up north brings back fond memories.

Let me guess, a bus full of oul ones on the way to Jonesborough?

[Fitzy]

Let me guess, a bus full of oul ones on the way to Jonesborough?

Chasing the oul bargain.

[Bruno69]

I think some sense will actually prevail before any legislation is passed and Im genuinely open to taking part in a debate 'behind closed doors'. I'm just not willing to talk about it on the Late Late Show. It would be inappropriate as I'm already hosting it!