James Vincent McMorrow weighs in on government decision to retain clause requiring people to be 'genuinely looking for work' to receive COVID-19 unemployment payment

The Irish government has rejected a Sinn Fein amendment in the Dáil which would remove the clause requiring people to be actively searching for work in order to receive the COVID-19 Unemployment payment, according to RTÉ's David Murphy.

This is a blow to Irish musicians, many of whom are self-employed. The amendment would enable them to continue their creative work during this incredibly uncertain time for the Irish live music industry, with real support from the Irish government.

The sentiment among many musicians has been that the government have not done enough for the arts industry during the Coronavirus crisis. Now, indie pop musician James Vincent McMorrow has weighed in on Twitter, saying: "i've spent the last 2 weeks employing my team 2 rehearse, not because we have shows coming up, but because i'm doing what i can 2 put money in Irish peoples hands so they can ride out the storm. how can they do that w zero govt support, a plan 4 something resembling shows again?"

He continues, clarifying: "& before anyone tries to tell me i'm ranting, i'm not, i understand how nuanced the conversations are, and i'm not out here lobbying solely on behalf of the live music industry. i'm simply saying these governments have asked an awful lot of the people."

This all comes just a day after Luka Bloom announced his reasons for refusing to put his latest album on streaming services, the bulk of which have long been criticised for their typically mediocre to abysmal payout to artists. It also follows Bandcamp's recent announcement that they would continue waiving revenue shares for the first Friday of every month until the end of 2020.

Read Vincent McMorrow's entire Twitter thread below:

this is insane. i work in an industry where the live part of it is literally dead rn w no sign of the govt seeking 2 give it any life. so please explain 2 me how my crew and musicians can genuinely seek work in that industry? as if they can just easily go find work elsewhere? https://t.co/lbD3qvkDOi

— James Vincent McMorrow (@jamesvmcmorrow) July 28, 2020

asking them to simply 'seek work elsewhere', while they trim back or stop payments to them. as if they have a choice in this. and all the while other sectors are allowed to continue working. It's a deeply unfair situation that is emerging, biased for some people, against others.

— James Vincent McMorrow (@jamesvmcmorrow) July 28, 2020

they underfunded vital resources in Ireland 4 years, & in moments of crises they rely on the willing participation of the people. so how about they show some actual leadership, actual honour and fortitude. show me that politician and i'll give them every ounce of support i have

— James Vincent McMorrow (@jamesvmcmorrow) July 28, 2020

me saying shows should happen is me saying that we can be relied on as an industry 2 be professional and put together considered plans that ensure safety is maintained while also putting money in peoples pockets. personally, i would play 2 50 people in a venue that holds 1000

— James Vincent McMorrow (@jamesvmcmorrow) July 28, 2020

i just don't want and won't stand for my industry and it's people being devalued, any more so than those industries would tolerate their workers being devalued.

— James Vincent McMorrow (@jamesvmcmorrow) July 29, 2020

anyways rant over! twitter is no place 4 nuanced conversation so forgive me if i've steamrolled my point. I'm advocating on behalf of my industry behind the scenes as best i can, advocating 4 any1 right now who can't 'genuinely seek work elsewhere'. proud to rant on your behalf

— James Vincent McMorrow (@jamesvmcmorrow) July 29, 2020