George Lee to run for Fine Gael In Dublin South.

The White Rose

dvpower wrote: »

Aren't TDs supposed to represent their own (local) constuitents? If not, then we should move to having one national constituency.

I don't think anyone here is defending the the current position where TDs spend their days trying to get potholes filled or trying to get hospital appointments for local people, or even selling their votes to the highest bidder like Tony Gregory or Jackie Healy Ray, but surely they should represent their constituency as a whole (e.g. TDs representing working class areas would represent the needs of working class people).

That said, George Lee in South Dublin would be representing senior bankers, property developers and the like.;)

So only property developers and bank managers live in South Dublin?

Not true, there are all kinds of people living there- there is the kind of attitude that a lot of people who live outside South Dublin have. Lee will be a great addition, we need more like him. Brennan's link to Anglo will doom him (if he wasnt doomed anyway)

kippy

SkepticOne wrote: »

He made a programme a few years ago called Boom in which he showed how shaky the basis of the post 2000 economy was. One thing I remember him saying was that two thirds of new jobs for men since 2000 were in construction; two thirds of new jobs for women since 2000 were in the public sector. He was one of the few pointing out this sort of thing at a time when people were often openly hostile to anything that wasn't 100% positive about the economy.

You can still watch the programme here:

http://www.rte.ie/business/features/boom/

Only three years ago, but a almost different country.

I remember that. It was very prophetic, he wasnt the only economist highlighting the issues. In fairness he seems to want to get involved in the solution. Hopefully others like him have the same bravery, cos it IS a brave move.

gandalf

kraggy wrote: »

All parties have done that in the past.

A prime example is that of the party which is putting forth George Lee. Simon Coveney took over the seat of his father for Fine Gael.

Exactly in the past and it is nice to see hopefully that is ending.

From my perspective the party most guilty of perpetuating parish politics in this country is Fianna Fail, with complete dynasties of families making up some of their numbers. I would question how these people can relate to the ordinary people of this country when their life experience consisted of growing up in political households.

This would be one major reason I welcome someone from outside the political arena like George Lee getting involved. It helps to strengthen the weakened genetics of Irish Politics and help us move away from the incestuous watering down of the politics of this country from the pathetic feudal-like "hand me down culture" that has infused our major parties.

unwyse

george should be made high king of ireland with absolute power to do what he sees fit to sort out this kip of a country.rock on george, next stop,who knows where? you deffo have my no1.

MikeC101

Jip wrote: »

The mans an economist, an area that is seen as pseudo-science by many people, he's got no practicial experience in anything like this.

Unlike our current crop, who have such excellent practical experience in things like "how to get the most from your travel expenses", "how to effectively take bribes", "how to pad out those unvouched expenses", "how to get the oul plannin' permission sorted out for your local business man", and last but not least "how to inherit daddy's seat".

That's the problem - they've so much practical experience in how things operate that they're too bloody busy using it to their own advantage, and have no new ideas or fresh perspectives on anything.

dave-higgz

unwyse wrote: »

george should be made high king of ireland with absolute power to do what he sees fit to sort out this kip of a country.rock on george, next stop,who knows where? you deffo have my no1.

Taoiseach George Lee :rolleyes:
That remains to be seen.

Assuming George gets in and the public have their way in knocking Enda Kenny off the leadership, we might see something like this next election.

Taoiseach Richard Bruton
Minister for Finance George Lee

2 economists is a hell of a lot better than 2 Brians with no Brains

nuttz

Why do I get the feeling I am in After Hours?

dvpower

dvpower wrote: »

That said, George Lee in South Dublin would be representing senior bankers, property developers and the like.;)

dave-higgz wrote: »

What do you take him for? For years he's reported on the issues facing ordinary people.

...

You say it like there's money to be made by helping these people, and yes if he were to help property developers the backhand cash would be substantial.
...

Also why does his running in South Dublin bare a representation of senior bankers etc.? Sure it has a relatively wealthy demographic however you'll find Ballsbridge are Donnybrook and in Dublin South East. Also George is from Templeogue, hardly a rich place and he attended a public school. Even at that it's clear he doesn't want to represent the constituency, he wants to represent the country and while he may not take interest in our local need, most people will be more than happy to vote for someone who has a track record and who may just solve everybody's problems. Not just those of Dublin South

The White Rose wrote: »

So only property developers and bank managers live in South Dublin?

Not true, there are all kinds of people living there- there is the kind of attitude that a lot of people who live outside South Dublin have.

Jeez. I did use a smiley winkey thing. It was supposed to indicate humour, maybe sarcasm. No need to get up on a high horse.

What do you people want? (Rethorical question, no need to respond.)

dave-higgz

dvpower wrote: »

Jeez. I did use a smiley winkey thing. It was supposed to indicate humour, maybe sarcasm. No need to get up on a high horse.

What do you people want? (Rethorical question, no need to respond.)

Sorry I misinterpreted that. But people might assume that and I just wanted to set the record straight. To be fair there are some posh cnuts in my area however since the boom every constituency has a similar % of people driving Range Rovers :pac:

NewDubliner

dave-higgz wrote: »

Assuming George gets in and the public have their way in knocking Enda Kenny off the leadership, we might see something like this next election.

Good be a good tactic for FG to cultivate the Dublin vote.

garbanzo

Clever move by FG alright. Too many non-experts with no relevant experience in the Dáil already. However I fear he will get tied up by the system and end up achieving nothing. Who was it said ... "all political careers end in failure" ? In fairness I wish him well as he seems like an honest, say it as he sees it sorta guy. That'll be a real and welcome change in Irish political circles.

He's standing in my constituency so I'll have the option of voting for him. If he calls to my door I'll give him a few bars of " . . . up the right wing up the left wing up the centre to the line. When we meet them we will beat them Templeogue (College) you're doing fine " just for old time's sake.

F*ck The Gick'

G_R

its been said before but ill say it again,

im delighted to see someone running who actually has expertise in a field that is relevant to getting this country out of the hole its in. I really hope (if he gets elected) he isnt held back by party politics.

If FG get back in power nxt time round (which in fairness is lookin pretty likely) and he is put in a position where he can actually do something and influence policy/decisions then he might jus help pull us out of this mess.

and as for local politics (i kno its off topic but i had to say something) voting for X cos u went to school wih his sister and cos he promised to get the NRA to fill the pothole outside your gaf is not the way to decide who runs out country for god sake. thats what the local elections are for. clues in the name local and national.:D

grumpytrousers

Enoch Powell. He said 'all political careers end in failure'; funny, i was just thinking that as a reply to Sleepys comment earlier about whether Inda would get the F out now and let Bruton and Lee be the finance Torpedo Twins after the elections.

So long as Lee doesn't make any bold promises to unilaterally deliver us from economic meltdown, we'll be okay. It's not his stock in trade. What he appears to have shown is an ability not to get caught up in 'hype'; admittedly this was during his career as a journalist and within the confines of the party system, he might be caught having to toe a line rather than tell it exactly as it is.

I suspect he might be given the latitude to say whatever he thinks on matters economic, as he will effectively be the economic powerhouse within the party. I mean, obviously, there'll be other advisors, but he's bound to have stipulated that there be a 'no numpties' rule in there somewhere!

ninty9er

The Biff wrote: »

If you want "damning" evidence against Political Nepotism ....

Brian Cowen - succeeded his father Ber.
Brian Lenihan - succeeded his father Brian.
Mary Coughlan - succeeded her father Cathal.

It's time we got TD's whose Qualifications for the Role are cast a bit higher than that.

---

Edit: I see gizmo555 got in before me. It took me that long to find my old password.

If you want to play that game look at the FG front bench too
Enda Kenny - > son of Henry
Olwyn Enright - > Son of Tom
Joe McHugh - > husband of Olwyn Enright (recent controversy of both claiming overnight expenses)
Simon Coveney - > son of Hugh
Richard Bruton - > brother of John
Kieran O'Donnell - > nephew of Tom
Denis Naughton - > son of Liam
John Deasy - > son of Austin

Gay Mitchell MEP - > brother of Jim

Nora Owen - > sister of Mary Banotti, MEP and FG presidential candidate.

If you want to point fingers, which I don't think it makes a difference, relatives of politicians have to prove themselves to the public to get elected, you should at least stop the pretence that it applies only to FF.

None of this matters...people succeed their parents in all types of careers, if they want to do it in politics, so be it.

Rebeller wrote: »

Exactly. He has always seemed like an honest, plain-talking type of guy. He came across as very passionate during his time on Liveline this afternoon and at one stage seemed on the verge of tears.

Irish politics lacks individuals with passion, drive, idealism and above all else vision. While certainly not the answer to all our problems, George Lee will be a welcome alternative to the typical parish-pump, gombeen politicians that have made this nation what it is.

I think our political system needs more talented "outsiders" such as George.

I wish him the best of luck!

He's part of the system now, only time will tell on that front. I wish him all the best, but obviously I wish Maria or Shay (whichever wins the convention) better. Yes that's partisan, but then again, I am.

The White Rose wrote: »

So only property developers and bank managers live in South Dublin?

Not true, there are all kinds of people living there- there is the kind of attitude that a lot of people who live outside South Dublin have. Lee will be a great addition, we need more like him. Brennan's link to Anglo will doom him (if he wasnt doomed anyway)

Throwing the Anglo link at Brennan will backfire for any politician who tries to use it to their advantage, just as using Bertie's murky finances backfired on Enda. Addressing the opponent only proves one thing, you have nothing worthwhile to say about yourself. This has been tried and has failed countless times at all levels of elections, from Credit Unions to national politics.

People DO NOT WANT TO HEAR why the other guy is crap, they want to hear why you are good, without relating to the opponent at all preferrably.

Wheely

ninty9er wrote: »

People DO NOT WANT TO HEAR why the other guy is crap, .

I dont know.It worked pretty successfully for karl rove for a long time

murphaph

ninty9er wrote: »

None of this matters...people succeed their parents in all types of careers, if they want to do it in politics, so be it.

Ugh, I hate to hear people talk of politics as a career. That's what's wrong with most politicians-they view it as a job, rather than a public service.

The_Minister

Does anyone know how long he has had this arranged?

I'd like to know how long RTE's leading economist has been lanning to run for a political party for.

yoshytoshy

murphaph wrote: »

Ugh, I hate to hear people talk of politics as a career. That's what's wrong with most politicians-they view it as a job, rather than a public service.

I can never understand why politicians need to be payed so much money ,in a neutral country like ireland

Obviously people like obama and brown are putting their lives at risk ,with terrorist threats and lack of privacy.
But why so much money needs to be paid here for ?
And fookin more holidays than principle skinner to boot.

People like george lee will give some value to the money that politicians are paid.

thebigcheese22

I have mixed feelings over this....

As a Labour supporter, I felt that Alex White had a superb chance at this seat, he's been campaigning for months and I think its unfair that FG parachute in Lee with a month to go. I still hope and pray White gets it, as he is one of the most competent Senators in the House IMO and should be in the Dail.

On the other hand I think Lee will make a good politician if he keeps in line with his broadcasting ethos, regardless of his party. I won't be happy if FG win it, but at least its not FF. Although I still think (and hope) White will win the seat.

ninty9er

murphaph wrote: »

Ugh, I hate to hear people talk of politics as a career. That's what's wrong with most politicians-they view it as a job, rather than a public service.

From a Human Resources perspective, you should view every job as a career step if you are to be successful at it. It's not wrong to treat politics as a career, it's wrong not to apply yourself to it, which I think is more the issue you're getting at.

Public service and a career are not polar opposites.

Belfast

Is George lee going to earn more or less in the Dail than he did in RTE ?

RTE's top earners - figures published
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=157829

George Lee €89,902 as reported in 2000

guinnessdrinker

Belfast wrote: »

Is George lee going to earn more or less in the Dail than he did in RTE ?

RTE's top earners - figures published
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=157829

George Lee €89,902 as reported in 2000

He has left his RTE job and is not guaranteed to be elected to the Dail. You seem to think he is guaranteed a seat in the Dail.

Belfast

guinnessdrinker wrote: »

He has left his RTE job and is not guaranteed to be elected to the Dail. You seem to think he is guaranteed a seat in the Dail.

Nothing is sure in Politics. I was wondering what he could earn in politics as a TD compared to what he was earning in RTE.
I suspect as a TD if he would earn less.

I think he has gone to Politics not for personnel gain to to try an improve the Irish economy.

Not sure how well he will fit in to Fine Geal, unless they change their economic policy.

He seem to be having trouble fitting in in RTE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obnGVSf6-gA

Question how did we move from crisis to Cathastrophy.
Answer Its a hard question to answer and keep your job in RTE.

murphaph

Lee must surely earn a lot more than 90k in 2009. That was 9 years ago he was on that.

Anyway, the man has given up a cushy number in RTE (he can't realistically go back no matter what anyone says) and is doing what he feels right for the country.

If we had more George Lees and fewer Beverly Flynns we'd possibly never have gotten into this mess. I'm glad the man is entering politics and hope he can keep the slimy lobby groups away from himself.

FDR came from a well to do background (not that George is 'posh' but he is certainly from a 'good home') and on the whole managed to do the right thing by the ordinary poor people.

Best of luck to George Lee I say. If FG want to be taken seriously though, they have to ditch the Mayo teacher.

irish_bob

Belfast wrote: »

Nothing is sure in Politics. I was wondering what he could earn in politics as a TD compared to what he was earning in RTE.
I suspect as a TD if he would earn less.

I think he has gone to Politics not for personnel gain to to try an improve the Irish economy.

Not sure how well he will fit in to Fine Geal, unless they change their economic policy.

what makes you say that , are george lees opinions on economic matters that different to fine gaels

The_Minister

irish_bob wrote: »

what makes you say that , are george lees opinions on economic matters that different to fine gaels

Right now, Ireland is in a "policy corset" (who recognises the quote?).

We can't tax to fill the deficit, so we will have to cut spending.

So far, FG have pretty much dodged this, by talking about "inefficiencies" as if improvements in efficiency could solve the crisis.

If Lee is doing this for the right reasons, then he will push a far stronger line than FG is pushing now, which could lead to conflict.

Or he could have sold out to Fine Gael, and will back their economic plans unreservedly.

JonathanAnon

murphaph wrote: »

Lee must surely earn a lot more than 90k in 2009. That was 9 years ago he was on that.

90k, Jesus no wonder the economy is in the state it's in ;-)

Seriously though, I think it's a complete conflict of interest that he has been reporting on the economy during the run up to an election. People might say, the run up hasnt started yet, but George has had control of pretty much all of the reporting on the economy for the last year. All of this has been negative and critical of the government (i.e. now his competition). I like George but this is wrong.

Regarding losing his job, I would think that he will be brought back in to RTE should he lose the election.

The_Minister

JonathanAnon wrote: »

Seriously though, I think it's a complete conflict of interest that he has been reporting on the economy during the run up to an election. People might say, the run up hasnt started yet, but George has had control of pretty much all of the reporting on the economy for the last year. All of this has been negative and critical of the government (i.e. now his competition). I like George but this is wrong.

That would my problem too.
I think he might be a good man to have in the Dail (although I really think that people tend to confuse journalist with expert), but if this deal was made a while ago then it represents a huge conflict of interest.

yoshytoshy

In a report today ,it said his annual salary was €150K

ninty9er

The_Minister wrote: »

That would my problem too.
I think he might be a good man to have in the Dail (although I really think that people tend to confuse journalist with expert), but if this deal was made a while ago then it represents a huge conflict of interest.

Considering it'll cost him in the region of €10k to run a general election campaign, if George is living in the real world he will have thought this out for months and months, and he has been commentating the entire time.

That said, Eddie Hobbs previously said, did he not, that if he were to become a politician he would run for FF. This when he was castigating the govenment. He obviously has views beyond picking the opposition for the sake of picking the opposition.

The_Minister

Eddie Hobbs is a FG'er I thought, as is Moore McDowell?

Darragh29

The rats are starting to really come out of the gutter now!

Source: http://www.independent.ie/national-news/fury-at-lee-coup-by-fg-as-cowen-faces-poll-hit-1729632.html

Apparently RTE and FF are both furious that George Lee has decided to put himself forward for election, pointing to the source of their anger being a possible bias in his recent reporting of the economy.

It is difficult to see why RTE felt the need to comment on the possibility of him running for election at any juncture, the constitution provides for qualified citizens to put themselves up for election if they want to and it doesn't mention anything about having to consult your employer beforehand.

Our economy has been managed/driven/directed into a crash by the same useless shower of blubbering retards that have been running the country for the last 12 years, you don't have to be the fu*king RTE Economics Editor to see that!!!

ninty9er

Darragh29 wrote: »

The rats are starting to really come out of the gutter now!

Source: http://www.independent.ie/national-news/fury-at-lee-coup-by-fg-as-cowen-faces-poll-hit-1729632.html

Apparently RTE and FF are both furious that George Lee has decided to put himself forward for election, pointing to the source of their anger being a possible bias in his recent reporting of the economy.

It is difficult to see why RTE felt the need to comment on the possibility of him running for election at any juncture, the constitution provides for qualified citizens to put themselves up for election if they want to and it doesn't mention anything about having to consult your employer beforehand.

Our economy has been managed/driven/directed into a crash by the same useless shower of blubbering retards that have been running the country for the last 12 years, you don't have to be the fu*king RTE Economics Editor to see that!!!

But if you've been shouting it for 6 years on the national broadcaster, then decide to go for the "I told you so" and subsequently run for election within 6 months, you have corrupted your profile for political gain...or at least someone could argue that quite convoincingly.

That said I don't see why RTÉ has a problem with it, perhaps because they may lose a few more to politics now that George has jumped. Miriam would be one to watch, as would Ryan Tubridy.

dave-higgz

JonathanAnon wrote: »

Regarding losing his job, I would think that he will be brought back in to RTE should he lose the election.

Not going to happen.

The manner in which he left (telling the boss an hour beforehand) has not only deemed him as excommunicated by RTE but even if he were to be accepted back into the journalism ranks his political views are too clear for the national broadcaster. RTE has to be impartial in its reporting and no one will trust him if he is returned as chief economics editor. However another media outlet will jump at the chance to take him onboard should he fail to get elected and should he choose to continue in journalism

thebman

Darragh29 wrote: »

The rats are starting to really come out of the gutter now!

Source: http://www.independent.ie/national-news/fury-at-lee-coup-by-fg-as-cowen-faces-poll-hit-1729632.html

Apparently RTE and FF are both furious that George Lee has decided to put himself forward for election, pointing to the source of their anger being a possible bias in his recent reporting of the economy.

Lol ironic that FF are complaining about RTE bias.

It is difficult to see why RTE felt the need to comment on the possibility of him running for election at any juncture, the constitution provides for qualified citizens to put themselves up for election if they want to and it doesn't mention anything about having to consult your employer beforehand.

Our economy has been managed/driven/directed into a crash by the same useless shower of blubbering retards that have been running the country for the last 12 years, you don't have to be the fu*king RTE Economics Editor to see that!!!

He seems to have chosen to run at a late stage so I don't know what to make off it. I don't think he would have chosen to p*ss off the national broadcaster. That would not be a wise move especially with FF in government and running for the opposition party. RTE could say what they like about him and receive little criticism from the government about not fulfilling their obligations.

RTE are biased anyway so I don't see the problem with it being in FG's favor for a change.

Darragh29

ninty9er wrote: »

But if you've been shouting it for 6 years on the national broadcaster, then decide to go for the "I told you so" and subsequently run for election within 6 months, you have corrupted your profile for political gain...or at least someone could argue that quite convoincingly.

That said I don't see why RTÉ has a problem with it, perhaps because they may lose a few more to politics now that George has jumped. Miriam would be one to watch, as would Ryan Tubridy.

I don't think so at all. He was telling the absolute truth, if anything, it would appear to be the case that it was exactly because of what he was seeing go on in this country, that led to him putting himself forward for office, and not the other way around as people are suggesting and he seems to be at pains to get people to accept this.

It couldn't be argued with any credibility I think that George Lee at any stage allowed his politics to interfere with his job, if anything, it is clear I think by listening to him that it is that his job has influenced his politics to the point where he feels that he can no longer consider himself to be a responsible and honourable Irishman and stand idly by, while the country falls apart.

I knew by listening to him in recent months that he was becoming increasingly frustrated and urgent in his commentary, as the economic situation worsened. He can only be commended for trying to make a positive contribution to the national effort...

thebman

There was a thread on the economics forum a while ago with an interview in which he was asked a question and he said he couldn't remain at RTE and answer the question because he had been told not to answer it by RTE management or something to that effect.

I imagine he got sick of being gagged by RTE and decided he had to air his views and not soften them up and keep his job at RTE.

Ianomcd

It's 24 hours after the announcement that he will quit RTE and I'm still smiling with sheer delight. For George single-handedly did more than anyone else to bring down the mood of this country and incite alarmist carnage in the economy. For years he was preaching his 'bad news economics' knowing that eventually he would be right, because the laws of economics state that booms end and recessions begin (and vice versa). He will now endeavour to preach a pre-boom drum, knowing that (like his recessionary preachings) it will eventually happen and people will believe he was right all along. I am thrilled he is off the airwaves, particularly because it saves me the cost of the 6-month holiday to Tasmania that I was prepared to pay for him to go on. Good riddance to him - let him bring his clouds of doom to a party many would believe are already doomed. He is likely to do to them what he did to the rest of the Irish people. All he ever spoke about were the problems - where were his solutions?

dresden8

Ianomcd wrote: »

because the laws of economics state that booms end and recessions begin

Salient point of post removed.

Darragh29

Ianomcd wrote: »

It's 24 hours after the announcement that he will quit RTE and I'm still smiling with sheer delight. For George single-handedly did more than anyone else to bring down the mood of this country and incite alarmist carnage in the economy. For years he was preaching his 'bad news economics' knowing that eventually he would be right, because the laws of economics state that booms end and recessions begin (and vice versa). He will now endeavour to preach a pre-boom drum, knowing that (like his recessionary preachings) it will eventually happen and people will believe he was right all along. I am thrilled he is off the airwaves, particularly because it saves me the cost of the 6-month holiday to Tasmania that I was prepared to pay for him to go on. Good riddance to him - let him bring his clouds of doom to a party many would believe are already doomed. He is likely to do to them what he did to the rest of the Irish people. All he ever spoke about were the problems - where were his solutions?

You can't blame George Lee for the government of your country deciding to create an artificial and unsustainable property boom by pursuing insane policies in relation to property development and taxation thereof, and you can't blame George Lee for the government of your country running up a 60 billion cost of running your country on a current basis when only 30 billion, 50% of that was actually coming from sustainable tax headings.

The man was only pointing out the obvious, that we were allowing our economy to be driven into a huge hole in the ground. In a few months time when we are even deeper in the sh*ts and the country has run out of cash, maybe you might be a bit more receptive to what he has been saying all along.

GSF

Ianomcd wrote: »

For years he was preaching his 'bad news economics' knowing that eventually he would be right, because the laws of economics state that booms end and recessions begin (and vice versa).

If only we could have kept on building more houses to rent out to immigrant builders who were building more houses to rent out to more immigrant builders. Sure who could predict that it would ever end?

thebman

Ianomcd wrote: »

It's 24 hours after the announcement that he will quit RTE and I'm still smiling with sheer delight. For George single-handedly did more than anyone else to bring down the mood of this country and incite alarmist carnage in the economy. For years he was preaching his 'bad news economics' knowing that eventually he would be right, because the laws of economics state that booms end and recessions begin (and vice versa). He will now endeavour to preach a pre-boom drum, knowing that (like his recessionary preachings) it will eventually happen and people will believe he was right all along. I am thrilled he is off the airwaves, particularly because it saves me the cost of the 6-month holiday to Tasmania that I was prepared to pay for him to go on. Good riddance to him - let him bring his clouds of doom to a party many would believe are already doomed. He is likely to do to them what he did to the rest of the Irish people. All he ever spoke about were the problems - where were his solutions?

lol, good one. I'm just going to assume you for got the /sarcasm

Wheely

Surely everyone has political leanings of some sort or another. Are you guys saying that ANY political/economic/social affairs pundit should be prohibited from going into politics? Sorry but I think that's a bunch of rubbish. Pat Cox left RTE for the PDs. George Lee is obviously going to be an asset to public life in this country, I only wish some more talent would follow his lead, get off the fence and dig in by trying to help. Or should we continue to be content for the same bunch of mediocre hacks to continue flushing the country down the toilet.

And as for those FF whingers, moaning about a possible bias in his coverage before entering political life, GIVE ME A BREAK!!!! At least he's running for election. Eoghan bloody Harris. It AMAZES me the double standards you people practice, it really does.

francish

The easy option for George Lee would have been to sit back on the sidelines with no risk to him personally like many other commentators. While I have disagreed with many of Lee's views down through the years I cannot but admire and welcome his decision.

With regard his relationship with RTE, surely he is entitled to leave when he wants. He has served RTE well down through the years and has not been biased in his opinion. Every journalist in RTE has and is entitled to have a political view. Just because Lee's views are now public should not be an issues, he is absolutely no different to Dobson, Bowman, O'Callaghan, Little etc.

dave-higgz

Wheely wrote: »

Surely everyone has political leanings of some sort or another. Are you guys saying that ANY political/economic/social affairs pundit should be prohibited from going into politics? Sorry but I think that's a bunch of rubbish. Pat Cox left RTE for the PDs. George Lee is obviously going to be an asset to public life in this country, I only wish some more talent would follow his lead, get off the fence and dig in by trying to help. Or should we continue to be content for the same bunch of mediocre hacks to continue flushing the country down the toilet.

And as for those FF whingers, moaning about a possible bias in his coverage before entering political life, GIVE ME A BREAK!!!! At least he's running for election. Eoghan bloody Harris. It AMAZES me the double standards you people practice, it really does.

Speaking of Pat Cox, is history about to repeat itself in any way?

A high profile RTE television celebrity enters politics..........

jimmycrackcorm

If only i'd heard as much from george 6 years ago as in the last 6 months then I wouldn't be thinking how cowardly it is to go for an election now when it's almost a dead cert to win. Opportunism is a wonderful political trait.

old boy

richard bruton as t shoch george lee as bean counter, sounds an awful lot better that the clowns in power.

dave-higgz

old boy wrote: »

richard bruton as t shoch george lee as bean counter, sounds an awful lot better that the clowns in power.

as I said, 2 economists are better than 2 Brian's with no Brains

Euro_Kraut

Wheely wrote: »

It AMAZES me the double standards you people practice, it really does.

In fairness a lot of people are guilty of that. FG were hoping up and down when Harris was appointed. They don't seem as bothered now though.

Its the nature of politics I guess.

Moving away from that issue - what portfolio could Lee expect in the FG front bench? He must have been promised something. He never would have left to be a backbencher.

grumpytrousers

When I heard George Lee was entering politics, i thought of this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_qgVn-Op7Q