Who will get elected

Sizzler

Alan Farrell wrote: »

I have an Audi.

Not exactly an inferior marque either Alan to be fair.

Point being, theres no need to pass comment on other candidates cars or purchasing power, especially given he has a responsible day job and can presumably afford such luxury.

Nodster

Pardon me for butting in, but is it part of a manifesto this time round for candidates NOT to knock on doors? Plenty of leaflets dropped in but Not one sinner has called on our door in Clonard Court, in the Briggan!

Eoineo

I've had 4 candidates for the town council call in person so far and I'm in a newer part of Balbriggan. I've had representatives of 3 prospective county councillors call as well. Are they calling when you're not at home?

LeoB

Dont know the politics of it all Alan when I asked that. I was talking to a collegue about Boards.ie and explaining how it works and about this thread. He mentioned it to me as he was like yourself going to get involved in politics about 10-12 years ago but didnt at the time, since then however he became a member of the Green Party but is not active.

I am not a member of any Party for the simple reason I would do what I think is right not what someone else thinks and this is why I previously asked about All party politics. I see very talented people in all the parties, well most! Dont think I would cast a vote for Socialist Party.

On the point of the cars this is part of the mud flinging as I see it. I dont care if you drive Porche or a Piaggio or live in a tent. If you can do the job is the important thing. Maybe the car is not his. If some wealthy garage owner came and offered you a top class car would you say no? Dont think so, you would be mad. I see Stephen O'Connell with a big blue Renault Van 05 parked in Rush and Lusk over the past few days and Ken Farrell has a new citroen parked on the Rathmore Rd all last weekend.
What is tasteless expression of wealth? someone can afford this car so good luck to them. I have a 04 Citroen Picasso which is good for another miles but even if I had the money I would not be into a big flash car.

No one has called to my door but I have had a few emails and met a few Cllrs at meeting over the past while.

Alan Farrell

Sizzler wrote: »

Not exactly an inferior marque either Alan to be fair.

Give me a break, its a 02 with 97,000 miles on the clock!

Eoineo

Seriously though the type of car a person drives is not normally an indicator of their capacity to represent the electorate.

Mind you it's a good indication of their ability to alienate the electorate. If I were you Alan I'd be celebrating his bare face and stupidity to buy and drive around that ridiculous car.

Plenty of town council candidates around Balbriggan town this afternoon. I'm hoping for another bun fight of a Saturday morning outside of Super Valu like there was a couple of weeks ago. Dr James Reilly + local Candidate vs Solidarity Party. FG got their first and the Solidarity Party ended up on the street much to their annoyance.

Note - I'm not affliated with any party but find that sort of carry on hilarious. Would have been just as funny with any other political party.

LeoB

Alan Farrell wrote: »

Give me a break, its a 02 with 97,000 miles on the clock!

Exactly. It doesnt matter to me what you drive Alan or anyone else for that matter. If you can do the job you can call to my door on a trike. If you did call in a big fancy car I might say to myself this guy must be succesful to be driving a car like that. What would be the reaction if you parked up an old banger with you picture on the side? Not good.

This type of crap can quickly degenerate in to mud flinging and takes the focus of what you are trying to do for the electorate and only causes negative vibes among people.

What do you think of the most recent mrbi pole? While the Gov are behind they made up 2 points and I think this is because Brian Cowan is or has become more aggressive over the last week. He doe not communicate well when he is in Leinster House and seems to need a Journalist to ask a few akward questions to get fired up.

Nodster

Eoineo wrote: »

I've had 4 candidates for the town council call in person so far and I'm in a newer part of Balbriggan. I've had representatives of 3 prospective county councillors call as well. Are they calling when you're not at home?

Not at all - the good Mrs Nod's at home all day....perhaps the prospective candidates were warned about me - had plenty of fun the last election, I simple asked one question...How many Garda are stationed in Balbriggan?

Surprised how many of them had'nt a clue but nearly all the local candidates were bang on...bar one Fianna Failer

DSB

Alan Farrell wrote: »

The "Ward" i was referring to was Pat Ward, Labour candidate. He might hit Kellehers vote as the labour party won't get three, even on a very good day. Plus, Butler and Kelleher live in the same estate.

I'd be watching Duffy myself. I detest the man but even with the swing against the greens he came close in 2004 and might be even closer this time. I don't know O'Neill but I can't imagine him coming close. SF are way off, even with a new face. Can't see Mr. FF Porche Cayenne (Hennesy) coming close either. (His chosen election vehcile was parked in Malahide today... talk about unsubtle. 300,000 unemployed and he's using a €150k car as an election advertiser.)



Yes. Daragh Butler (FF Swords), Eoghan O'Brien (FF Malahide) and Eithne Loftus (FG Castleknock) are coopted Councillors replacing Councillors who were eleceted to the Dail. The dual mandate forbids TD's from also being councillors.

They were coopted in June 2007 when I was elected Mayor.

Lawless or Dowling might surprise a few, particularly the latter with his service to Donabate over the years. FG might well upset the apple cart and take two in Swords. Devitt will of course be one of those two.

Absolutely petty, you were one of the people I was considering voting for, but not a hope am I going near someone with such a childish attitude, and I'll be advising my family of the same.

Alan Farrell

DSB wrote: »

Absolutely petty, you were one of the people I was considering voting for, but not a hope am I going near someone with such a childish attitude, and I'll be advising my family of the same.

I fail to see how any of my comments could be contrived as childish.

A minority, within a minority will view this thread on this site over the coming weeks and months and will have no bearing on the election. I post on this site on a regular basis under my name. I could of course simply post under a fictitious name and "tell all" but I don't because that in itself would fall under my view of what is childish or unprofessional.

I have an opinion and I expressed it. If that doesn't meet with your satisfaction then it is your democratic right to vote for someone else and I will not attempt to alter your opinion.

I do not, under any circumstances pander to people nor do I ever attempt to hide my true feelings towards any issue in my community. I speak my mind and was elected to do so.

Please make your vote count in whatever way you see fit DSB.

Alan Farrell

Nodster wrote: »

Pardon me for butting in, but is it part of a manifesto this time round for candidates NOT to knock on doors? Plenty of leaflets dropped in but Not one sinner has called on our door in Clonard Court, in the Briggan!

I think that a lot of candidates are reluctant to actually call to doors in the current climate because they are afraid of being associated with what is going on. We also have to face the fact that all electoral wards (except Balbriggan) have been enlarged. In my own case from 12,000 houses to 19,000 houses and it takes a lot longer to get around.

Thus far I've covered about 17,000 houses in nine months, admittedly I've done a lot of areas twice leaving only my running mates immediate area alone.

In my travels I have only seen FG and labour out regularly. The only others I have seen are FF and that was near his own home some weeks ago.

LeoB wrote: »

Exactly. It doesnt matter to me what you drive Alan or anyone else for that matter. If you can do the job you can call to my door on a trike. If you did call in a big fancy car I might say to myself this guy must be succesful to be driving a car like that. What would be the reaction if you parked up an old banger with you picture on the side? Not good.

This type of crap can quickly degenerate in to mud flinging and takes the focus of what you are trying to do for the electorate and only causes negative vibes among people.

What do you think of the most recent mrbi pole? While the Gov are behind they made up 2 points and I think this is because Brian Cowan is or has become more aggressive over the last week. He doe not communicate well when he is in Leinster House and seems to need a Journalist to ask a few akward questions to get fired up.

I understand completely Leo, I wasn't actually having a go at that particular candidate at all, it could have been anyone. I believe that its just a little tasteless and that was the point I was trying to make, badly it appears.

Regarding that poll, today (Sunday's) poll has FF down 3 with most others staying static. Polls are but a snapshot and are merely indicative.

In 2004 when I was elected, Fine Gael were at 26%. Today, we are at 36%. I believe that that in itself speaks volumes as to confidence in the Government and am content that this is the case.

I think the Cowen's aggression is actually a negative. I don't think aggression goes down well with anyone and from time to time it appears to get him into trouble.

Anyway, back to the topic I think.

DSB

Alan Farrell wrote: »

I fail to see how any of my comments could be contrived as childish.

A minority, within a minority will view this thread on this site over the coming weeks and months and will have no bearing on the election. I post on this site on a regular basis under my name. I could of course simply post under a fictitious name and "tell all" but I don't because that in itself would fall under my view of what is childish or unprofessional.

I have an opinion and I expressed it. If that doesn't meet with your satisfaction then it is your democratic right to vote for someone else and I will not attempt to alter your opinion.

I do not, under any circumstances pander to people nor do I ever attempt to hide my true feelings towards any issue in my community. I speak my mind and was elected to do so.

Please make your vote count in whatever way you see fit DSB.

Clearly the car a politician drives should have no impact on the job he can do, for the area. I don't even know the man, but if he earned the money, hes entitled to spend it as he fit, its not his fault theres a recession, if I had the money I'd spend it too. Your attitude just stinks of trying to win the 'I'm one of the people' vote. And eh I assure you that every single vote could make a massive direction in the election, so I wouldn't be too quick to say that the opinions you express here will have no bearing on the election.

The Hill Billy

Folks - Let's get back on topic please. If you want to discuss cars, take it to the Motors forum. Thanks. HB

squonk

gillo_100 wrote: »

There is some talk about this at http://www.politics.ie/elections/68301-really-bizzare-election-poster.html ans as to whether it is allowed or not.

They also bring up the issue of the size of the logo his poster, here is a picture so you can see for yourself http://www.flickr.com/photos/96cambridge/3545607307/ I for one didn't realise he was FF until his leaflet came through the door, bit of a strange one like he is nearly ashamed of it.

I'm really beginning to dislike this man! I had the same initial impression that it surely had to be wrong to pose for your election poster in your fireman's uniform. I wrote it off to him being an independent and thought of it in the context that he's doing a good job for the community already. If he's actually FF as well and posing as an Independent, then he's off my list. I think that ploy is being dishonest, even if he says it in his literature. Of course it will be on the ballot paper also but that's not the point. No vote here my man!

Carawaystick

Which towns have councils in Fingal?
is it Swords and Balbriggan only?

Were these town commissioners back in the corpo days or Urban District Councils? I thought town councils controlled planning in their towns to a small extent?

dsmythy

Carawaystick wrote: »

Which towns have councils in Fingal?
is it Swords and Balbriggan only?

Were these town commissioners back in the corpo days or Urban District Councils? I thought town councils controlled planning in their towns to a small extent?

Swords hasn't got a town council.

Carawaystick

Wow, 30+ thousand population and no local council?

Arklow, Wicklow, Greystones and Bray all have local councils.
And Swords would be bigger than Arklow, Wicklow and Greystones combined...

How many divisions of Fingal are there, I know Lusk is now in with Balbriggan again, and how many seats in the Balbriggan division?

Where's the count on and will it be on Saturday or will they wait til Monday till the Euro elections are all over?

Sizzler

Alan Farrell wrote: »

A minority, within a minority will view this thread on this site over the coming weeks and months and will have no bearing on the election.

You have just shown in the above statement all thats wrong with politics today; whether you realise it or not. The classic "I don't give a toss if you vote for me as you are only a number and I'll get through anyway with or without you". Fantastic.

Take a step back and read some of your posts and you will see how condescending and patronising some of them really are.

Good luck with the election son.

cosmic

I hope Joe Higgins does.

I was scandalised when he lost his seat in the Dail in 2007.

dubmick

I hope David O'Connor gets back in, he does a lot for Balrothery.

LeoB

Well I started this off a few weeks ago and finally I have made up my mind, but only on 1 and 2 of my preferance.

I dont agree with the popular view of teach F.F a lesson my view has been for quite a while the white collar crime is far worse than some of the stuff that goes on in Council chamber or in the Dail. You scrape for the deposit on a dog box of a house and a banker decides ah sure take the price of a new car aswell.

Based on who I have met and asked questions of, Joe Corr will get my number 1 and Stephen O Connell my number 2.

Joe got a bit of stick over a L.A.P in Rush but in fairness he stuck to his guns and with amendments HE proposed the L.A.P. is front loaded with amenities. He in my opinion tried to facilitate as many views as possible. Met Stephen O'Connell twice and found him very easy to deal with. Made a few points on local issues like speeding on main st, underage drinking more support for local clubs. He promised nothing only if elected he would meet a delegation and make a proposal. Thats good enough for me.

I would not be particularly fond of Green or F.F. leaders and dont think we should let national politics get in the way of whats important to our local communities.

Good luck to Dermot Murray and his uniform. He is supposed to be very good. Sean Browne and May McKeown also fairly good. Thats 3 from Balbriggan, 1 Rush and 1 Lusk

Was it Jean Kennedy Smyth who said when she was leaving Ireland after after term as U.S. ambassador "she was stunned at the lack of a sense of outrage from people (at what was going on) " might not be 100% accurate but basically we all need to start shouting and block up the politicans clinics and let each other know if we dont get a response. We moan and bitch but dont complain enough. imo

The Hill Billy

dubmick wrote: »

I hope David O'Connor gets back in, he does a lot for Balrothery.

And not to mention the rest of north Fingal too.

LeoB wrote: »

Was it Jean Kennedy Smyth who said when she was leaving Ireland after after term as U.S. ambassador "she was stunned at the lack of a sense of outrage from people (at what was going on) " might not be 100% accurate but basically we all need to start shouting and block up the politicans clinics and let each other know if we dont get a response. We moan and bitch but dont complain enough. imo

Very true. Too many people are quick to give out about this, that & the other without doing a damn thing about it. We need to get off our collective backsides & tell the politicians what's on our minds & lobby them to do something about it. Most of them run regular clinics at evenings/weekends in most towns they represent. Failing that they are all contactable by mail/email/phone.

Another way to express "outrage" to politicians is by voting & I feel that the Fianna Fail party (& possibly the Greens by association) will see today how outraged the electorate are at their utterly inept handling of the current economic crisis. Admittedly, this is not necessarily fair to the local politicians who work hard for their constituents, but in the absence of a General Election this is how the outrage will be expressed to the muppets in Lower Mount Street.

Remember folks - vote early & vote often.

MrJetlag

Just voted. I'd encourage everyone to go out and vote no matter who your going to vote for.
Better people than us died to give us the chance and the right to vote.
Gave Libertas (Caroline Simons) my number 1.
Really hope they do well.

European Election 1-8

Libertas
Independent
Socialist
Labour
FG
Green
FF

Locals 1-14
Independents
Socialist
Labour
FG
Green
FF

Nothingcompares

Howth / Malahide Fingal Ward
As of right now this is how I stand (NOT in order of preference)

Alan Farrell - basically because of this thread
Averil Power - She sent something in the door, TCD SU
Cian O'Callaghan - Knocked on the door, secondary school snap
David Healy - speaks Esperanto, enviro nut
Eoghan O'Brien - Probably the most local guy to me

Slightly trivial reasons.

Eoineo

Sinn Fein knocked on every door in my estate at 6pm this evening and offered to drop us all to the polling station. :rolleyes: Having voted all by myself earlier in the day I declined gracefully.

This was then topped by Mr Terry Kelleher spectacularly alienating the entire neighbourhood by driving around and around with loudhailers strapped to the roof of his car at 7pm. Just when I was trying to put the baby to bed. He is not my favourite candidate at the moment, boy am I glad he didn't feature in my top 10.

LeoB

Hill Billy wrote: »

And not to mention the rest of north Fingal too.


Very true. Too many people are quick to give out about this, that & the other without doing a damn thing about it. We need to get off our collective backsides & tell the politicians what's on our minds & lobby them to do something about it. Most of them run regular clinics at evenings/weekends in most towns they represent. Failing that they are all contactable by mail/email/phone.

Another way to express "outrage" to politicians is by voting & I feel that the Fianna Fail party (& possibly the Greens by association) will see today how outraged the electorate are at their utterly inept handling of the current economic crisis. Admittedly, this is not necessarily fair to the local politicians who work hard for their constituents, but in the absence of a General Election this is how the outrage will be expressed to the muppets in Lower Mount Street.

Remember folks - vote early & vote often.

Sort of agree with you, BUT!!! Yeah people must get up and go to clinics and return when or if nothing is done and people must also get their neighbours to go also. No point leaving it to the lad next door!

I mentioned earlier I dont put the full resonsibility on the Gov for our economic state, I lay most of the blame on the bankers who have screwed us into the ground for years. Being put to the pin of your collar to meet criteria for a loan 10 - 15 years ago to them throwing money about like snuff at a wake over the last 2 - 5 years. Now they are putting small firms out of business by not giving them credit thus adding to the dole que
It is immoral the way they Lent money to people . They way they hid money and their debt's from their shareholders.
If you hid money from the TAX MAN what would happen? You have no big corporation to hide behind so you would be screwed into the ground in penalties and fees. But these people get bailed out by us!

blastman

Eoineo wrote: »

Sinn Fein knocked on every door in my estate at 6pm this evening and offered to drop us all to the polling station. :rolleyes: Having voted all by myself earlier in the day I declined gracefully.

This was then topped by Mr Terry Kelleher spectacularly alienating the entire neighbourhood by driving around and around with loudhailers strapped to the roof of his car at 7pm. Just when I was trying to put the baby to bed. He is not my favourite candidate at the moment, boy am I glad he didn't feature in my top 10.

Friend of mine said that she heard someone out in a car shouting to vote for Terry all right, thought that was against the moratorium on campaigning on the polling day? Then again, I expect it would have been done without his consent or knowledge....

Obviously where I live isn't working class enough as neither of the events you describe happened round our way ...

LeoB

Anyone know what the turnout was like? I voted early and thought there were quite a few about but had a call from mate at work who said the turnout In Lusk and Rush was lowest in country at 5p.m today 3 -5%

Eoineo

Blastman it was definitely the man himself in the car. There were enough leaflets handed in the door with his mug on them for me to recognise him.

Funnily at previous addresses I've never experienced SF knocking on doors to bring voters to the polling stations but my other half mentioned that it happens regularly in council estates.

The Black Oil

LeoB wrote: »

Anyone know what the turnout was like? I voted early and thought there were quite a few about but had a call from mate at work who said the turnout In Lusk and Rush was lowest in country at 5p.m today 3 -5%

Something like that figure was mentioned on RTE news at 6 yesterday..