General Election Thread - Mod Note - please read post #1 before posting

Corsendonk

Peckham wrote: »

I say the seats will be filled in the following order....

1) Reilly - massive national profile, is Minister for Health in waiting, will increase his vote from last time and top poll to be elected on first count
[

First count victory hasn't been done since the days of Ray Burke and his election machine. So I think the previous poster is bang on with his comments.

Pole Toppers Dublin North
2007 Kennedy FF 3rd Count
2002 Sargent GR 6nd Count
1997 Burke FF 1st Count

LeoB

Do you think it will make a difference if Cowan keeps up his aggressive attacking style as we have seen from him this week with his approach to Sur Sean O'Rourke and Miriam O'Callaghan?

I think it might pull them up a little. Maybe we are one of the lucky constituencies but I think the sitting T.Ds are not bad. I do think however Trendy Trevor will pay for the anti-Green feeling that is out there at present.

Corsendonk

LeoB wrote: »

Do you think it will make a difference if Cowan keeps up his aggressive attacking style as we have seen from him this week with his approach to Sur Sean O'Rourke and Miriam O'Callaghan?

I think it might pull them up a little. Maybe we are one of the lucky constituencies but I think the sitting T.Ds are not bad. I do think however Trendy Trevor will pay for the anti-Green feeling that is out there at present.

Well its what Cowan does well so he might as well go out on a high note, FF supporters seem to think RTE have it in for them so a good way for him to curry favour with them and the Irish love a man fighting back when he is down. He hasn't got anything to lose so let him batter away at the RTE fat cats.

Some of RTE media competitors have started to attack the wages of Kenny, Finucane and Duffy so Cowan might be able to pull in the odd waivering voter. Joe Duffy is happy to run his biased show for over 400k a year but doesn't want to take a pay cut.

I think FG are prob more popular in Dublin North than James Reilly, I have heard a good few negative reports about his constituency work lately and people seem to be coloured by his rising property portfolio(a FG version of Frank Fahy:D). Alan Farrell might benefit from that.

Mary Coughlan pointed out yesterday in the Dail what everyone else has said before that as President of the IMO James Reilly was the man who negotiated the massive fees for consultants and so is part responsible for the high costs of the health service in Ireland. Hopefully we won't hear any calls for a hospital in Dublin North just yet!

LeoB

Corsendonk wrote: »

Well its what Cowan does well so he might as well go out on a high note, FF supporters seem to think RTE have it in for them so a good way for him to curry favour with them and the Irish love a man fighting back when he is down. He hasn't got anything to lose so let him batter away at the RTE fat cats.

Joe Duffy is happy to run his biased show for over 400k a year but doesn't want to take a pay cut.


I think FG are prob more popular in Dublin North than James Reilly, I have heard a good few negative reports about his constituency work lately and people seem to be coloured by his rising property portfolio(a FG version of Frank Fahy:D). Alan Farrell might benefit from that.

Mary Coughlan pointed out yesterday in the Dail what everyone else has said before that as President of the IMO James Reilly was the man who negotiated the massive fees for consultants and so is part responsible for the high costs of the health service in Ireland. Hopefully we won't hear any calls for a hospital in Dublin North just yet!

Joe Duffy, Biased in what way? Brief explanation please. I do think he push's certain agenda when it suits, and Pat Kenny also.

Thank god I am not the only who felt this. I do think he bluffs a bit. Have heard him go on the odd rant and would not be in my christmas card list. He is benefiting from Enda's lack of charisma.

Beasty

Please keep to local issues and stay clear of national ones

Thanks

Beasty

Corsendonk

Labour have decided to add another candidate to their ticket in the next election, whenever that will be. Cllr Tommy Kelleher from Swords will run.

Corsendonk

Just to add a little local transparency to the campaign I have listed declared donations of the 4 sitting TDs and 1 Senator from 2007-2009 that will contest the next Dublin North Election. All the below information is freely available from The Standards in Public Office Commission at http://www.sipo.gov.ie


The Standards in Public Office Commission defines

A donation to a member/MEP means any contribution given for political purposes by any person, whether or not the person is a member of a political party, and includes all or any of the following, namely -

a donation of money (including a donation of money given to a member/MEP by his/her political party)
a donation of property or goods;
conferring the right to use, without payment or other consideration, indefinitely or for a specified period of time, any property or goods;
the supply of services without payment or other consideration therefor;
the difference between the commercial price and the price charged for the purchase, acquisition or use of property or goods, or the supply of any service, where the price, fee or other consideration is less than the commercial price (this can include a loan provided to a member/MEP by a financial institution at terms and conditions which are more favourable than that provided by the financial institution to other individuals
a contribution made by a person to a fund-raising event organised for the purpose of raising funds for a member/MEP. The donation is that proportion of the contribution which is attributable to the net profit, if any, deriving from the event.

Donations exceeding €634.87 in value received from the same person in the same calendar year must be disclosed in the member's/MEP's annual Donation Statement. A member/MEP may not accept a donation from the same person in the same calendar year which exceeds €2,539.48 in value.


Senator Brendan Ryan Labour
2009 None
2008 None
2007 None

Trevor Sargent TD Green Party

All Donations below are by donor classfied as individual.
Year Method & Value Name and Address of Donor
2009 Cheque - €750.00 JC Balbriggan
2009 Credit Transfer - €1,200.00, as above.
Total €1,950.00

2008 12 x €100 direct debits, JC, Balbriggan
Total €1,200

2007 12 x €100 direct debits, JC, Balbriggan
Total €1,200


Michael Kennedy TD FF
2009 None
2008 None
2007 None

Corsendonk

Dr James Reilly TD FG

2009 None

2008
Individual Donations
Year Method & Value Name and Address of Donor
2008 €650, Cheque, Hugh Curran,Cloghran, Swords, Co. Dublin
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Abigails Budget Accommodation,
7-9 Aston Quay, Dublin 1.
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Patrick Rooney
Jordanstown, Lusk, Co. Dublin
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Fergus Murray, Kilbush Lane, Rush, Co. Dublin
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Ivan Keeling, Donabate, Co. Dublin



Company Donations
Year Method & Value Name and Address of Donor
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Gannon City Recovery, Unit 7 Roseville Industrial Park, Turvey Avenue, Donabate, Co. Dublin
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Whites Agri, Ballough, Lusk, Co. Dublin
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Carroll Estates, 25 Merrion Square,Dublin2
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Forrest Lennon, 3C Dunshaughlin
Business Centre, Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Project Management Ltd.,
Loughmahon Technology Park, Blackrock, Cork
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, PKF Tax Consultants, Century House,
Harolds Cross Road, Dublin 6W
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Hamilton Park Care Ctr, Balrothery,
Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic,Sam Dennigan, Palmerstown,
Oldtown,Co. Dublin
2008 €1000, Cheque for Golf Classic, McHale Plant Hire, Unit H.2 Merrywell Business Pk, Lower Ballymount Road, Dublin 12
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Eurosurgical, Orchard House, Orchard Way, Beaumount Avenue, Churchtown, Dublin 14
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, McCann Fitzgerald, Riverside One,
Sir John Rogersons Quay, Dublin 2
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Greenclean Waste Management,
Blakes Cross, Lusk,Co. Dublin.
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Dublin Meath Growers,
Ashbourne Road, Ashbourne, Co. Meath
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Martin Tully Landscapes,
Richardstown, Ballyboughal, Co. Dublin
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Lusk Motor Factors, Lusk, Co. Dublin
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Shechinah, South Strand Road, Skerries,
Co. Dublin
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Country Crest Ltd.,Rathmooney, Lusk,
Co. Dublin
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Northwood Woodford Development Ltd.,
Marlborough House, 11 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2
2008 €650, Cheque for Golf Classic, Alan Redmond, Main Street, Swords,
Co. Dublin

Total Donations 2008 Value: €15,950

***FYI FG TDS disclosed a total of €19,450 for 2008 of which Dr Reilly had €15,950.

2007
Individual Donors
Year Method & Value Name and Address of Donor
2007 €1,000, Cheque, Hugh Curran,Airport Road, Cloghran, Co. Dublin
2007 €1,400, Cheque, Ann Reilly, 20 Waterloo Road, Dublin 4

Total Donations 2007 Value: €2,400

*** FYI FG TDs disclosed a total of €104,621.92 of which €2,360 was returned to the donors.

Corsendonk

Darragh O'Brien TD FF

2009 None

2008

2008 Individual Donations
Year Method & Value Name and Address of Donor

2008, €1,065, Cheque, Mannix Smith 357 Malahide Marina, Malahide, Co.Dublin
2008, €1,065, Cheque, Tony Gannon, Kettles Lane, Kinsealy,Co. Dublin
2008, €1,065, Cheque, Mannix Ryan, Ashleigh Lawns, Malahide, Co. Dublin


2008 Company Donations
Year Method & Value Name and Address of Donor

2008, €1,065, Cheque, Newpark Holdings, The Ward, Co. Dublin.
2008, €1,065, Cheque, E.M. Hogan & Associates, Main Street, Swords, Co. Dublin
2008, €1,065, Cheque, Gannon Homes, 52 Northumberland Rd, Dublin 4
2008, €1,065, Cheque, Flynn & O'Flaherty, The Forge, Malahide Road, Kinsealy, Co. Dublin
2008, €1,065, Cheque, Sam Dennogan Ltd., Palmerstown, Oldtown, Co. Dublin
2008, €1,065, Cheque, Albany Homes Ltd., New Street Mall, Main Street,
Malahide, Co. Dublin
2008, €1,065, Cheque, D. Plant Farm Machinery, Countlough, Balbriggan,
Co. Dublin
2008, €1,065, Cheque, Primeline Logistics, Ashbourne, Co. Meath
2008, €1,065, Cheque, Sanar Properties Ltd., Shalee, Swords Road, Malahide,
Co. Dublin

Total Donations 2008 of €12,780

*** FYI Total value of donations disclosed by Fianna Fáil TDs - €83,665

2007

2007 Individual Donators
Year Method & Value Name and Address of Donor
2007, €2,000, Cheque, Sam Dennogan Back Road, Malahide, Co.Dublin
2007, €2,500, Bankdraft, Sean Thornton, Millview Road, Malahide, Co. Dublin
2007, €2,500, Bankdraft, Brenda Thornton, Millview Road, Malahide, Co. Dublin
2007, €1,000, Cheque, Val Dennogan Back Road, Malahide, Co.Dublin
2007, €650, Cheque, Lo Klinkenberg 17 Dunshaughlin Business Park, Dunshaughlin, Co.Meath
2007, €650, Cheque, Jim Clarke St. Margaret's Road, Malahide, Co. Dublin
2007, €1,000, Cheque, Bernard Lynch 30 Lissenhall Drive, Swords, Co. Dublin
2007, €1,911, Cheque, Tony Gibney, Barry Gibney and John Gibney New Street, Malahide, Co.Dublin
2007, €2,500, Cheque, Mary O'Donoghue, Innisfallen, Dublin Road, Malahide, Co. Dublin
2007, €2,500, Cheque, Brian O'Donoghue, Innisfallen, Dublin Road, Malahide, Co. Dublin


2007 Company Donations
Year Method & Value Name and Address of Donor

2007, €1,000, Cheque, C & N Doyle Contractors, 60 Larchfield, Dunboyne,
Co. Meath
2007, €635, Cheque, Fingal Life and Investments, Town Centre Mall, Main Street, Swords, Co. Dublin.
2007, €1,000, Cheque, European Design and Construction, New Park, The Ward, Co. Dublin
2007, €2,000, Cheque, Flynn O'Flaherty, 21 Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
2007, €1,000, Cheque, Claude Scully, Abacus Accounting, 121 Gaybrook, Malahide, Co.Dublin
2007, €1,000, Cheque, Tulca Developments, New Park, The Ward, Co.Dublin
2007, €650, Cheque, Floraville Home and Gift Ltd., Dunshaughlin Business Park, Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath
2007, €635, Cheque, Kevin Flanagan Estates, 19 Old Street, Malahide, Co.
Dublin
2007, €635, Cheque, Kevin Flanagan Estates, 19 Old Street, Malahide, Co.
Dublin(two seperate payments listed)
2007, €2,500, Cheque, Thomas Smyth and Sons Co. Ltd., New Street,
Malahide, Co. Dublin

Total Disclosed Donations 2007 was €28,266.

***2007 was an election year. Total FF donations disclosed €490,831.68 of which €8,960.52 was returned to the donors.



First of all I needed to post all the candidates info that was in the public domain if a little scattered among spreadsheets over the 3 posts to be open and fair to them all and not to be accussed of a bias. Facts never lie but they can easily masked:D

Sorry if my approach disturbs some here, I try to be logical in my approach, it can be a little murky approach to some short range thinkers but I hope they get the point eventually.

I just wanted to highlight certain of the local candidates impressive donations track record with property companies and developers. I personally don't like that American style of politics myself and hopefully the new expenses system will help overcome this as can be seen by the stats of all 5 listed for 2009. But if you like me have a issue with how Dublin North has been developed and the old style of politics locally the information in my posts might help you reconsider who gets your 1st, 2nd or 3rd choice. The new system of expenses might look genuine but old local habits die hard.:rolleyes: We already given Ireland one Ray Burke.

LeoB

Excellent work and research Corsendonk.

Before I get into this any further I am not involved or a member of any political party.

I do think we need serious change and get away from the sh1 t we have had over the years. But I have heard both current Fianna Fail T.Ds saying in public that "things have got to change", "We cant go back to what has gone on before", "we have to have much stricter rules". In fairness to Michael Kennedy who I am not a fan of he said at the meeting in St. Josephs re eirgrid that (I am paraphrasing) he would not support any interfearance in the planning process as we know what has gone here before.

I suspect if you look at most developers and builders they donate quite an amount of money to political, sporting and community groups.

Wonder could there be a spelling mistake above re donations to Darragh O'Brien and James Reilly? Sam Dennigan Oldtown and S Dennogan Malahide could they be the same person. I would think its quite common for business people to donate to more than one party.

Interesting Michael Kennedy has recieved or listed none. I think out sitting T.Ds in North Dublin are fairly decent, honest and hardworking. But who in any political party really has the balls to (or guts) to propose changes that will change the face of Irish politics?

Corsendonk

Friday 11th March. Long weekend for the kids. I wonder who will have the first election posters up?

The Rooster

Interesting that in the recent FF confidence vote, Darragh O'Brien voted for Cowen, and Michael Kennedy was one of the minority who voted against him.

Kennedy was also spoke against the proposed appointment of new Ministers that was talked about last night and this morning.

He said: 'I have to say the general public will see this as a cynical move and it will do nothing to enhance the good name of politics.'

Personally I think FF will get either 0 or 1 seats in Dublin North this time around, so its interesting to see a differentiation in the FF candidates.

Corsendonk

The Rooster wrote: »

Interesting that in the recent FF confidence vote, Darragh O'Brien voted for Cowen, and Michael Kennedy was one of the minority who voted against him.

Kennedy was also spoke against the proposed appointment of new Ministers that was talked about last night and this morning.

He said: 'I have to say the general public will see this as a cynical move and it will do nothing to enhance the good name of politics.'

Personally I think FF will get either 0 or 1 seats in Dublin North this time around, so its interesting to see a differentiation in the FF candidates.

12.10 in Darragh O'Brien talking about his seat and support for Cowan on the Vincent Browne show after the confidence vote. Then again at 15 mins. Whats the story with his right hand?? If you stand too close you might get a slap from him:eek:

http://www.tv3.ie/shows.php?request=tonightwithvincentbrowne&tv3_preview=&video=31396

Michael Kennedy has been in the against Cowan camp since before Xmas

Jim Glennon on TV3 last night predicted that pro Cowan backbenchers would be rewarded with the vacated mininsterial posts but the Greens blocked that today.

It was a cute plan to give Cowan supporters a higher profile over non Cowan supporters in dog fight constituencies like Dublin North and lastly younger members of FF would have high profile ministeries on their CVs which would be useful if they ever enter government in the next 10 years.

Corsendonk

1. Dr James Reilly TD Fine Gael
2. Michael Kennedy TD FF
3. Darragh O'Brien TD FF
4. Trevor Sargent TD Greens
5. Cllr Alan Farrell Fine Gael
6. Cllr Clare Daly Socialist Party
7. Cllr Tom Kelleher Labour
8. Senator Brendan Ryan Labour
9. Dr Marcus de Brun Ind

Dr Marcus de Brun is campaigning on a health reform platform. Further info of his background and idealogy at the below link

http://www.healthreform-now.com/index.htm

LeoB

Corsendonk wrote: »

1. Dr James Reilly TD Fine Gael
2. Michael Kennedy TD FF
3. Darragh O'Brien TD FF
4. Trevor Sargent TD Greens
5. Cllr Alan Farrell Fine Gael
6. Cllr Clare Daly Socialist Party
7. Cllr Tom Kelleher Labour
8. Senator Brendan Ryan Labour
9. Dr Marcus de Brun Ind

Dr Marcus de Brun is campaigning on a health reform platform. Further info of his background and idealogy at the below link

http://www.healthreform-now.com/index.htm

I read you post this morning when I came in from work and sent an email to Marcus de Brun andabout 50 minutes I got a reply, which I was happy with.

Iam not a big fan of James Reilly and it will be interesting to see what will be his response to Marcus de Brun views
An end to the treatment of private patients in public hospitals and the "need" for private Insurance.
The provision of choice for medical card holders who will no longer be the 'property' of their GMS Doctor.

Some Fingal doctors have done well out of this medical card scheme in the past

Part of the response I got

[ ....and the disgraceful treatment of the elderly and the nursing home fiasco. I am really worried that James Reilly's fair Care plan will be seen as the answer to these problems when in Reality Fine Gael want to transfer the HSE's budget to Private Health Insurance companies... and give everyone "free" VHI that will cost us all dearly. ]

I foresee some good debates, infractions, Bans.................

meditraitor

Corsendonk wrote: »

1. Dr James Reilly TD Fine Gael]

Seems a bit dim, and his previous role as Irish Medical Organisation president means he is useless in the Health role for the government as bias will be charged.
What good is he if he cant hold the health portfoilio, none

Corsendonk wrote: »

[[*]Michael Kennedy TD FF]

FF, you must be joking

Corsendonk wrote: »

[[*]Darragh O'Brien TD FF]

FF, you must be joking

Corsendonk wrote: »

[[*]Trevor Sargent TD Greens ]

Complicite with FF in the sale of Ireland to the EU. His downright sneaky half truths in 2007 showed him for what he is...... Morally bankrupt

Corsendonk wrote: »

[[*]Cllr Alan Farrell Fine Gael ]

I like this little scamp, if he wasnt FG I might throw him on #1 but probably close to the top

Corsendonk wrote: »

[[*]Cllr Clare Daly Socialist Party]

Worth a punt, she has a bit about her. lost out by 2 votes a few years ago as far as I recall. deserves a go!

Corsendonk wrote: »

[*]Cllr Tom Kelleher Labour]

OK, good guy

Corsendonk wrote: »

[[*]Senator Brendan Ryan Labour]

#1 for me this time. Labour are the only real choice for change.

Corsendonk wrote: »

[[*]Dr Marcus de Brun Ind]

Dont really know enough of this guy. may look him up

Corsendonk wrote: »

Dr Marcus de Brun is campaigning on a health reform platform. Further info of his background and idealogy at the below link

http://www.healthreform-now.com/index.htm

This will be a very interesting election, I think Reilly will get in first because all the FG family civil war voters blindly doing what their family have done and he gets his face on TV a bit,

Labour could get 2

Claire daly or Mr Farrell of boards fame for the last seat;)

The Hill Billy

I think Corsendonk was posting a list of candidates goong forward for election in no particular order - at least not the order in which he expects them to finish in the poll. I could be wrong though.

Corsendonk

Hill Billy wrote: »

I think Corsendonk was posting a list of candidates goong forward for election in no particular order - at least not the order in which he expects them to finish in the poll. I could be wrong though.

Correct. I listed the sitting TDs first then listed the rest randomly.

What the Dublin North Ballot Paper should look like

• Daly Socialist Party
• De Brun Ind
• Farrell Fine Gael
• Kelleher Labour
• Kennedy TD FF
• O'Brien TD FF
• Reilly TD Fine Gael
• Ryan Labour
• Sargent TD Greens

On a side note some studies have shown that placement on the ballot paper is important in PR elections, with closer to the top been the best. The theory is that after you have given your 1 and 2 votes if wish to continue on people naturally start at the top of the ballot paper and work their way down with 3,4, 5 etc.

J Kelley 1984 Ballot Paper Cues and the Vote in Australia and GB

Robson and Walsh (1974:203), in an analysis of Irish elections conducted under the single transferable vote method of proportional representation, concluded that there was a "distinct advantage" in being first on the ballot paper.

So if you plan to run for election my advice is to change your surname to Aardvark!

cathy01

Even with eveything that happened yesterday, and the Greens having their AGM,Trevour still took time out to ring and offer condolances at a resent death in the family.I love him, hes a genuine guy,he works hard and is more honest than any of them.J Reilly, well I thought he was a property developer ...

Corsendonk

cathy01 wrote: »

Even with eveything that happened yesterday, and the Greens having their AGM,Trevour still took time out to ring and offer condolances at a resent death in the family.I love him, hes a genuine guy,he works hard and is more honest than any of them.J Reilly, well I thought he was a property developer ...

I will be cynical here and say thats him just been a good local politician. We all seen them turn up at funerals over the years to grab that extra vote. Trevor like the rest of them looks after his own patch in the constituency namely Balbriggan.

As I said before I think Trevor might scrape in at 4th because he is the only one from Balbriggan so better the devil you know and he has 13 years in the Dail so for all his plonker image he must have a decent electioneering brain and a few favours to pull in from people he helped out over the years.

meditraitor

Corsendonk wrote: »

I will be cynical here and say thats him just been a good local politician. We all seen them turn up at funerals over the years to grab that extra vote. Trevor like the rest of them looks after his own patch in the constituency namely Balbriggan.

As I said before I think Trevor might scrape in at 4th because he is the only one from Balbriggan so better the devil you know and he has 13 years in the Dail so for all his plonker image he must have a decent electioneering brain and a few favours to pull in from people he helped out over the years.

I think that a lot of people will not forget his little slight of hand in the last election

"I will not lead the Greens into coalition with FF".........

OK i admit he didnt because he stepped down as leader but he played a massive part in agreeing the coalition deal. He was very vocal to the rest of the green party that this was the thing to do even though he said differently before the election. he speaks from both sides of his mouth
People dont forget a scam like that........ well most people

rubberdiddies

Can everyone make sure than when labour call canvassing that you ask them to declare whether or not they will enter a government with sinn fein.

I have a feeling that the next government will be formed by labour/sinn fein/independents and it really worries me.

LeoB

meditraitor wrote: »

Seems a bit dim, and his previous role as Irish Medical Organisation president means he is useless in the Health role for the government as bias will be charged.
What good is he if he cant hold the health portfoilio, none

FF, you must be joking

FF, you must be joking

Complicite with FF in the sale of Ireland to the EU. His downright sneaky half truths in 2007 showed him for what he is...... Morally bankrupt

I like this little scamp, if he wasnt FG I might throw him on #1 but probably close to the top

Worth a punt, she has a bit about her. lost out by 2 votes a few years ago as far as I recall. deserves a go!

OK, good guy

#1 for me this time. Labour are the only real choice for change.

Dont really know enough of this guy. may look him up

This will be a very interesting election, I think Reilly will get in first because all the FG family civil war voters blindly doing what their family have done and he gets his face on TV a bit,

Labour could get 2

Claire daly or Mr Farrell of boards fame for the last seat;)

My bit on this is as follows, and I must state I am not a huge fan of party politics.
Of the people declared so far here is my dilema
Darragh O'Brien IS hard working and honest person. I think he is a good prospect. But the higher archy of F.F have really fckd up and good people like Darragh could pay dearly.

Brendan Ryan. A very decent man. Only met him a few times but impressed each time. However I dont like Eamon Gilmore who refuses to consider Sinn Fein in a partnership and this I find very undemocratic as WE elect them.

I have met Clare Daly a few times and didnt like her agitating style. so she wont get marked on my paper at all.

AQlan Farrell probably wont either as I have never seen him around Rush/ Lusk (except for Boards.ie)

James Reilly!!!!! I agree his history with IMO and representing/negotating consultants contracts means he could be a dangerous choice or very ineffective.

I am not overly familiar with the others but feel we do have some very talented politicans on all sides and I would like to see them be given a chance, no mater what party they are from. So as much as we need a change of goverment we neeed a change in the way we elect them to ensure we get the best in positions of importance.

Corsendonk

rubberdiddies wrote: »

Can everyone make sure than when labour call canvassing that you ask them to declare whether or not they will enter a government with sinn fein.

I have a feeling that the next government will be formed by labour/sinn fein/independents and it really worries me.

Not going to happen with the present numbers. 83 seats needed to form a government.

166 seats in the Dail. 165 seats up for contention this election. Present poll predictions split the seats down to

70 FG
40 Labour
20 SinnFein
20 FF
15 Independents, Green, Socialist Party

Labour + Sinn Fein = 60 seats, still need 23 seats so FF needed in the coalition plus independents. And I can't see anyone touching FF.

FG if they can run a high energy campaign and shoot their leader who has the charisma of a paper bag might be able to increase to mid 70s and recruit the centre or right wing independents to support them thereby saying bye bye to Labour. A few rumours that Labour might backtrack on their promise about entering government with Gerry might swing anti SF voters over to FG co runner candidates before voters opt for the Labour candidates in their constituency.


I think there is a Red C poll due out this weekend so we should know the figures better.

LeoB

I think F.F will get more than 20 seats. When push come to shove they do have a way of rounding up the troops/voters.

Unless Labour change their view on S.F it will be hard for some to vote for them and the feeling I got from people is this could be a bit of a stumbling block for them. A few of them (Lab) have shory memories. Mind you I dont see S.F quite hitting 20

I agree on F.G needing a new leader, Enda just does not come accross very well and this might sway a few last minute voters and a swing of 2 or 3 seats would give us a totally different picture, nationally.

F.G have this election to lose and I thnk they could trump a few by bringing in Independents. I remember asking Nora Owen would she talk to Gerry Adams back in early 90s and she said "Never" a short time later herself, Peter Barry and Gareth Fitz were quite happy to sit do business with them and this tells me if F.G dont do as well as expected to rule nothing out.

The red sea poll will be interesting. Will the resignations this week help or hinder F.F? At least we will be getting some new faces

meditraitor

This is going to be a very interesting general election, already on this thread we have 4 very different views on the candidates.......

lets hope the new government is capable, honest, decent and hardworking..... I don't care which party they come from (well ff have proven they are not so I hope they are wiped out) as long as they are motivated by an unselfish need to help joe soap on the street.

LeoB

meditraitor wrote: »

This is going to be a very interesting general election, already on this thread we have 4 very different views on the candidates.......

lets hope the new government is capable, honest, decent and hardworking..... I don't care which party they come from (well ff have proven they are not so I hope they are wiped out) as long as they are motivated by an unselfish need to help joe soap on the street.

I agree with you. And this shows we need a change to our system and get away from party politics.

As it stands
I would go for what I consider to be the people who will do a good job andonly 3 candidates will get marked on my paper
Darragh O'Brien
Brendan Ryan
James Reilly
and the 4th will probably go to Marcus de Brun Depending on how his campaign goes
Now would the honest people of F.G bring forward changes or proposals to allow this happen?
Would first past the post make us think about and value our vote a little more

LeoB

Will he stay or will he go press conference around now from Brian Cowan

Hardly democractic from Enda
Earlier, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said his party will vote against the Government in next week's motion of confidence.
Speaking at the Alliance Party's annual conference in Templepatrick, Co Antrim, Mr Kenny said he was very relieved to have a date for the General Election.
He said that Fine Gael would be ready to contest an immediate election, were the Dáil to be dissolved next week.
Mr Kenny said the issue of the leadership of Fianna Fáil was a matter for that party.
He said the reputation of Fianna Fail had been seriously damaged by, what he called, a 'grievous error of miscalculation by the Taoiseach (Brian Cowen)'.
He said Fianna Fáil faced internal turmoil that was for them to sort out.
Mr Kenny also confirmed that he would not go into power with Sinn Féin after the General Election.
He said Sinn Féin's economic policies would be catastrophic for the Irish economy and that Sinn Féin's attitude towards the EU was completely contradictory to what the Fine Gael party stood for.

I now really hope he is a few seats short!!! Mr Reilly is now gone off my list to be replaced by???????

rubberdiddies

LeoB wrote: »

3candidates will get marked on my paper
Darragh O'Brien
Brendan Ryan
James Reilly

I can understand the thinking that darragh o brien is a hard worker but icant understand why anyone would vote FF regardless of who the candidate is.
Darragh could very easily leave FF if he wanted to. He would certainly get my vote then. But there isn't a hope of me voting FF. it's that type of voting that will win them 40+ seats despite the polls.

It's not gonna happen overnight but we need to move away from parish pump politics. By voting for o'brien it shows that parish pump is alive and well.

Based on that the only candidate I can see working nationally is James Reilly (after all I've never seen him do anything locally.....but maybe that's a good thing!)

On a separate note, can Claire daly be prosecuted for littering? Her election posters are already up outside the 30 day limit

meditraitor

rubberdiddies wrote: »

I can understand the thinking that darragh o brien is a hard worker but icant understand why anyone would vote FF regardless of who the candidate is.
Darragh could very easily leave FF if he wanted to. He would certainly get my vote then. But there isn't a hope of me voting FF. it's that type of voting that will win them 40+ seats despite the polls.

It's not gonna happen overnight but we need to move away from parish pump politics. By voting for o'brien it shows that parish pump is alive and well.

+1

rubberdiddies wrote: »

Based on that the only candidate I can see working nationally is James Reilly (after all I've never seen him do anything locally.....but maybe that's a good thing!)

Popular candidate, but not my cup of tea.... Topping the poll for sure

rubberdiddies wrote: »

On a separate note, can Claire daly be prosecuted for littering? Her election posters are already up outside the 30 day limit

There is no time limit on putting up election posters unless the local council change their own by laws and in this case they haven't.....