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Independent Candidate for Dáil Éireann, Kildare North

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    #2
    LeixlipRed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,081 ✭✭✭LeixlipRed


    Eric, if you email hello@boards.ie you can obtain an official "candidate" account that will identify yourself to other posters as a general election candidate. Just thought you might be interested.

    Received your leaflet in the door this week, it made me laugh anyway :)


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    #3
    Eric DoyleHiggins
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20 ✭Eric DoyleHiggins


    LeixlipRed wrote: »
    Eric, if you email hello@boards.ie you can obtain an official "candidate" account that will identify yourself to other posters as a general election candidate. Just thought you might be interested.

    Received your leaflet in the door this week, it made me laugh anyway :)
    a) Got that message thank you and sent a 'Yes please'.

    b) We'd be in a rare pickle if we could not laugh.

    All the best,

    Eric.


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    #4
    LeixlipRed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,081 ✭✭✭LeixlipRed


    What do your former buddies down at the Cumann make of your campaign? ;)


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    #5
    Eric DoyleHiggins
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20 ✭Eric DoyleHiggins


    LeixlipRed wrote: »
    What do your former buddies down at the Cumann make of your campaign? ;)
    I have no idea. I have not been in touch. I hope they, of all people, would not be hurt by anything I might say. The locals, certainly, are good people. As I think you would understand, there is another bunch, oh let us say they run on a different train line if you get me and if they were on fire, I would not be anywhere near fiddling with my waistband.

    Stay in touch,

    e.


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    #6
    Beruthiel
    Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 42,362 Mod ✭✭✭✭Beruthiel


    Eric,

    A list of questions for you if you have the time to answer:

    Will you push towards ending wasteful state spending and living within our means?

    Would you push for reforming, modernizing, and downsizing the public sector, including abolishing the public-sector wage premium and ending the culture of state pensions?
    Public servants would invest privately for retirement like everyone else.

    Will you push for a secular charter in our schools and for teachers to be private sector workers?

    Would you push for privatizing state and semi-state bodies whenever feasible?

    Would you push for reforming government: separate the executive from the Dáil;
    EG - 100 TDs elected from a national list; a directly elected Seanad with real powers.

    Would you push for leaving local issues like planning permissions and filling potholes to the county Councillors?

    Would you push for taking a progressive, modern stance on social issues such as marriage and the family, including gay people having the exact same rights as the rest of us?

    Would you push for laying down a firm line to domestic bankers and international investors alike that private banking debt will never again be guaranteed by the state?

    Would you vote to ensure that religious bodies are treated the same as other organisations under equality and employment legislation?

    Do you believe that religions, like other organisations, should have to pay their fair share of tax on income that is not used to fund charitable activities?

    Do you believe that blasphemy should be a criminal offence?

    Thanks.
    B


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    #7
    Eric DoyleHiggins
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20 ✭Eric DoyleHiggins


    Good Afternoon Beruthiel and thank you for your questions. I certainly have the time to answer and am pleased to do so as follows:

    QUESTION:
    Will you push towards ending wasteful state spending and living within our means?
    ANSWER:
    Most definitely yes. Please see following.

    QUESTION:
    Would you push for reforming, modernizing, and downsizing the public sector, including abolishing the public-sector wage premium and ending the culture of state pensions?
    ANSWER:
    Most definitely yes. This is the single biggest problem facing us now, bar none.

    I hope to have published my Public Sector Position Paper on the Civil and Public Services on my website http://ericdoylehiggins.wordpress.com within one week of today.

    QUESTION:
    Public servants would invest privately for retirement like everyone else.
    ANSWER:
    Yes, but more than that. We all need to save for retirement. We need ONE AND ONLY ONE SCHEME FOR EVERYBODY. Please read “Pensions And Our Debt” on my site http://ericdoylehiggins.wordpress.com and by all means please raise more questions. This question is of profound importance to us all.

    QUESTION:
    Will you push for a secular charter in our schools and for teachers to be private sector workers?
    ANSWER:
    As to a secular charter, I will not. Schools – with very few exceptions are privately-owned institutions. It is for the owners to make their own rules. In many cases schools are the property of parishes, religious trusts and so on. It is for the parents whose children attend such schools to press for changes through the management boards.
    This is not altogether a satisfactory state of affairs and I believe we must change but the huge difficulty is that we simply do not have the resources to build a parallel secular system. I expect that the necessary change, that is, to make all schools friendly to those of all persuasions and none, can be brought about by negotiation and I would hope that this will be done, sooner rather than later.
    As to teachers, I believe so, yes. It has always struck me as improper that teachers are de-facto employed by the school though they are paid by the State. We need to bring their endeavours much closer to home, so to speak. The schools should function as employers, not the State.

    QUESTION:
    Would you push for privatizing state and semi-state bodies whenever feasible?
    ANSWER:
    Most definitely yes. See above.

    QUESTION:
    Would you push for reforming government: separate the executive from the Dáil; EG - 100 TDs elected from a national list; a directly elected Seanad with real powers.
    ANSWER:
    The Seanad can go. 120 TD’s. No list ! PR as at present but with 5-seater constituencies. Separate Executive ? Not a chance. Election to the Dáil has proven to be an inadequate entrance examination for Cabinet office. But what other test would you propose ? No. Ministers need to be firmly tethered to the ground. We would not be in half the difficulty we are in today if this had been so.

    QUESTION:
    Would you push for leaving local issues like planning permissions and filling potholes to the county Councillors?
    ANSWER:
    It should never have been otherwise. Yes.

    QUESTION:
    Would you push for taking a progressive, modern stance on social issues such as marriage and the family, including gay people having the exact same rights as the rest of us?
    ANSWER:
    Dear God, who would suggest otherwise ?

    QUESTION:
    Would you push for laying down a firm line to domestic bankers and international investors alike that private banking debt will never again be guaranteed by the state?
    ANSWER:
    No, I would lay down the firmest possible line with Dr. Patrick Honohan, the Governor of the Central Bank and then have him do the job he is paid to do. I have no doubt the decent man would have not the least difficulty in working to such a clear and straightforward writ.

    QUESTION:
    Would you vote to ensure that religious bodies are treated the same as other organisations under equality and employment legislation?
    ANSWER:
    I think Michael McDowell put it best when he equated Canon Law with the rules of a private members’ golf club. But should we censure a bishop who dismissed a parson for denying the existence of God ? Absolutes only take us so far and not far enough for me to agree with your proposition.

    QUESTION:
    Do you believe that religions, like other organisations, should have to pay their fair share of tax on income that is not used to fund charitable activities?
    ANDWER:
    I think you will find they pay tax in accordance with the law. Or at least that they claim to do so. I am a strict one on taxation, I do not tolerate evasion and if you would need any assistance in furnishing a report to the Revenue Commissioners then I would be happy to point you in the right direction.

    QUESTION: Do you believe that blasphemy should be a criminal offence?
    ANSWER:
    No. I do not understand what Minister Ahern was at in that respect. Maybe you can enlighten me

    IN CONCLUSION:
    I have published my policies and observations on a widening range of questions on my website http://ericdoylehiggins.wordpress.com including responses to some of the questions raised above. I invite my fellow contributors herein to visit my site.

    With every good wish to all,

    Eric.


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    #8
    LeixlipRed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,081 ✭✭✭LeixlipRed


    BuffyBot wrote: »
    Guys, this is veering off into a Politics forum topic, not a Kildare based one..

    Politics in Kildare no?


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    #9
    Eric DoyleHiggins
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20 ✭Eric DoyleHiggins


    LeixlipRed wrote: »
    Politics in Kildare no?
    Good Morning LR,

    We gotta take our lickin' when the boss says so though I tend to agree with you.

    Anyway, let us return: Kildare North, FG 1/2 Murphy Stagg 1/2 - Let us say three in total. Who gets the fourth ?

    Hope springs eternal.

    Keep well,

    Eric.


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    #10
    daheff
    Registered Users Posts: 5,866 ✭✭✭daheff


    What about the proposed prices rises for train services? people can barely afford what they have at the moment...increasing prices will make it unviable for them to travel to work (buses have already had price rises approved). People have to pay for parking in rail stations (which runs counter intuitive to promoting park & ride). If increases go in it will be CHEAPER for me and others to drive to work and park in car parks in town (and at least i will not need to wait around hoping that trains turn up!)

    What do you propose to do on this matter? what about improving the services on the kildare line (even at peak times) - a lot of money has been spent on this line and if no new or improved services are brought in then it will be more public money wasted

    What about tax breaks for peoples creche fees?? We can barely afford the creche for our child...if prices go up again we're better off one of us quitting work to look after the child (ie another person out of the tax take) - a tax break would make it more feasible for both of us to work. And we're by no means the only people in this situation


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    #11
    LeixlipRed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,081 ✭✭✭LeixlipRed


    Eric DoyleHiggins wrote: »
    Good Morning LR,

    We gotta take our lickin' when the boss says so though I tend to agree with you.

    Anyway, let us return: Kildare North, FG 1/2 Murphy Stagg 1/2 - Let us say three in total. Who gets the fourth ?

    Hope springs eternal.

    Keep well,

    Eric.

    Durkan and Stagg absolute certainties. Don't know much about McGinley (Lab) though he lives down the road from me so might catch him canvassing. If he's Labour left then I hope he gets in. If he's Stagg lite then no thanks. Catherine Murphy for 4th seat with one of the FFers scraping in.


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    #12
    Eric DoyleHiggins
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20 ✭Eric DoyleHiggins


    LeixlipRed wrote: »
    Durkan and Stagg absolute certainties. Don't know much about McGinley (Lab) though he lives down the road from me so might catch him canvassing. If he's Labour left then I hope he gets in. If he's Stagg lite then no thanks. Catherine Murphy for 4th seat with one of the FFers scraping in.
    Well. I'm still going to Naas on Saturday to lodge my deposit.

    Wish me luck !

    e.


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    #13
    LeixlipRed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,081 ✭✭✭LeixlipRed


    Of course, good luck.


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    #14
    Eric DoyleHiggins
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20 ✭Eric DoyleHiggins


    Thank you. And yes, it will be good to have a genuine socialist making it as well.

    e.


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    #15
    LeixlipRed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,081 ✭✭✭LeixlipRed


    Eric DoyleHiggins wrote: »
    Thank you. And yes, it will be good to have a genuine socialist making it as well.

    e.

    Ah well, there's none of those running. But my preference would be for the most left leaning candidates to win seats.


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    #16
    BuffyBot
    Registered Users Posts: 24,924 ✭✭✭✭BuffyBot


    The great Education debate can be found here http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056168371


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    #17
    Beruthiel
    Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 42,362 Mod ✭✭✭✭Beruthiel


    Thanks Buffy. :)


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    #18
    Le_Dieux
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,473 ✭✭✭Le_Dieux


    daheff wrote: »
    What about the proposed prices rises for train services? people can barely afford what they have at the moment...increasing prices will make it unviable for them to travel to work (buses have already had price rises approved). People have to pay for parking in rail stations (which runs counter intuitive to promoting park & ride). If increases go in it will be CHEAPER for me and others to drive to work and park in car parks in town (and at least i will not need to wait around hoping that trains turn up!)

    What do you propose to do on this matter? what about improving the services on the kildare line (even at peak times) - a lot of money has been spent on this line and if no new or improved services are brought in then it will be more public money wasted

    What about tax breaks for peoples creche fees?? We can barely afford the creche for our child...if prices go up again we're better off one of us quitting work to look after the child (ie another person out of the tax take) - a tax break would make it more feasible for both of us to work. And we're by no means the only people in this situation

    Hope I am not standing on anyones toes here but - I am not from the KN area ( Am in Newbridge so a KS voter), but I can relate to the questions posted above, and also notice Mr. EDH hasn't responded, though He did send in a submission almost an hour after the above questions were posted.

    Please, I would like to hear Your views on this EDH, as I can assure You whoever knocks on my door will be asked the same questions.


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    #19
    daheff
    Registered Users Posts: 5,866 ✭✭✭daheff


    Le_Dieux wrote: »
    Hope I am not standing on anyones toes here but - I am not from the KN area ( Am in Newbridge so a KS voter), but I can relate to the questions posted above, and also notice Mr. EDH hasn't responded, though He did send in a submission almost an hour after the above questions were posted.

    Please, I would like to hear Your views on this EDH, as I can assure You whoever knocks on my door will be asked the same questions.

    Well he contacted me to point out that he posted a response on his website to my query. The basic gist of his response is that he wants to close down IR :eek: and replace with "motorbuses".

    I wont link the reply to my post as i dont want to give this clown any more publicity

    What a stupid idea...definitely will not be getting my vote (or any lower preferences)


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    #20
    gerrowadat
    Registered Users Posts: 3,363 ✭✭✭gerrowadat


    daheff wrote: »
    Well he contacted me to point out that he posted a response on his website to my query. The basic gist of his response is that he wants to close down IR :eek: and replace with "motorbuses".

    I wont link the reply to my post as i dont want to give this clown any more publicity

    What a stupid idea...definitely will not be getting my vote (or any lower preferences)

    If you can invent a bus that drops me to ringsend from maynooth in 35 minutes during rush hour, good luck to you.

    Last time we tore up rail (the Dublin trams), we ended up installing them again (The Luas) when we realised it's basically impossible to run buses on time.


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    #21
    daheff
    Registered Users Posts: 5,866 ✭✭✭daheff


    gerrowadat wrote: »
    it's basically impossible to run buses on time.

    trains are better...but by no means on time (not even to IR's warped idea of on time either)


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    #22
    gerrowadat
    Registered Users Posts: 3,363 ✭✭✭gerrowadat


    daheff wrote: »
    trains are better...but by no means on time (not even to IR's warped idea of on time either)

    And sure if something's not working, let's just tear it down without fixing it. Hop to it, it's the fianna fail way.


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    #23
    Le_Dieux
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,473 ✭✭✭Le_Dieux


    daheff wrote: »
    Well he contacted me to point out that he posted a response on his website to my query. The basic gist of his response is that he wants to close down IR :eek: and replace with "motorbuses".

    I wont link the reply to my post as i dont want to give this clown any more publicity

    What a stupid idea...definitely will not be getting my vote (or any lower preferences)

    But, he was asked here, and couldn't answer? And he proclaims to be running to be a public representative? I certainly wouldn't be wasting my time even looking at his site.

    Agree, he's a clown!


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    #24
    gerrowadat
    Registered Users Posts: 3,363 ✭✭✭gerrowadat


    Le_Dieux wrote: »
    But, he was asked here, and couldn't answer? And he proclaims to be running to be a public representative? I certainly wouldn't be wasting my time even looking at his site.

    Agree, he's a clown!

    I had a look at his site, the dude's a crackpot. Typical fianna fail daddy-knows-best talking down to people when the chap hasn't a clue what public representation means. He should have left his attitude when he got his coat and left the cumann.


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    #25
    LeixlipRed
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,081 ✭✭✭LeixlipRed


    In fairness to Eric I get the feeling the crackpot posts are only appearing now that he seems to have jumped ships. Ok, I don't agree with anything he says but it's clear he's taking the piss half the time, who cares?


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    #26
    daheff
    Registered Users Posts: 5,866 ✭✭✭daheff


    LeixlipRed wrote: »
    ..I get the feeling the crackpot posts are only appearing now that he seems to have jumped ships.... who cares?

    i think the electorate care!!

    we've elected enough crazies over the years


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    #27
    Trampas
    Registered Users Posts: 7,673 ✭✭✭Trampas


    Is it just me or has everyone else got the same leaflet from Eric for the past 3 weeks.

    He says he wont call to peoples door but he will bombard you will the same leaflet each week.

    What a waste of paper if you ask me.


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    #28
    Crackity Jones
    Closed Accounts Posts: 713 ✭✭✭Crackity Jones


    Trampas wrote: »
    Is it just me or has everyone else got the same leaflet from Eric for the past 3 weeks.

    He says he wont call to peoples door but he will bombard you will the same leaflet each week.

    What a waste of paper if you ask me.

    Yea funny I had the same thoughts! Have got one in the door and one delivered by the postie. Awaiting the third..!


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    #29
    irish_goat
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 5,792 Mod ✭✭✭✭irish_goat


    I've yet to see poster, leaflet or knock on the door from the fella.


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    #30
    cython
    Registered Users Posts: 4,767 ✭✭✭cython


    irish_goat wrote: »
    I've yet to see poster, leaflet or knock on the door from the fella.

    Presumably you won't see the last one of them, as he has on his leaflets that he will never call to your door seeking your vote!


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    #31
    irish_goat
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 5,792 Mod ✭✭✭✭irish_goat


    cython wrote: »
    Presumably you won't see the last one of them, as he has on his leaflets that he will never call to your door seeking your vote!

    Ah right.

    For those interested, there's a political debate tonight in NUIM and he'll be attending along with a few other candidates excluding the FF one's(sending a replacement) and the Sinn Fein, afaik.

    Time:
    10 February from 19:00 to 21:00
    Location:

    Iontas Building, North Campus, NUIM @ 7:00 p.m.

    http://m.facebook.com/event.php?eid=123144584425475&refid=0


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