Unhapy with Higgins as president.

mikom

FTS wrote: »

I voted Dana Rosemary Scallon number one, Mary Davis number two

"I read somewhere that their periods attract bears. The bears can smell the menstruation."
"Well, that's just great. You hear that, Ed? Bears..... Bears in the Arus."

Almost as crazy as the reasons you put forward for not voting Michael D.

foggy_lad

Ozymandius2011 wrote: »

I'm disappointed because I feel the media brainwashed people into voting for him by not subjecting him to the scrutiny of the rest of the candidates. They set out to assassinate the character of all the others. I wanted a debate on policy. What we got instead was the worst brand of LBJ "Let him deny it" politics. The dirtiest election in the history of the State.

There was and is no real dirt on Higgins though, don't you think the media were searching and would have loved to break a gay orgy or nuns love child story or even some bribery or corruption scandal, but they found nothing because there is nothing!

Colours

FTS wrote: »

I thought we were supposed to being opting for a new 'modern' Ireland, and we elect a 70 year old? I honestly think that the image of sending out an older man as the representative isnt the right direction we should be going.

I am disappointed by the comments from people who after scraping the barrel to find something to attack Michael D Higgins on, could only come up with his age on which to condemn him. This very sentiment is what is backwards in the people who hold this view and I think it is close-minded and ignorant to write someone off simply because they are of a certain age.

Look at Queen Elizabeth II who continues to carry out her grueling duties as a public servant for the United Kingdom at the age of 85. I would imagine that people who are few decades younger than her would be hard pressed to bow to the obligations of having to attend an endless series of official engagements. And in every one of these occasions she is expected to act with decorum and self restraint. One could not but admire and respect her for the dignity in which she conducted herself during her recent visit to Ireland in May. I marveled at her sheer stamina as I watched her shake what must have been at least 500 hands in Dublin Castle and then proceed to address them all in a ten minute speech.

I would recommend to all you begrudgers out there, who are so unimaginative and unevolved in your own outlook as to deride a person simply because they are of a certain age or a certain height, that you look at yourselves and consider if you would be up to to the physical and intellectual challenges demanded by the highest office in the land. In striking contrast to this ignorant mindset which is unfortunately held by a certain part of our electorate, in other cultures and countries such as Japan older people are highly respected and looked up to within their society for their wisdom and experience. Indeed there have been recent public drives here in Ireland aimed at highlighting the validity and high esteem which older people have in our society and for the the valuable contributions which they have made and continue to make to our society.

But more important than these criticisms about age which in my opinion are infantile - if you forgive the pun! - is that Michael D Higgins has proven himself to be the best person for the job of President of Ireland. He intrinsically understands what the role of President entails while the others with the exception of David Norris, Gay Mitchell and Martin McGuiness, clearly demonstrated that they didn't actually grasp the basic job spec for the role; Michael D never attempted to mislead the people by promising to do things which he most definitely could not do as President. Michael D has contributed more to Ireland in terms of creating jobs, serving Ireland honourably for 40 years as a public servant in the various political offices he held. Throughout Michael D's pitch and campaign he has always respected the people of Ireland and never attempted to hoodwink them by being some fantasy character which he was not.

On a completely separate note I was at the Billy Bragg concert in the Button Factory last night and he congratulated us the Irish people on electing a poet and intellect over a business man as our President!

Ozymandius2011

foggy_lad wrote: »

There was and is no real dirt on Higgins though, don't you think the media were searching and would have loved to break a gay orgy or nuns love child story or even some bribery or corruption scandal, but they found nothing because there is nothing!

No because so many journalists are/were members of Labour/WP. Read "The Lost Revolution" which deals with the Stickie infiltration of RTE.

foggy_lad

Bristolian wrote: »

I agree with what many people have said on these boards that we could have done with a younger president but I think MDH will do okay as long as he remains healthy and energetic. Gallagher's actual vote is quite remarkable considering all the negativity and dirty tricks that were aimed at him during the campaign. It show's that he was actually the best candidate. But for Sinn Fein and their lies, and Pat Kenny and his unethical and dishonest intervention on the Frontline debate, he would have been elected.

The focus after this must be directed at Sinn Fein - on what they believe and what they have done to drag our country through the mud for forty years. It must also be directed at RTE and their biased approach. There is no way a dubious tweet would have been used on the BBC, or any other worthwhile media outlet, to bring a good candidate down. Sean did not do anything wrong except having a lack political experience and nous which would have seen him through the debate safely. He handled the ambush badly that's for sure.

The one comfort I take today is that Sean still trounced MMcG and Sinn Fein were eliminated. Hopefully the Irish people will never let this dark force anywhere near power in this country. At times of economic stress and suffering unscrupulous organisations like SF can rise and threaten democracy so we need to be very vigilant.

The IRA candidate only flourished so well because of the damage all the Sean gallaghers of fianna fail have done throughout the country leaving people with no money no homes and no futures in their own country. Sean Gallagher lied blatantly on the television and the tweet was used to draw him out and show that he lied, the tweet is completly irrelevant here, the liar is the guilty party!

Ozymandius2011

I suppose despite my disappointment, it's better having him supping tea with foreign leaders than raising my taxes in govt.

foggy_lad

Ozymandius2011 wrote: »

No because so many journalists are/were members of Labour/WP. Read "The Lost Revolution" which deals with the Stickie infiltration of RTE.

Lol@ all the references to stickies and RTE infiltration, maybe you could post about it in conspiracy theories forum?

Colours

Just listening to Charlie Bird's program now on Radio 1 and Fianna Fáil's David Andrews - a very fine and honourable politician himself, has just been on saying that he had supported Michael D Higgins throughout his campaign and says he was the right choice and will make an excellent President of Ireland.

tommyhans

FTS wrote: »

Is anyone else unhappy with MDH being elected as president?
I dont see the attraction towards him, and never had. I didnt even give him a preference. I thought we were supposed to being opting for a new 'modern' Ireland, and we elect a 70 year old? I honestly think that the image of sending out an older man as the representative isnt the right direction we should be going. But I suppose, the Irish people have spoken, and were each entitled to our own opinion, but I just wanted to see if anyone agreed with me.

Agreed. He is our token president. Nice little michael D. Sure he'll be a grand little ambassador for our little country. Sure isnt he the best for the job?? Begorah. Bull****e.

Jeboa Safari

rarnes1 wrote: »

Michael D last year. He's far from a spent force :cool:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOxKnsT-XZg

Don't know why MD supporters bring this up as a positive, if that was Mitchell it would be thrown at him to further attack his temperament

MagicMarker

darkman2 wrote: »

Also he is very small for 70 years of age. Given the fact as you get older at that age you more and more rapidly get smaller what size will he be in 2 or 3 years time!:eek: It's a silly image all together.

But then the country have voted for that image.

His name is Michael D. Higgins, not Benjamin fucking Button! He's not going to shrink down to a baby.

Honest to christ if these are your reasons for not voting for him I'd be a little embarrassed if I were you.

MadsL

Ozymandius2011

foggy_lad wrote: »

Lol@ all the references to stickies and RTE infiltration, maybe you could post about it in conspiracy theories forum?

Former WP/LP in RTE:

- Charlie Bird (WP)
- Rodney Rice (WP)
- Eoghan Harris (once until he went to the Center, Center-Right)
- Orla Guerin (LP)
- Mark Little (LP)

They haven't gone away you know.

superstoner90

Kadongy wrote: »

see what you did? Now everyone has stopped posting :pac:

its back to normal now

Alibaba

vampire of kilmainham wrote: »

david norris and michael d were my choices in my opinion the best of a crappy lot

FTS wrote: »

Is anyone else unhappy with MDH being elected as president?
I dont see the attraction towards him, and never had. I didnt even give him a preference. I thought we were supposed to being opting for a new 'modern' Ireland, and we elect a 70 year old? I honestly think that the image of sending out an older man as the representative isnt the right direction we should be going. But I suppose, the Irish people have spoken, and were each entitled to our own opinion, but I just wanted to see if anyone agreed with me.

That's called Democracy.

Wallflower

FTS wrote: »

Is anyone else unhappy with MDH being elected as president?
I dont see the attraction towards him, and never had. I didnt even give him a preference. I thought we were supposed to being opting for a new 'modern' Ireland, and we elect a 70 year old? I honestly think that the image of sending out an older man as the representative isnt the right direction we should be going. But I suppose, the Irish people have spoken, and were each entitled to our own opinion, but I just wanted to see if anyone agreed with me.

I always thought that "modern" in this sense meant progressive and forward thinking; and not synonomous with youth. There are many forward-thinking people well over 80, and narrow, insular viewpoints in 40-50 year olds. I wouldn't confuse age with modern

Very few minds are as progressive in their thought in this country than Michael D. Higgins.

osnola ibax

I think he just shushed the wife on National TV, ooweooweooooweeee

Teclo

Wallflower wrote: »

I always thought that "modern" in this sense meant progressive and forward thinking; and not synonomous with youth. There are many forward-thinking people well over 80, and narrow, insular viewpoints in 40-50 year olds. I wouldn't confuse age with modern

Very few minds are as progressive in their thought in this country than Michael D. Higgins.

He's a socialist. Nothing progressive about that.

xsao

I see that both Gay Mitchell and Mary Davis snubbed count declaration today. Mary has even closed down all social pages. Bad loser or what?

cornbb

His age is about the only thing he doesn't have going for him, in fairness. He admittedly looks a little frail on occasions, but his stamina is incredible and he is still the totally eloquent speaker he always was.

As for "looking to the past", that's nonsense. MDH is about as forward-looking as it gets among Irish public figures. To those that are dissing him as a lefty or socialist, would you rather go back to the days when women were distinctly treated as second-class citizens, homosexuals were criminals for being homosexuals, divorce was illegal, and children of single-parent families were considered bastards in the eyes of the state and suffered greatly because of it? Because that where we would still be today if it were not for campaigners like MDH.

lugha

I have to say the more I see of MDH the more I think we made a cracking good choice for our head of state.

Never mind the candidates that did run, I cannot think of any Irish person who might have run who would be a better choice.

I think by the end of his term, he will be seen as one of the best ones we ever elected.

dogpile

tfitzgerald wrote: »

I did not vote for him, but he is there now let's give him a chance I don't think he will be a bad president he seems to be a good man

Give him a chance for what? how will Micheal D. Higgins being president impact on your life? how will it affect anyone reading these boards?? what did Mary McAleese do for anyone here??


all I'm waiting for is seeing Micky D. walking out at Landsdowne Road to greet Paul O' Connell and the boys.....will he be allowed to take his box for standing on with him??? should be a hoot

positron

deman wrote: »

The OP is looking for a modern Ireland and votes for Dana!??

I think OP is Dana.

Dr Galen

westies4ever wrote: »

MDH was best of a bad lot.

In fairness to him. Michael D would have been one of the best candidates no matter what the opposition, and I say that as someone who would disagree with his stances on a few issues.

Chicke

I think the presidency has become a hugely significant role in recent years in terms of representing our sense of self both at home and abroad. Not only will a strong , honest ,idealistic president represent a renewed and proud country both at home and abroad ,I think he could actually make us proud to be Irish again. An honest man chosen by people needing an honest man.The role of presidency is huge powerful because it has the power to renew and repair the damage to our reputation and sense of self that has been laid bare recently
But .......what on earth were the alternatives?????
Thats the scary thing, there was only one decent one amongst them(except maybe Mitchell? but whos he?)
The one thing that I am so so happy about is that we did not elect the opportunistic ,smooth talking vacuum that is his rival.What did he ever do for us?

maringo

Agesim at its worst.:mad: Perhaps your attitude to older people may change as you mature - I do hope so. That aside, Higgins seems to be a decent man and I think he will serve this country with distinction.

Liam Byrne

Teclo wrote: »

Wallflower wrote: »

I always thought that "modern" in this sense meant progressive and forward thinking; and not synonomous with youth. There are many forward-thinking people well over 80, and narrow, insular viewpoints in 40-50 year olds. I wouldn't confuse age with modern

Very few minds are as progressive in their thought in this country than Michael D. Higgins.

He's a socialist. Nothing progressive about that.

Yeah - because capitalist cronyism has served us SO much better :rolleyes:

hangon

Wallflower wrote: »

I always thought that "modern" in this sense meant progressive and forward thinking; and not synonomous with youth. There are many forward-thinking people well over 80, and narrow, insular viewpoints in 40-50 year olds. I wouldn't confuse age with modern

Very nicely put Wallflower,i have not hid it throughout the Election that He was head and shoulders above the others as a candidate.
i feel proud of the Irish electorate today,i really do!:)

andyjo

Bristolian wrote: »

The focus after this must be directed at Sinn Fein - on what they believe and what they have done to drag our country through the mud for forty years. It must also be directed at RTE and their biased approach. There is no way a dubious tweet would have been used on the BBC, or any other worthwhile media outlet, to bring a good candidate down. Sean did not do anything wrong except having a lack political experience and nous which would have seen him through the debate safely. He handled the ambush badly that's for sure.

The one comfort I take today is that Sean still trounced MMcG and Sinn Fein were eliminated. Hopefully the Irish people will never let this dark force anywhere near power in this country. At times of economic stress and suffering unscrupulous organisations like SF can rise and threaten democracy so we need to be very vigilant.

+1 and well said. It is very clear there are republican "sleepers" in RTE

PARKHEAD67

FTS wrote: »

Is anyone else unhappy with MDH being elected as president?
I dont see the attraction towards him, and never had. I didnt even give him a preference. I thought we were supposed to being opting for a new 'modern' Ireland, and we elect a 70 year old? I honestly think that the image of sending out an older man as the representative isnt the right direction we should be going. But I suppose, the Irish people have spoken, and were each entitled to our own opinion, but I just wanted to see if anyone agreed with me.

I didnt vote for him but hed be my 2nd choice.Hes old, but at least his got a brain, and a bit of a sense of humour.He loves the piss take they do of him on today fm.Rosenstock and himself are practically identical.

PARKHEAD67

andyjo wrote: »

+1 and well said. It is very clear there are republican "sleepers" in RTE

Paranoia at its worst

syklops

FTS wrote: »

I voted Dana Rosemary Scallon number one, Mary Davis number two and Martin McGuinness number 3. They were my favoutites from following the campaigns from the start. I thought the women presidents of the past did a great job representing the country, as they appear warmer and more inviting, and thought Scallon and Davis could continue. And I KNOW Im gonna get all sorts of "why did you vote for dana blah blah blah" but honestly, out of the 7, i thought they were the best.

Oh, so your the one who voted for Dana?

Ozymandius2011

"The Lost Revolution" by Brian Hanley and Scott Millar (see Amazon) details how the Stickies conquered RTE from within. It's not paranoia its the truth.

The Internet Explorer

I'd just like to echo the general consensus of the thread with a few of my own words.

Laugh out loud. Dana. Modern Ireland. Laugh out loud. Laugh out loud. Rolling on floor laughing. Rolling on floor laughing.

KELTICKNIGHTT

higgins wasn't my first choice but think he make a good president.
over all it was a poor selection in candidates .
Maybe next tiem will be better.

hangon

Ozymandius2011 wrote: »

I'm disappointed because I feel the media brainwashed people into voting for him by not subjecting him to the scrutiny of the rest of the candidates.

Even the media cannot find what is not there.

Oh he was scrutinised make no mistake.

Shattered Dreamer

Michael D Higgins was the best of the candidates put forward & as a result he won. He was the only candidate as well you seemed to understand exactly what the Presidency entails ie he wasn't promising changes outside of the control of the office of President for example job creation, reduction in wages paid to radio & TV hosts at RTE, improved dialogue with the Catholic church over clerical sex abuse cases to name but a few of the empty promises the other candidates were making.

The Irish president is a ceremonial head of state & Michael D Higgins is perfect for such!

goat2

deman wrote: »

The OP is looking for a modern Ireland and votes for Dana!??

lol, i love it, brought a smile to my face,

sue_1512

FTS wrote: »

Is anyone else unhappy with MDH being elected as president?
I dont see the attraction towards him, and never had. I didnt even give him a preference. I thought we were supposed to being opting for a new 'modern' Ireland, and we elect a 70 year old? I honestly think that the image of sending out an older man as the representative isnt the right direction we should be going. But I suppose, the Irish people have spoken, and were each entitled to our own opinion, but I just wanted to see if anyone agreed with me.

ah look, will u give him a chance! yes hes an oap, also an author and poet and the best of a bad lot, hes been in politics for years,after his 7 years serving as president michael d, we will be proficent as gaeilge, the arts etc! at least he was never part of murdering some1(MMG), didnt get clemency for some1(norris),didnt hide child abuse (dana)ms davis had to answer a few questions too(re banking)! just give him a chance:)

sue_1512

Chicke wrote: »

I think the presidency has become a hugely significant role in recent years in terms of representing our sense of self both at home and abroad. Not only will a strong , honest ,idealistic president represent a renewed and proud country both at home and abroad ,I think he could actually make us proud to be Irish again. An honest man chosen by people needing an honest man.The role of presidency is huge powerful because it has the power to renew and repair the damage to our reputation and sense of self that has been laid bare recently
But .......what on earth were the alternatives?????
Thats the scary thing, there was only one decent one amongst them(except maybe Mitchell? but whos he?)
The one thing that I am so so happy about is that we did not elect the opportunistic ,smooth talking vacuum that is his rival.What did he ever do for us?

well said chicke! michael d will do us proud!hes the 1st real irish person we have had as president for ages!

KELTICKNIGHTT

sue_1512 wrote: »

well said chicke! michael d will do us proud!hes the 1st real irish person we have had as president for ages!

mary mcaleese was a great president and michael d has a lot to live up too
She i consider the best president Ireland ever had
pity she couldn't stayed on as president

sue_1512

Drumpot wrote: »

I think Higgins represents what people wAnt Ireland to be associated with. Wisdom, composure and somebody you feel comfortable dealing with.

In truth Gallagher was a far better representation of what we are about. Putting economy before people, not letting the truth get in way of your image and then ultimately crucifying a person who reflects the majority of the electorate presuming that this means weve learned our lesson.

At least voting anybody but FF gave us a real change!! No no, wait a minute!

ah will u cop on! sean had dealings with a diesel launderer!who ever heard of him before dragons den? he was merely a collector for fianna FAIL! am glad MMG let the sh1t hit the fan! would we, as irish citizens want someone, with a shady past, running our country?i dont think so! michael d might be old but i think he will serve country well, he has a lot to keep up to, having had 2 good marys looking after it for last 21 years!

Ardent

thebman wrote: »

That doesn't really make any sense TBH.

What is a modern Ireland and why can't a 70 year old man have modern beliefs?

Sounds completely ageist to me.

Well said.

KELTICKNIGHTT

sue_1512 wrote: »

ah will u cop on! sean had dealings with a diesel launderer!who ever heard of him before dragons den? he was merely a collector for fianna FAIL! am glad MMG let the sh1t hit the fan! would we, as irish citizens want someone, with a shady past, running our country?i dont think so! michael d might be old but i think he will serve country well, he has a lot to keep up to, having had 2 good marys looking after it for last 21 years!

we have yoda with a stool for 7 years to bore us
wonder does marty mcguinness have one

PARKHEAD67

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

we have yoda with a stole for 7 years to bore us

Explain.In english language please.

KELTICKNIGHTT

PARKHEAD67 wrote: »

Explain.In english language please.

think you'll figure it out

mikom

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

we have yoda with a stole for 7 years to bore us

A stole?
Like a shawl?

PARKHEAD67

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

think you'll figure it out

No.Explain your thoughts...Please enlighten us.;)

Da Shins Kelly

I didn't give him a preference, but I'm gonna give him a chance. I think he's a good guy, but I don't think he'll be up to much during his term.

KELTICKNIGHTT

PARKHEAD67 wrote: »

No.Explain your thoughts...Please enlighten us.;)

I changed it specially for you