Dublin West General Election - SEE MOD NOTE POST 19.

the_barfly1

chucknorris wrote: »

I thought the FF crew were after me :-)

What was very surprising was on Claire Byrne last night was Paul Donnelly stating a refusal to consider scrapping USC. I think that does serious damage to Sinn Fein in the GE. In fairness to Leo who was also on, he said it would be gradually reduced and removed and that's prudent, but SF totally against removing it, contrary to their electoral position of the last 5 years.

Wow. Thats me down to a number one and MAYBE a transfer

ThisRegard

Problem with the clamour to say they'd abolish USC, a gaping whole is left that needs to be filled. Nobody has come up with a valid (that I've seen) alternative to get the funds from. To me it can only mean tax increases or service reductions (like job seekers etc).

chucknorris

ThisRegard wrote: »

Problem with the clamour to say they'd abolish USC, a gaping whole is left that needs to be filled. Nobody has come up with a valid (that I've seen) alternative to get the funds from. To me it can only mean tax increases or service reductions (like job seekers etc).

In fairness to Leo, he didn't say last night that he would simply abolish it, He said it was dependent on the economy growing by 3% per year and that would allow a gradual reduction. That doesn't sound like any mad promise to me and sounds sensible. No improved recovery = no gradual reduction in USC.

Sinn Fein totally ruling out any removal of it, means they want the squeezed middle to pay for absolutely everything as always. No incentive to work so.

ThisRegard

I didn't actually hear what he had to say in fairness, but was coming from the point of view of the parties and groupings putting themselves forward as an alternative rather than the current government.

chucknorris

ThisRegard wrote: »

I didn't actually hear what he had to say in fairness, but was coming from the point of view of the parties and groupings putting themselves forward as an alternative rather than the current government.

Some groupings are looking to support a government. There are some candidates in Dublin west only to willing to be in perpetual opposition because opposition is easy. You throw stones for five years and hope some break a window and get well paid for it.

Someone has to govern and i don't think SF realistically think they can or will this time around.

dodzy

chucknorris wrote: »

Apparently someone tried my boards.ie password a few times and locked me out. Seems suspicious.

Yep, same here. Tried resetting last night but no joy; same message on each re-attempt. Reset again this morning through the normal method and we're back in action.

Larbre34

Don't worry about it, many people are having passwords issues following on from last weeks DDoS. Mine is back to normal today after 2 days messing.

ArmaniJeanss

the_barfly1 wrote: »

Just read through this entire thread. I must say, it's slim pickings in Dublin west with regard to candidates.

2 of the 15 cabinet minsters are Dublin West TDs, I'd have thought that makes it the opposite of slim pickings.
Admittedly it definitely had more strength in depth in previous elections when there was also heavyweights like Brian Lenihan and Joe Higgins standing.

chucknorris

ArmaniJeanss wrote: »

2 of the 15 cabinet minsters are Dublin West TDs, I'd have thought that makes it the opposite of slim pickings.
Admittedly it definitely had more strength in depth in previous elections when there was also heavyweights like Brian Lenihan and Joe Higgins standing.

Joe Higgins has diminished over time in my eyes. I remember Joe from the bin charges protests of the 90s.

He is what i would refer to as a one trick Pony. Over the years, that one trick of protesting against the big ticket item of the day was the basis of every election platform. A lot of people were taken to the cleaners as a result.

Joe still has a lot of respect from a lot of people for his principles but would admit that the approach was of very limited effect. The big question is if Ruth will command the same voter numbers. If the most recent by-election is anything to go by, the Shinners ate in to a lot of that.

ThisRegard

chucknorris wrote: »

....A lot of people were taken to the cleaners as a result........The big question is if Ruth will command the same voter numbers. ....

She has also left a lot of people high and dry with her management fee crusade. The sexier water charges issue came along and they were ditched, plus the fact she had to even know she was on to a loser with that.

the_barfly1

ArmaniJeanss wrote: »

2 of the 15 cabinet minsters are Dublin West TDs, I'd have thought that makes it the opposite of slim pickings.
Admittedly it definitely had more strength in depth in previous elections when there was also heavyweights like Brian Lenihan and Joe Higgins standing.

What I'm saying is there's just ten candidates fighting for four seats, and there's not a whole lot of variety in the bunch. As for the two cabinet ministers..... I'll keep my opinions to myself

chucknorris

ThisRegard wrote: »

She has also left a lot of people high and dry with her management fee crusade. The sexier water charges issue came along and they were ditched, plus the fact she had to even know she was on to a loser with that.

I cannot see her constructing a big ticket item between now and the 26th. How that'll end up I do not know.

Grudaire

Had to look up the Claire Byrne segment - pity they didn't have more of the candidates

Here's the link, and they are talking around 29 minutes in at this link : http://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/claire-byrne-live-30003252/10521476/

They're really relying on Lenihan in a desperate attempt to get the Fianna Fáil vote back

Kiwi_knock

Very awkward watching Jack Chambers, could see he was trying to stick to some rehearsed speech but got horribly muddled in the middle. I would like to hear him in a debate when he hasn't got a script to stick to.

chucknorris

Kiwi_knock wrote: »

Very awkward watching Jack Chambers, could see he was trying to stick to some rehearsed speech but got horribly muddled in the middle. I would like to hear him in a debate when he hasn't got a script to stick to.

I suspect he is being wrapped in cotton wool and kept away from unrehearsed discussions.

https://twitter.com/TJ_Politics/status/690230890526609408

Gaspode

Great to see the would-be leaders of the country involved in such grown up exchanges.

ThisRegard

You mean FF with their chicken pictures? In fairness I don't think it was churlish by McGuinness though, it's a valid point.

Larbre34

Very valid.

Gaspode

Not just FF, all involved. It's like schoolyard name calling.

chucknorris

Gaspode wrote: »

Not just FF, all involved. It's like schoolyard name calling.

if someone is trying to slide in to the Dail unchallenged, that has to be called out early and before the election is called as Dublin west will be drowned out amongst all the other constituencies.

The election will most likely be called on Tuesday.

AGC

chucknorris wrote: »

if someone is trying to slide in to the Dail unchallenged, that has to be called out early and before the election is called as Dublin west will be drowned out amongst all the other constituencies.

The election will most likely be called on Tuesday.

It's looking nailed on for 26th Feb

chucknorris

AGC wrote: »

It's looking nailed on for 26th Feb

Yea it is looking like it.

The one opportunity for all candidates to get in to get their point across will be on Vinny Browne. It seems obvious that they have held off on Dublin west thus far, as it is one of the most interesting in the country.

I've no doubt Leo will take part, but will Joan? I also suspect the socialists and Shinners will target FF to kill off any working class vote that exists.

AGC

chucknorris wrote: »

Yea it is looking like it.

The one opportunity for all candidates to get in to get their point across will be on Vinny Browne. It seems obvious that they have held off on Dublin west thus far, as it is one of the most interesting in the country.

I've no doubt Leo will take part, but will Joan? I also suspect the socialists and Shinners will target FF to kill off any working class vote that exists.

To be honest I have stopped watching him, just found myself wanting to throw the telly out the window!

FG have a fear of loosing out on a significant amount of rugby votes because Ireland in Twickenham that weekend:D

chucknorris

AGC wrote: »

To be honest I have stopped watching him, just found myself wanting to throw the telly out the window!

FG have a fear of loosing out on a significant amount of rugby votes because Ireland in Twickenham that weekend:D

100% :-) That's makes the leafier part of Castleknock interesting.

FF are relying totally on the upper class vote in Castleknock, but Leo is surely going to mop a lot of it as well as his sweeper, whom, i never heard of.

I picked up Joan on the canvass in Delwood a few times last night and no where else, but that is not surprising.

hardCopy

Grudaire wrote: »

Had to look up the Claire Byrne segment - pity they didn't have more of the candidates

Here's the link, and they are talking around 29 minutes in at this link : http://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/claire-byrne-live-30003252/10521476/

They're really relying on Lenihan in a desperate attempt to get the Fianna Fáil vote back

One of the Chambers team called to my door during the locals.

"I'm canvassing on behalf of Jack Chambers, he's very concerned about access to local schools and about changes to the level crossings, he's following in his late uncle's footsteps"

*Blank face from me*

"His uncle Brian"

*Face still blank*

"Brian Lenihan was his uncle"

Me: "Oh right"

I think there was a subliminal message in there somewhere.

Do candidates get a copy of the supplementary register? I was registered at my old address during the locals but now I'm on the supplementary in Dublin West and haven't had a single caller.

athtrasna

Rumour has it we have a Renua candidate? Very silent if it's true!

Pat Dunne

athtrasna wrote: »

Rumour has it we have a Renua candidate? Very silent if it's true!

http://www.renuaireland.com/2016/01/26/jo-obrien/

athtrasna

Pat Dunne wrote: »

http://www.renuaireland.com/2016/01/26/jo-obrien/

She looks a bit like Daniella Westbrook but she won't be getting a vote from me!

Kiwi_knock

No sign of any press release from Renua announcing her candidacy, shows how much faith they have in her.

Zaph

athtrasna wrote: »

She looks a bit like Daniella Westbrook but she won't be getting a vote from me!

She could look like Kate Upton and she still wouldn't be getting a vote from me. Just another to add to the long list of candidates that I have no intention voting for. At this rate I'll nearly have to stand myself just to find a candidate I like.

Gaspode

I've gotten to that stage too. Since I'm on the borders of D15 I'm actually in Dublin North West constituency, and this is the selection of I'll have to chose from:
Noel Rock (FG), John Lyons (Lab), Paul McAuliffe (FF), Roisin Shortall (SD), Dessie Ellis (SF), Cathleen Carney Boud (SF), Andrew Keegan (AAA/PBP), Jimmy Dignam (WP), Caroline Conroy (GP), cormac McKay (DDI)

I'm really beginning to think it'll be a case of blindfolding myself and sticking a pin into the ballot paper.

ThisRegard

Chambers's crew canvassing around Tyrrelstown this afternoon, and as I passed they were knocking into McGuinness's house. Brilliant.

When they were at mine I mentioned that I thought he was too young with no life experience. Without a hint of irony the canvasser told me sure some people are in there decades so new blood and ideas are needed. Yeah, because he's not stepping into an extended country wide family legacy or anything.

the_barfly1

ThisRegard wrote: »

Chambers's crew canvassing around Tyrrelstown this afternoon, and as I passed they were knocking into McGuinness's house. Brilliant.

When they were at mine I mentioned that I thought he was too young with no life experience. Without a hint of irony the canvasser told me sure some people are in there decades so new blood and ideas are needed. Yeah, because he's not stepping into an extended county wide family legacy or anything.

F*ckers called when I was in the shower.
Raging.

chucknorris

The only expenses that have to be declared are ones from when the election is called.

How much would yous say chambers crew have spent prior to that?

If you add in the sponsored social media ads, the bus shelter ads, phone box ads, paid dropped leaflets every 2 weeks for the last 6 months and just this morning, every house in the constituency gets a stamped address leaflet again from chambers, you are in the region of about €40,000 before the election even kicks off.

surely it will have a positive effect for him?

handlemaster

anybody actually email their local rep to say their piece before the election is over ? i.e. what they want for the area

jack presley

Sinn Fein getting an early start and getting the prime real estate on the poles by putting up their posters around Mulhuddart this evening. I thought they had to wait until the Dail is dissolved before doing this?

Zaph

They always seem to be first with them up and last with them down.

January

jack presley wrote: »

Sinn Fein getting an early start and getting the prime real estate on the poles by putting up their posters around Mulhuddart this evening. I thought they had to wait until the Dail is dissolved before doing this?

I'm laughing here because a staunch SF supporter who I am friends with on bookface was berating another candidate for doing the same on Monday night, any chance you can tell me where in Mulhuddart? I won't get out tonight as kids are in bed and husband in work.

BTW, anyone any info on TJ Clare, I've never heard of him but smartvote.ie tells me I should vote for him...

jack presley

January wrote: »

I'm laughing here because a staunch SF supporter who I am friends with on bookface was berating another candidate for doing the same on Monday night, any chance you can tell me where in Mulhuddart? I won't get out tonight as kids are in bed and husband in work.

Opposite Aldi

Edit - and along Church Road too on the new bridge.

January

jack presley wrote: »

Opposite Aldi.

Thank you, just went to point it out on his page and he seems to have deleted the post. He must already know.

glossy

Seen them putting SF posters as well on mountview Rd, it was about half six this evening. Thought it was a tad early.

Toto Wolfcastle

I bloody hate posters. I get irrationally angry when I see them up too early, or not taken down on time, or not at the correct height. I feel that if the candidates have any respect for their community they'll make sure that the posters are put up properly. I don't care that they don't personally put them up. If their faces are on them they're their responsibility. Catherine Noone has stupid meeting posters up that are 99% election poster and 1% meeting poster. She's not getting a vote from me because she has so many of them up. Petty? Yes, but she's ruining the area with them and taking the piss with their design. I couldn't even read the meeting information.

Larbre34

Same SF postermen blocked up friggin traffic on the Littlepace Road at 7.45 tonight, parked their van in the mouth of the roundabout and threw on the hazard lights. Stupid bloody selfish ignorance.

If Donnelly reads this, he just lost a preference and theres a formal complaint going into Fingal in the morning. €150 fine per poster would dent the coffers.

eviltwin

Larbre34 wrote: »

Same SF postermen blocked up friggin traffic on the Littlepace Road at 7.45 tonight, parked their van in the mouth of the roundabout and threw on the hazard lights. Stupid bloody selfish ignorance.

If Donnelly reads this, he just lost a preference and theres a formal complaint going into Fingal in the morning. €150 fine per poster would dent the coffers.

His face is on every lamppost in Corduff, complete overkill. It might sound petty but I wouldn't vote for anyone who can't obey a simple rule.

LoonyLovegood

My dad's been driving around, taking photos of all the ones he could find. Email gone into the council

Larbre34

eviltwin wrote: »

His face is on every lamppost in Corduff, complete overkill. It might sound petty but I wouldn't vote for anyone who can't obey a simple rule.

It doesnt. I wouldnt either

athtrasna

January wrote: »

BTW, anyone any info on TJ Clare, I've never heard of him but smartvote.ie tells me I should vote for him...

Ran in the locals, can't remember what put me off him at the time but something did

In defence of Catherine Noone, and not in any way indicative of my voting intentions, she was new to the area so has been having public meetings for over a year now. At least the most recent posters are legible, the earlier ones had so much text they were impossible to read without stopping to do so.

Election due to be called tomorrow so posters can't legally be erected until Thursday is at least a second old. So even if posters go up tomorrow it's still illegal

LoonyLovegood

Nope, because the election is less than 30 days away, as soon as the writ is signed they can go up. I remember walking into mass in 2008 with no posters, and walking out with Varadkar's face plastered around Laurel Lodge.

athtrasna

LoonyLovegood wrote: »

Nope, because the election is less than 30 days away, as soon as the writ is signed they can go up. I remember walking into mass in 2008 with no posters, and walking out with Varadkar's face plastered around Laurel Lodge.

No General Election in 2008 Think you mean 2007 when the writ was moved at 6am on a Sunday morning Oops, when did I become a nerd

Definitely saw stuff from councils on twitter today saying nothing until the day after the writ is moved though.

Kiwi_knock

The whole 'Your Seanad Representative for Dublin West' slogan really turned me off Catherine Noone, especially as she had been using that moniker in her previous constituency before she was parachuted in here. The flood of posters over the last year certainly didn't help improve my opinion of her.