GE2020 *Mod Note in First Post*

Brussels Sprout

Here are names contesting the election so far:

• Deputy Pat Breen (Fine Gael),
• Deputy Joe Carey (Fine Gael),
• Senator Martin Conway (Fine Gael),
• Deputy Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fáil),
• Rita McInerney (Fianna Fáil),
• Cllr. Cathal Crowe (Fianna Fáil),
• Cllr. Róisín Garvey (Green Party),
• Theresa O’Donohue (People Before Profit),
• Michael McNamara (Independent),
• Joseph Woulfe (Independent)

The news that Michael Harty wasn't running means that there's definitely going to be 1 new TD elected. Will the other 3 all hold their seats?

FF and FG are both running 3 candidates. Does anyone outside of those ranks have a realistic shot?

MOD NOTE: Lets keep it civil and on-topic.
If you are in any way involved with the local candidates or political parties you must declare this before you engage in the discussion.
Any misbehaviour will be dealt with swiftly and without further warning.

finbarrk

Ml. McNamara would have a good chance.

blowin3

No way would I vote FF/FG self serving parasites the lot of them. I will give my vote to the independents when the time comes not much choice in the list above.
I hope little Timmy will be thought a lesson for his major part in dishonest voting .

Millionaire only not

Brussels Sprout wrote: »

Here are names contesting the election so far:

• Deputy Pat Breen (Fine Gael),
• Deputy Joe Carey (Fine Gael),
• Senator Martin Conway (Fine Gael),
• Deputy Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fáil),
• Rita McInerney (Fianna Fáil),
• Cllr. Cathal Crowe (Fianna Fáil),
• Cllr. Róisín Garvey (Green Party),
• Theresa O’Donohue (People Before Profit),
• Michael McNamara (Independent),
• Joseph Woulfe (Independent)

The news that Michael Harty wasn't running means that there's definitely going to be 1 new TD elected. Will the other 3 all hold their seats?

FF and FG are both running 3 candidates. Does anyone outside of those ranks have a realistic shot?

Same 3 plus Michael McNamara , will be tight for last seat with all in the running
Conway , Garvey followed by Mcinery, Crowe !
Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil transfers will be amusing , can’t wait for Madeleine Taylor’s analysing on the day ! Usually spot on

Clareman

I just put in a note into the first post, this is the standard boards note for all election threads so don't think that it's directed at anyone in particular, I know we all get on great here so there won't be any issues with the thread.

Clareman

In my opinion the 3 sitting TDs will walk it but the last seat will be a major battle, I think FF are making a huge mistake running 3 candidates as they'll split the vote and I wouldn't be surprised if someone else was to sneak in, the most likely would be McNamara, if he was a labour candidate he'd have a lot better chance but we've a great history of independent/labour TDs in Clare so I wouldn't be surprised if he got the 4th seat.

Johnboy1951

I would be more interested in what any/all these candidates have to say (personally) about the various issues facing us.
It appears to me that 'toe the party line' is the order of the day, regardless you think it right or wrong.

This might be the first year I decide not to vote at all! (because I do not believe any of them, individually, will make any real contribution to the country if they get elected)

Clareman

Always vote, even if you don't know who to vote for always exercise your right to vote, spoil your vote if you must but don't underestimate the value in a vote or the value in having such a great voting mechanism as we have in promotional representation.

Oh yeah, rank your votes from least favourite to number 1,PR works best when you cast your preferences for everyone not just first couple of choices.

Johnboy1951

Clareman wrote: »

Always vote, even if you don't know who to vote for always exercise your right to vote, spoil your vote if you must but don't underestimate the value in a vote or the value in having such a great voting mechanism as we have in promotional representation.

Oh yeah, rank your votes from least favourite to number 1,PR works best when you cast your preferences for everyone not just first couple of choices.

TBH, I see no reason to vote if my intention is to deliberately spoil it.

I have no preferences at all ... regarding them all as equally unsuited to contribute to putting this country on a sound footing.

Hopefully I will hear/read/meet something or someone that will change my mind - but I doubt it unfortunately.

Clareman

Apathy is an awful thing and I can see why people wouldn't want to give up their time to go do something they don't have an interest in, but there HAS to be someone or some party that strikes a cord, they mightn't win, they mightn't get another vote but we're a democrary and that shouldn't be taken for granted.

Oh yeah, the count is always a great event/session

Johnboy1951

Clareman wrote: »

Apathy is an awful thing and I can see why people wouldn't want to give up their time to go do something they don't have an interest in, but there HAS to be someone or some party that strikes a cord, they mightn't win, they mightn't get another vote but we're a democrary and that shouldn't be taken for granted.

Oh yeah, the count is always a great event/session

Not sure if you considered my posts an indication of apathy .....

I am anything but apathetic as I have a great interest in seeing this country improve and have made all efforts I could over the decades to that end.

My present attitude is more one of despair which I could not feel if I was apathetic.

ger664

I agree with Johnboy that lineup is just horrible 3 FF 3 FG one ex Lab one Green 2 unknowns. It is typical of the plotical climate in this county since the 30's there again is no coherent real socilist option avaible to vote for.

davidjtaylor

I too see the usual suspects getting in; fourth seat will be possibly McNamara. Overall, it looks (at the moment) like FF will form the next government, with maybe the Greens in tow.

The whole poster thing gets on my nerves. Let's have one spot in every village and town for them, one poster per candidate. And a Speaker's Corner? Hmmm. Anyway, some people haven't got the big boys' money for blanket propaganda!

PS isn't there a Michael Leahy (Irish Freedom Party) standing? And now Violet-Anne Wynne for Sinn Fein.

Marty Xavier

I think Carey will struggle as he did the last time and only got in when Mulqueen publicly backed him. I forecast Dooley, Breen, McNamara and Garvey might just squeeze in ahead of Crowe. Even though Crowe could take some of Dooley's first preference votes.
(Edit on second thoughts after hearing today's poll I think Clare will return 2 FF - Crowe , Dooley , with Breen and I;m going to say Garvey)

Green's are going to have a good day I think considering the recent Euro elections and with Australia burning people are begining to wake up to climate change.

davidjtaylor

Marty Xavier wrote: »

I think Carey will struggle as he did the last time and only got in when Mulqueen publicly backed him. I forecast Dooley, Breen, McNamara and Garvey might just squeeze in ahead of Carey.
Green's are going to have a good day I think considering the recent Euro elections and with Australia burning people are begining to wake up to climate change.

FF/Green coalition? People have very short memories!

Marty Xavier

davidjtaylor wrote: »

FF/Green coalition? People have very short memories!

The fact that FF are even still in existence proves that people do have short memories. FG are going to struggle, people have had enough of them since 2011, in fairness they have had a good run but their shocking performance in health and housing will damn them.

The Green's are a viable coalition partner I think, SF are still not going into government so unless FF and FG partner up then yoes indeed you could be looking at FF/Green or less likely FG/ Green

mitresize5

we all slag the British voters for voting Conservative and for Brexit ...

and we bring back to power the same crowd who had to hand over the reigns to the IMF a decade ago

RocketRaccoon

The utter embarrassment that those are the choices for this county.

Clareman

There's 13 candidates now, current odds from Paddy Power https://www.paddypower.com/politics?tab=irish-constituencies

Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) 1/14
Pat Breen (Fine Gael) 1/6
Cathal Crowe (Fianna Fail) 1/6
Joe Carey (Fine Gael) 1/3
Michael McNamara (Ind) 9/4
Martin Conway (Fine Gael) 9/2
Rita McInerney (Fianna Fail) 8/1
Roisin Garvey (Green Party) 9/1
Trudy Leyden (Ind) 16/1
Conor O Brien (Renua) 25/1
Joseph Woulfe (Ind) 25/1
Violet-Anne Wynne (Sinn Fein) 40/1
Theresa O Donohue (PBP) 40/1

If I was a betting man I would be putting a few bob on McNamara, I don't think Carey is as guaranteed a seat as 1/3 and I think the FF & FG votes are going to be split between the 3 candidates, both parties are making a mistake running 3 in my opinion.

davidjtaylor

Clareman wrote: »

There's 13 candidates now, current odds from Paddy Power https://www.paddypower.com/politics?tab=irish-constituencies

Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) 1/14
Pat Breen (Fine Gael) 1/6
Cathal Crowe (Fianna Fail) 1/6
Joe Carey (Fine Gael) 1/3
Michael McNamara (Ind) 9/4
Martin Conway (Fine Gael) 9/2
Rita McInerney (Fianna Fail) 8/1
Roisin Garvey (Green Party) 9/1
Trudy Leyden (Ind) 16/1
Conor O Brien (Renua) 25/1
Joseph Woulfe (Ind) 25/1
Violet-Anne Wynne (Sinn Fein) 40/1
Theresa O Donohue (PBP) 40/1

If I was a betting man I would be putting a few bob on McNamara, I don't think Carey is as guaranteed a seat as 1/3 and I think the FF & FG votes are going to be split between the 3 candidates, both parties are making a mistake running 3 in my opinion.

Michael Leahy announced he was standing for the Irish Freedom Party. What's happened to him? Also, I hadn't seen Renua's declaration.

Clareman

Party Candidate
Fianna Fáil Cathal Crowe
Renua Conor O Brien
Fine Gael Joe Carey
Independent Joseph Woulfe
Fine Gael Martin Conway
Irish Freedom Michael Leahy
Independent Michael McNamara
Fine Gael Pat Breen
Fianna Fáil Rita McInerney
Green Party Róisín Garvey
Solidarity–PBP Theresa O'Donohue
Fianna Fáil Timmy Dooley
Independent Trudy Leyden
Sinn Féin Violet-Anne Wynne

Clareman

Updated candidates, sorted by first name from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clare_(D%C3%A1il_constituency)#2020_general_election

opinionated3

I'll be spoiling my vote unfortunately. I can't/don't trust any of them. Don't understand this blind party loyalty that some people have either, they shafted you before, they'll probably do so again so why give them your vote. If you vote for FF or fine Gael, IMO you are part of a bigger problem. The type who will give out yards in the pub about high property tax, Shannon airport in the doldrums, patients stuck on trolleys in record numbers, but then vote the same clowns back in again. Sometimes I think we are one stupid race of people but then I realise there is no real viable alternative. Depressing.

Johnboy1951

opinionated3 wrote: »

I'll be spoiling my vote unfortunately. I can't/don't trust any of them. Don't understand this blind party loyalty that some people have either, they shafted you before, they'll probably do so again so why give them your vote. If you vote for FF or fine Gael, IMO you are part of a bigger problem. The type who will give out yards in the pub about high property tax, Shannon airport in the doldrums, patients stuck on trolleys in record numbers, but then vote the same clowns back in again. Sometimes I think we are one stupid race of people but then I realise there is no real viable alternative. Depressing.

That is the difficulty .... that and the party system operating in the houses.

Just maybe if 'party loyalties' were not applicable inside the houses we would see the true colours of those we elect, and not just their party colours.

On the other hand a large proportion of those elected are not capable of critical thinking so need to be led to water.

kollegeknight

I have met/heard some of the candidates before but have no ties to any.

The options are very poor.

Dr Harty left at the right time as he knew he wouldnt get in.
Of the remaining sitting candidates, Dooley and Breen didnt show up for the Mercosur vote and Carey voted in favour of it- a deal that would effectively close west clare as beef farmers keep a fair few businesses open.

Roisin Garvey is very strong willed but a bit too much of her own opinion being the only one. The Green party using throw away posters bothers me also. and I think their policies would be bad for the county.

Martin Conway is a me feiner. He has very little done for the area- there is plenty of social problems in his own town. Some were caused when he represented the area while in the County Councul. Of all the candidates I have heard of, he is my least favourite.

I have heard Joe Woulfe speak on the radio before and am not overly impressed.

Rita Mcinerney seems to be trying to make a go of things with two businesses in Donbeg. But I have heard nothing of her policies.


As for the rest, I don't know them enough to comment.


I have no decision made on the direction of my vote. But I am sick of people "Representing us" and only lining their pockets. No Canvassers will come near us as we are too rural and don't matter.

davidjtaylor

opinionated3 wrote: »

I'll be spoiling my vote unfortunately.…Sometimes I think we are one stupid race of people but then I realise there is no real viable alternative. Depressing.

There is a choice. Please don't spoil your vote - that's a score for the big parties as they benefit from fewer ballot papers.


Give Theresa O'Donohoe a chance. She's got her head screwed on. You might not like everything she's standing for but she'll speak up for minorities and she's leagues ahead of the Dooleys and Conways of this world.


Disclaimer: she's getting my first preference and I might be helping her distributing flyers. She needs all the help she can get as she hasn't got the money and the Dáil machinery behind her.

Marty Xavier

davidjtaylor wrote: »

There is a choice. Please don't spoil your vote - that's a score for the big parties as they benefit from fewer ballot papers.


Give Theresa O'Donohoe a chance. She's got her head screwed on. You might not like everything she's standing for but she'll speak up for minorities and she's leagues ahead of the Dooleys and Conways of this world.


Disclaimer: she's getting my first preference and I might be helping her distributing flyers. She needs all the help she can get as she hasn't got the money and the Dáil machinery behind her.

I'd second this sentiment, there are some decent candidates there that aren't part of the 2 bigger parties who let's be frank are embarrassingly bad apart from Crowe - who hasn't been there before but may be just as bad!

Personally I'll be voting McNamara and Garvey, 2 capable people who are not lackeys to the boys in Dublin.

Clareman

For the 2 main parties there 3 new candidates, looking at McInerney's manefesto for west Clare I'd be encouraged that she'd be a voice for the west of the county but I don't know what power she'd have as a member of a big party.

opinionated3

davidjtaylor wrote: »

There is a choice. Please don't spoil your vote - that's a score for the big parties as they benefit from fewer ballot papers.


Give Theresa O'Donohoe a chance. She's got her head screwed on. You might not like everything she's standing for but she'll speak up for minorities and she's leagues ahead of the Dooleys and Conways of this world.


Disclaimer: she's getting my first preference and I might be helping her distributing flyers. She needs all the help she can get as she hasn't got the money and the Dáil machinery behind her.

People before profit?? No offence but no thanks. Don't want to end up like some socialist ghetto....

ger664

opinionated3 wrote: »

People before profit?? No offence but no thanks. Don't want to end up like some socialist ghetto....

So you prefer capitalist empire

fire_man

Who do you predict will be elected in Clare.
My 4 would be Dooley,Breen,Carey and Crowe.

opinionated3

ger664 wrote: »

So you prefer capitalist empire

Well let's be honest here, pbf and the greens as well will just tax large multinationals and corporations to death meaning they will probably pull out of our country. I work for one multinational so I'd like to hold on to my job. The likes of Boyd Barrett absolutely turn my stomach. So yeah, I won't be voting for that lady in Clare.....

Johnboy1951

opinionated3 wrote: »

Well let's be honest here, pbf and the greens as well will just tax large multinationals and corporations to death meaning they will probably pull out of our country. I work for one multinational so I'd like to hold on to my job. The likes of Boyd Barrett absolutely turn my stomach. So yeah, I won't be voting for that lady in Clare.....

The law of diminishing returns applies ...... this would not happen.

No one or party have that sort of power in Ireland.

What I do want to see is a more just society, where large corporations are not treated better than the actual citizens and where they pay their just tax IN FULL.

Mine is a forlorn hope I know ......

Deagol

fire_man wrote: »

Who do you predict will be elected in Clare.
My 4 would be Dooley,Breen,Carey and Crowe.

Had Martin Conway at the door last night - came across as honest, passionate and intelligent man - I'd definitely consider him over Carey and Dooley. But I have no idea if he's a serious contender?

BnB

Clareman wrote: »

If I was a betting man I would be putting a few bob on McNamara, I don't think Carey is as guaranteed a seat as 1/3 and I think the FF & FG votes are going to be split between the 3 candidates, both parties are making a mistake running 3 in my opinion.

I'd agree with all that. I think Dooley and Breen will get back in alright, but after that neither FF or FG will be guaranteed a 2nd seat.

I think Crowe will do well. Him being in the news recently RE the RIC debacle won't have done him any harm.

I also think (and hope to be honest) that Michael Mc will do very well. He is well liked in East Clare and will pick up a good share of the vote. My fear is that the East Clare vote alone without a party backing might not be enough for him.

Clareman

If McNamara, Dooley and Crowe get in this is a very east Clare heavy representation, would really show how the balance of power in the county has shifted from mid/west to the east.

Clareman

Just merged 2 General Election threads together.

golfball37

I'm voting for Michael Leahy. Only candidate who says recidivist criminals walking free to further terrorise communities needs to be tackled. Also not afraid to call out the PC scutter that is designed to rob people of opinions.

I will vote down the card then to anyone bar FFG, hopefully my number 6 will contribute to MacNamara getting a seat at their expense. I would love us not to return 4 govt seats but I fear we will.

BnB

Clareman wrote: »

If McNamara, Dooley and Crowe get in this is a very east Clare heavy representation, would really show how the balance of power in the county has shifted from mid/west to the east.

Fair point. Would be a serious stretch for 3 East Clare's to get in. I would see Crowe getting in ahead of Michael Mac as he has a heavily populated home ground in NE Clare and having the advantage of a party behind him.

Mac has to share his home soil with Dooley and Dooley obviously has a lot of support there. Add in the amount of FG votes that will be pulled in East Clare based on party loyalty and on the back of support for Joe Cooney, Mac will need to pull a lot of votes outside of East Clare to get him over the line. That might be a bit much of an ask. I'd say his only hope is that FG in particular don't get their vote management right and he squeezes in, in 4th place.

The bookies probably have it right I'd say in Dooley, Breen, Carey, Crowe.

PHG

Agree not a huge selection or option.

Won't be home to vote (I pay my taxes in Ireland before it is brought up) but would probably go down the road of the general party not person (Parish pump politics) if I was. I have usually voted independent but cannot see them doing much. Giving it to the lads in Dublin doesn't cut it for me, all fart no follow through.

Labour barely exist, Greens are never heard of and PBP just reminds me of Steve Carell in Anchorman in the scene where he shouts "Loud Noises".

My main concern is our countries Debt to GDP/GNP ratio (thank whoever is up there for the NTMA, they saved us big time), then our transport infrastructure, Green energy then health care and the rest.

May sound harsh but freeing up the debt gives us more money to spend on other areas. A good public transport (yes this is primarily Dublin) means less pollution and easier commutes, investment in Green tech like wave energy or leasing nuclear energy from France/UK until we are up to speed would mean we could sell it off once developed and so on...

I am not saying healthcare is not important and still requires developing and investment (the childrens hospital should be a priority for health investment) but I mean 10+ years down the line. Whoever gets in now will likely be there for 2 or 3 terms and will have the space to look more forward.

Johnboy1951

What worries me is that historically when FF had their way in gov they overspent and got the country into trouble, only to lose power (by design some might believe) and let other parties introduce measures to get back to a sound financial footing.
Of course after this was done the voters again voted in FF only for the cycle to start over.

I just might vote to try to prevent this arising again, although I have a serious dislike of FG policies.

Stuxnet

How do I vote to do FF/FG the most damage ?

Johnboy1951

Stuxnet wrote: »

How do I vote to do FF/FG the most damage ?

I think you cannot ....... damage one and the other benefits.

I am coming around to the belief that one of them will create the next gov so all we can do is express our opinion by choosing the least objectionable option.

At this moment I would lean towards FG for several reasons ...
NBP is signed in spite of delays and objections from many who now claim they will implement it (not that they have much choice).
The country's finances are in better shape than they have been for a decade ..... yes sure not all (or even most) of that is down to FG, but at least they did not over spend.

On the negative side they have a dismal record with health, homelessness and housing amongst others, but if they are returned for another term they have no excuse whatsoever for failing to deal fully with these crises.

As an aside ...... would it not be nice to hear a debate between the main 'movers' stating clearly what they will actually do, rather than the usual blaming all around them for past failures. Its not as if any of them have no blemish!
I expect to hear more of the same BS tonight ..... blaming all that went before!

Just tell us how YOU will fix it!

Clareman

Stuxnet wrote: »

How do I vote to do FF/FG the most damage ?

Vote 1-15 with the people you don't want to get your vote at 15 all the way up.

Marty Xavier

Greens will do well I think. Saw McNamara and Garvey canvasing at the match Sunday, still think they will be in the shakeup.

opinionated3

The greens will do well??? If that happens I hope people aren't back on boards in a few years time complaining about all the tax they have to pay, on top of what they're currently paying...... The more I hear the more I believe we are one silly race of people. These are the same clowns who told us all to buy diesels..... Sure let's return them to power now and see what other made up rubbish they can peddle to get more money out of our pockets

davidjtaylor

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

The law of diminishing returns applies ...... this would not happen.

No one or party have that sort of power in Ireland.

What I do want to see is a more just society, where large corporations are not treated better than the actual citizens and where they pay their just tax IN FULL.

Mine is a forlorn hope I know ......

Apparently paying their tax will not force Apple out, I've heard.

Any company that wants to take advantage of a well-educated workforce but pay no tax should be booted out anyway.

opinionated3

opinionated3 wrote: »

I'll be spoiling my vote unfortunately. I can't/don't trust any of them. Don't understand this blind party loyalty that some people have either, they shafted you before, they'll probably do so again so why give them your vote. If you vote for FF or fine Gael, IMO you are part of a bigger problem. The type who will give out yards in the pub about high property tax, Shannon airport in the doldrums, patients stuck on trolleys in record numbers, but then vote the same clowns back in again. Sometimes I think we are one stupid race of people but then I realise there is no real viable alternative. Depressing.

I relate to your frustration but, with respect, don't think spoiling your vote or not voting is the way to go. Does my head in every time there's an election but do the best I can to suss out the candidates and pick who I judge to be the best, irrespective of party lines. Not that I have often been right in terms of what they delivered, how hard they worked, how seriously they took it. A vote is still a precious commodity though.

davidjtaylor

Clareman wrote: »

Vote 1-15 with the people you don't want to get your vote at 15 all the way up.

Yes.


You don't have a lot of choice; most are a bunch of right-wingers, esp. FG, Renua and the dreaded Irish Freedom nutters.


Here's my current listing. I may shift David Barrett as I know more about him.


1 Theresa O’Donohoe - People Before Profit
2 Róisín Garvey - Greens
3 Violet-Anne Wynne - Sinn Fein
4 David Barrett - Independent
5 Michael McNamara - Independent ex-Labour
6 Joseph Woulfe - Independent ex-Labour/beef plan
7 Rita McInerney - Fianna Fáil
8 Cathal Crowe - Fianna Fáil
9 Timmy Dooley - Fianna Fáil
10 Trudi Leyden - Independent ex-Fine Gael
11 Joe Carey - Fine Gael
12,Pat Breen - Fine Gael
13 Martin Conway - Fine Gael
14 Conor O’Brien - Renua
15 Michael Leahy - Irish Freedom Party

davidjtaylor

Balagan1 wrote: »

I relate to your frustration but, with respect, don't think spoiling your vote or not voting is the way to go. Does my head in every time there's an election but do the best I can to suss out the candidates and pick who I judge to be the best, irrespective of party lines. Not that I have often been right in terms of what they delivered, how hard they worked, how seriously they took it. A vote is still a precious commodity though.

It's an old adage but true: if you don't vote, someone else is deciding on your behalf.


Use your vote to pick the 'least worst'.

maura2e

davidjtaylor wrote: »

Yes.


You don't have a lot of choice; most are a bunch of right-wingers, esp. FG, Renua and the dreaded Irish Freedom nutters.


Here's my current listing. I may shift David Barrett as I know more about him.


1 Theresa O’Donohoe - People Before Profit
2 Róisín Garvey - Greens
3 Violet-Anne Wynne - Sinn Fein
4 David Barrett - Independent
5 Michael McNamara - Independent ex-Labour
6 Joseph Woulfe - Independent ex-Labour/beef plan
7 Rita McInerney - Fianna Fáil
8 Cathal Crowe - Fianna Fáil
9 Timmy Dooley - Fianna Fáil
10 Trudi Leyden - Independent ex-Fine Gael
11 Joe Carey - Fine Gael
12,Pat Breen - Fine Gael
13 Martin Conway - Fine Gael
14 Conor O’Brien - Renua
15 Michael Leahy - Irish Freedom Party

I’m new to this & reading this thread to get a better understanding of the candidates running & how to vote strategically to make my vote count! I’m with you from 1-6 but will not give FFG a tick. Is this how we break the stranglehold of FFG if enough of us vote this way? I’m not sure why we would give them a tick if we don’t want them in government? Appreciate any feedback!!