Media silence over Niall Collins story

Because that was the version of events which had entered the public domain at that time, new FOI information released has added more to the story. If the Ditch had done their research before publishing, they would have been able to provide the information about the events, they didn’t, so we can only comment on what we have been told. If you look back on my posts, you will see that I said that if more information comes to light, then he could be in trouble, but I do not have a crystal ball, I can only comment on the information available.

That does not change the fact that you continue to be incapable of differentiating between an expression of interest and a beneficial/material interest in a property. But we live in hope.

From Independent

Sipo is considering a second complaint against Mr Collins that alleges breaches of the Local Government Act 2001 by the Minister of State for Skills and Further Education.

The complaint has been made by Kristofer Shekleton, a lobbyist and former Fianna Fáíl member. It comes in addition to a complaint made by People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy who alleges breaches of the same act and the code of conduct for councillors.

(A second Sipo complaint, plus AGS examining allegations yet MM backing him while others had to resign, this is not going away)

Complaints to SIPO and Gardai just mean complaints.

The loyal tip-the-cap FFG voters on here will never see any wrong and can't wait to lift Collins on their shoulders but the optics for floating voters are very bad. SIPO won't do anything anytime soon (under resourced and lacking in powers) and FFG will continue to block reform like the 2015 bill but he will lose his seat and FFG will have to enter an election with the stench of cronyism and corruption all around them.

Agree with what your saying about the FFG vote losing ground, in our house would have being 5 votes for FF with the father, now it is a independent and others votes, the next generation of younger have no interest in voting. Next election will see changing times for the FFG parties

I think Collins more serious offence was the time he was voting in the Dáil for members who weren't present. That goes against democracy.

and most of media treated that as trivial

The problem with people supporting political parties as if they were soccer teams is that most voters in the real world are not so dedicated. FFG is facing into a perfect storm of a GE in that their support is down on their 2020 GE vote. Varadkar has been a disaster for FG and has lost seats for FG at every Dail election since he was installed as FG leader despite the majority of the FG party voting for Coveney. Martin lost what should have been a sure-thing GE because he was busy trying to be the best little FGer he could be and under him, FF has lost its identity. His comments on Paddy Cosgrave in the Dail have now been referred to SIPO. Ministers have been forced to resign.

The electorate has changed and it is no longer as accepting of cronyism and gombeenism. Collins is doubly toxic for FFG in that this isn't just the issue about planning permission for a home. It is also about property speculation. That's quite toxic in the middle of a Housing Crisis and even the legacy media is covering it.

While it does not look like SF will get a majority government on the present opinion polls, the continued pressure on FFG from The Ditch will give voters a moment of pause in the ballot box. And in that moment those floating may decide not to vote for an FFG candidate. The political landscape may look very different after the next GE and some dedicated FFG supporters could find that their teams have been relegated.

Regards...jmcc

" took part"

How much part?