The Official After Hours Presidential Election Thread POLL RESET 23/10

arybvtcw0eolkf · 28-09-2011 12:19pm

o1s1n wrote: »

The whole thing wreaks too much of 'OMFG THE GAYS WILL RAPE OUT CHILDREN IF HE GETS INTO OFFICE!' for my liking.

For an intelligent person thats some load of bollox to post up.

The next few weeks will be good, some candidate will have sh*t weeks and suffer in the poles & other's will shine.

Tbh I think its Higgins to throw away at this stage - but we've hardly heard a thing from the man, but damn he's old.

If MMG is the statesman that people say he is then I look forward to a public debate with the other's.

Norris - he'll get the gay vote for sure, he just has to convince the rest of us.

Dana & the rest - fluff.

o1s1n · 28-09-2011 12:19pm

Liam Byrne wrote: »

No one is saying that. ABSOLUTELY NO-ONE.

But Norris supporters are throwing it out there to discredit valid opinons on his despicable and unacceptable actions..

So you speak for everyone now, yes?

There are plenty of anti gay bigots who think along those lines and want nothing more than to smear him out of the running.

Do you reckon all of this would have been brought to the surface in the same way if he wasn't gay?

I'm not 'throwing it out there to discredit valid opinons' - I think it's a storm in a teacup playing on previous misinformed backwards notions about homosexuals to discredit a gay man from becoming president.

orourkeda wrote: »

If you're so worried about smear campaigns (petty or otherwise) one can only presume you'll be giving Martin McGuinness your number 2 vote.

There are petty smear camaigns regarding someone's sexuality and then there are simple facts that a person was found with a car full of explosives, ammunition and spent time in prison for it.

bradlente · 28-09-2011 12:24pm

I probably won't vote.The whole things a meat parade with no political meaning imo,If there was an option to abolish the standing it'd get my vote.

Pompey Magnus · 28-09-2011 12:26pm

The_Minister wrote: »

Definately not McGuinness - I respect the few friends I have in the army too much to make them salute and parade for that man, to get their honours from him and act as his retinue.

If the Irish Army were professional enough to do the job for Eamonn De Valera, a man who instigated a war that saw 800 Irish soldiers killed, then I assume the current crop of soldiers would be no less professional with McGuinness.

Princess Consuela Bananahammock · 28-09-2011 12:26pm

Deedsie wrote: »

I know we already have a poll, but it doesn't have all the official candidates options we would want. It is the biggest field to ever contest a presidential election! Hopefully it will be an interesting, enjoyable campaign where the best man or woman wins!

So now that we know the seven candidates, who do you intend to vote for on Thursday October 27th, 2011?

There's still an option missing: I'm not from Norther Ireland, and I can't vote.

(Well, I can, but others might not be able to)

orourkeda · 28-09-2011 12:26pm

o1s1n wrote: »

So you speak for everyone now, yes?

There are plenty of anti gay bigots who think along those lines and want nothing more than to smear him out of the running.

Do you reckon all of this would have been brought to the surface in the same way if he wasn't gay?

I'm not 'throwing it out there to discredit valid opinons' - I think it's a storm in a teacup playing on previous misinformed backwards notions about homosexuals to discredit a gay man from becoming president.

There are petty smear camaigns regarding someone's sexuality and then there are simple facts that a person was found with a car full of explosives, ammunition and spent time in prison for it.

To vote for someone simply becuase they've been "smeared" as you mentioned in a previous post cannot be a good enough reason to vote for someone. Surely it should be a case of judging someone based on their suitability for the office for which they are running.

I probably won't be voting for Martin McGuinness but as he fills the necessary constitutional criteria to run for president he is entitled to run whether one likes it or not.

staker · 28-09-2011 12:29pm

The_Minister wrote: »

Definately not McGuinness - I respect the few friends I have in the army too much to make them salute and parade for that man, to get their honours from him and act as his retinue.

Hadn't thought of that. Thanks,you've made up my mind on him.

COYW · 28-09-2011 12:29pm

My name is URL wrote: »

Gallagher has went up an awful lot in my estimation over the course of this whole thing though.

He is one shrewd operator and I think he would represent the country very well when abroad from a business perspective. As a salesperson for the county, no one else can hold a candle to him.

Downlinz · 28-09-2011 12:29pm

113 votes and zero for Gay Mitchell. Well done after hours.

MagicSean · 28-09-2011 12:32pm

o1s1n wrote: »

No, I find the fact that obvious smear campeign is obvious.

The whole thing wreaks too much of 'OMFG THE GAYS WILL RAPE OUT CHILDREN IF HE GETS INTO OFFICE!' for my liking.

I think it's the opposite. It's more along the lines of "OMG a gay, we must vote for him so we can look progressive." He is educated and well spoken. He has no other qualities that make him a good candidate. His actions and beliefs in relation to underage sex is the last thing we need in a president.

o1s1n wrote: »

But that's the point - they're not the same thing. Therefore the fact that it 'means the same to most people' fuels the 'won't someone PLEASE think of the children!' moral outrage brigade when it's misinformed and wrong.

They're still children either way. It doesn't make him any less of a pervert.

Mr Benevolent · 28-09-2011 12:32pm

We already elected Biggins the AH President for Life. What other elections could we possibly need?

Princess Consuela Bananahammock · 28-09-2011 12:35pm

So the religious family thou-shalt-not-whatever are polling 0.83% of the vote combined. Lovely.

SV · 28-09-2011 12:37pm

The amount of people voting for Norris on this poll is disheartening.

joke of a man.

Princess Consuela Bananahammock · 28-09-2011 12:38pm

kraggy wrote: »

Jesus wept. Norris on 41%.

Let nobody who says they're voting for Norris ever criticise or complain about the likes of Bertie Ahern, John O'Donoghue, Michael Lowry again. Cause if you do, as I'm concerned, that'd make you a hypocrite, pure and simple.

After the heartache of the last 3 years we've been collectively crying out for a change from gombeen politics where TD's etc have inappropriately used their position to influence that which is none of their business. And here we are with Norris on 41%.

No wonder Ireland is on its last legs.

The people you mentioned bancrupted teh country, stole and probably did far more damage and caused more pain to children then Norris' six letters did. Who's the hypocrite now?

(And no, I'm not/wouldn't be a Norris voter)

COYW · 28-09-2011 12:39pm

Ikky Poo2 wrote: »

So the religious family thou-shalt-not-whatever are polling 0.83% of the vote combined. Lovely.

Dana is never going to poll well on a forum like this. She will get her votes from the pro-life supporters. I know a few people who are voting for her on that basis.

Gmol · 28-09-2011 12:41pm

Waiting for the headline 'David Norris in aras race' or 'Cavan candidate wins tight aras race' so my vote is with either of them

Notorious97 · 28-09-2011 12:44pm

The Army serves Ireland, regardless of who is the figure head, the Army serves Ireland. As a previous poster mentioned they had to do their duty when FF came to power, even though the opposing force had killed General Michael Collins and countless other Irish soldiers.

I will be voting for MMG, I think the work he has done towards the peace process is a good reflection on him. I personally never thought he would sit down with Unionists as he has done, when they put him forward for Deputy FM i definitely thought he wont get on with them. I was thankfully pleasantly surprised to see how some sense of normality has been given to NI, and that the people can finally get past the troubles and move on. I put this down in part to MMG’s contribution to this, along with equally impressive contributions from the Unionist side.

I will not be voting for Norris because I really do not see what value he can add to this country. I am all for Gay rights, whatever they want they should have, after all we were founded on the idea of liberty and equality. I stand by my opinion people are voting him in because he is gay, and they see this as some statement of how we have moved on. We don’t need a gay president to show we have moved on, Irish peoples attitudes to the ways of the past have drastically changed, and for the better, him being gay shouldn’t have any good or bad influence on his running, but i feel this is the basis people will vote for him. I am aware he has some core supporters who feel differently and that’s their opinion.

The rest to be honest i couldn’t be bothered with.

It will be a good race to watch im sure, good luck to all but i know who i would like to see serving as our President.

Lord Trollington · 28-09-2011 12:44pm

SV wrote: »

The amount of people voting for Norris on this poll is disheartening.

joke of a man.

I would say thats a little OTT.

But I still cannot figure out why he is getting the votes on here that he is.

Is there many people in AH that are gay/lesbian that share a lot of his views?

I think the Key Question for everyone on here is what do people look for in a president?

newballsplease · 28-09-2011 12:44pm

--Kaiser-- wrote: »

Hilarious post.

You can forgive someone who used to be in command of a terrorist organization responsible for the death of 1,700 people, yet someone who asked for clemency for a convicted pederast is an abomination?

Not a supporter of Norris BTW. One of these men is a mere political disgrace, the other is a disgrace of a human being.

So were DeValera and Mick Collins disgraceful human beings?

arybvtcw0eolkf · 28-09-2011 12:45pm

I wonder, if Norris has wrote a letter of clemency for an Irish priest accused of violating, raping, an Irish child would that have been different for his supporters now?...

Or can we sit comfortably by and let it happen to other's in the same way we can call on the unionist parties up in the north of Ireland to enter into a power sharing assembly with Adams, MMG & Co. but we dare not ask it of ourselves?.

Princess Consuela Bananahammock · 28-09-2011 12:56pm

COYW wrote: »

He is one shrewd operator and I think he would represent the country very well when abroad from a business perspective. As a salesperson for the county, no one else can hold a candle to him.

I'd be a bit skeptical about someone who sees the country run on business lines. He does seem like a good candidate, though, that aside.

keano_afc · 28-09-2011 12:56pm

I'll be voting for Michael D. If he's any sense he should come out and declare himself gay, it would be in the bag.

Pal · 28-09-2011 12:59pm

The voting for Norris is very encouraging if it proves to be accurate.
IMO he would make an excellent President.
Looks like 41% of others agree.

One has to bear in mind that a lot of people under 30 were not around during the seventies and eighties, but if they were, they might feel differently about who they vote for. Or more importantly, who they don't vote for.

KeithAFC · 28-09-2011 12:59pm

newballsplease wrote: »

--Kaiser-- wrote: »

Hilarious post.

You can forgive someone who used to be in command of a terrorist organization responsible for the death of 1,700 people, yet someone who asked for clemency for a convicted pederast is an abomination?

Not a supporter of Norris BTW. One of these men is a mere political disgrace, the other is a disgrace of a human being.

So were DeValera and Mick Collins disgraceful human beings?

Some would say yes. Republicans would say DeValera was. Don't think it is a crime for people to have those views.

stovelid · 28-09-2011 12:59pm

COYW wrote: »

An "Anyone but McGuinness" option would be nice for the 'West Brits' amongst us.

Self-loathing, begrudging, neo-unionist West Britons has a better ring to it and has a more pleasing concatenation of mindless cliches.

keano_afc · 28-09-2011 12:59pm

kraggy wrote: »

Jesus wept. Norris on 41%.

Let nobody who says they're voting for Norris ever criticise or complain about the likes of Bertie Ahern, John O'Donoghue, Michael Lowry again. Cause if you do, as I'm concerned, that'd make you a hypocrite, pure and simple.

After the heartache of the last 3 years we've been collectively crying out for a change from gombeen politics where TD's etc have inappropriately used their position to influence that which is none of their business. And here we are with Norris on 41%.

No wonder Ireland is on its last legs.

Very well said. Its at the stage now where Norris can do pretty much whatever he wants, people are going to vote for him regardless.

Wolfe Tone · 28-09-2011 1:00pm

I will be voting for Martin McGuiness. Politically he is miles ahead of the other candidates, he has lots of experience at the type of thing the president does but he is a proven leader and a great man to boot.

stovelid · 28-09-2011 1:02pm

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

and a great man to boot.

I'd be terrified to boot him.

old hippy · 28-09-2011 1:03pm

I don't vote back home anymore but if I did, it would probably be for Norris. Martin is a lovely boy but SF's northern contingent have little grasp of southern politics.

arybvtcw0eolkf · 28-09-2011 1:04pm

Pal wrote: »

One has to bear in mind that a lot of people under 30 were not around during the seventies and eighties, but if they were, they might feel differently about who they vote for. Or more importantly, who they don't vote for.

You could say the same for the young people of today.

In the 70's & 80's the country was largely ignorant of child sex abuse, but we all grew up with 'the troubles' (such a stupid term for a war).

Now we can't plead ignorance to child abuse in Ireland but it seem's as though we can excuse it once its someone else's child.

arybvtcw0eolkf · 28-09-2011 1:05pm

old hippy wrote: »

I don't vote back home anymore but if I did, it would probably be for Norris. Martin is a lovely boy but SF's northern contingent have little grasp of southern politics.

The general election is over.

keano_afc · 28-09-2011 1:06pm

Pal wrote: »

The voting for Norris is very encouraging if it proves to be accurate.
IMO he would make an excellent President.
Looks like 41% of others agree.

One has to bear in mind that a lot of people under 30 were not around during the seventies and eighties, but if they were, they might feel differently about who they vote for. Or more importantly, who they don't vote for.

Thankfully boards polls are rarely indicitive of the voting public. If I remember correctly Fianna Fail only got 4 seats in the boards election poll. Hopefully this one is just as wide of the mark.

stovelid · 28-09-2011 1:08pm

I like Norris in a lot of ways (taught me in college too) but I was appalled by the letter to be fair and won't be giving him a vote.

I'll be giving Micheal D a vote more in the sense of my dislike for other candidates than a ringing endorsement of him.

At the end of the day, I can't really get around spoiling a vote. Wasn't the way I was brought up which was not to squander a vote.

Pal · 28-09-2011 1:08pm

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

I will be voting for Martin McGuiness..

Respected

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

Politically he is miles ahead of the other candidates, .

for an apolitical position ?

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

he has lots of experience at the type of thing the president does .

Like meeting Queens ?

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

but he is a proven leader .

proven Deputy Leader

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

and a great man to boot.

right

arybvtcw0eolkf · 28-09-2011 1:10pm

stovelid wrote: »

At the end of the day, I can't really get around spoiling a vote. Wasn't the way I was brought up which was not to squander a vote.

+1.

Not when Irish men and women fought and died for it and while other countries struggle for their rights to a free vote.

28-09-2011 1:11pm

OP, you forgot the "Can't vote" option.

Bannasidhe · 28-09-2011 1:12pm

old hippy wrote: »

I don't vote back home anymore but if I did, it would probably be for Norris. Martin is a lovely boy but SF's northern contingent have little grasp of southern politics.

I actually think this is a fair point. As far as I know MMG has never lived or worked or been engaged in politics here. Socio-politically NI is very different to the Republic. Do we want a president who never actually lived among us until he became president?

mikemac · 28-09-2011 1:13pm

I wanted Michael D seven year ago so I'll definitly vote for him now

Met him often around Galway, very impressed with him

Some say he is old and doddery
But there was some passion in his last speech to the Dáil, passion I've not seen from the others
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJJ5q1_5jX8

Let the West awake

Not bothered about discussing the others, I had my mind made up seven years ago

LaFlammeRouge · 28-09-2011 1:14pm

I'd love to spoil my vote because I don't like any of them. However with the presence of Martin McGuinness, I will be forced to give my vote to either Norris or Micheal D.

The_Minister · 28-09-2011 1:14pm

Bannasidhe wrote: »

I actually think this is a fair point. As far as I know MMG has never lived or worked or been engaged in politics here. Socio-politically NI is very different to the Republic. Do we want a president who never actually lived among us until he became president?

Actually yeah, what does he know about Ireland?

It'll be like Gerry Adams in the leaders debate all over again.

arybvtcw0eolkf · 28-09-2011 1:15pm

mikemac wrote: »

I wanted Michael D seven year ago so I'll definitly vote for him now

Met him often around Galway, very impressed with him

Some say he is old and doddery
But there was some passion in his last speech to the Dáil, passion I've not seen from the others
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJJ5q1_5jX8

Let the West awake

Not bothered about discussing the others, I had my mind made up seven years ago

Seven seconds was all my ear's could take, I like the man but God damn that voice :mad:

TanG411 · 28-09-2011 1:19pm

I'm spoiling mine.

_feedback_ · 28-09-2011 1:19pm

I'll be perfectly honest and say I haven't got too deeply in to thinking about this, until now when they are all finalised.

I was on holiday for a few weeks at the time that Norris dropped out. I would just be reading a little bit of news on my phone every couple of days.

From the little bit I learned at that time, he had written the letters supporting his partner who had raped a 15 year old boy. From that, I had completely disregarded him. I didn't see any of the interviews when he re-entered.

I read a little more about the letters last night after he was successful, and from what I understand now, he was supporting yer man who had (copyright B Clinton) consensual sexual relations with a 15 year old, which is considered rape in that country.

Am I getting it right?

arybvtcw0eolkf · 28-09-2011 1:23pm

ThinksAmoral wrote: »

I'm spoiling mine.

Well that's your choice too, and you have that right because as I said other's fought and died for your right to vote which ever way you choose.

Personally I think its a cowardly & lazy way of using your vote, but it is the choice you are given.

Its only slightly better than not voting at all, marginally better.

MagicSean · 28-09-2011 1:23pm

elviscostello wrote: »

I'll be perfectly honest and say I haven't got too deeply in to thinking about this, until now when they are all finalised.

I was on holiday for a few weeks at the time that Norris dropped out. I would just be reading a little bit of news on my phone every couple of days.

From the little bit I learned at that time, he had written the letters supporting his partner who had raped a 15 year old boy. From that, I had completely disregarded him. I didn't see any of the interviews when he re-entered.

I read a little more about the letters last night after he was successful, and from what I understand now, he was supporting yer man who had (copyright B Clinton) consensual sexual relations with a 15 year old, which is considered rape in that country.

Am I getting it right?

Almost. he sent an official letter to the courts looking for clemency for the man who had been convicted of statutiry rape of a 15 year old boy. He believed his partner had been tricked into doing it. How you can be tricked into committing buggery I don't quite know.

squod · 28-09-2011 1:26pm

MagicSean wrote: »

Almost. he sent an official letter to the courts looking for clemency for the man who had been convicted of statutiry rape of a 15 year old boy.

He sent seven letters.

MagicSean wrote: »

How you can be tricked into committing buggery I don't quite know.

He slipped...:rolleyes:

LaFlammeRouge · 28-09-2011 1:26pm

Boston Substantial Searcher wrote: »

Well that's your choice too, and you have that right because as I said other's fought and died for your right to vote which ever way you choose.

Personally I think its a cowardly & lazy way of using your vote, but it is the choice you are given.

Its only slightly better than not voting at all, marginally better.

It's funny saying that because you're voting for someone that ordered the deaths of soldiers and gardaí. People who died for our vote and our country.

efb · 28-09-2011 1:27pm

squod wrote: »

He sent seven letters.

He slipped...:rolleyes:

He wasn't aware of the young man's age- now a defence in this country

squod · 28-09-2011 1:28pm

I'm voting Norris because internet trolling about such an abhorrent character is the new craze.

The_Minister · 28-09-2011 1:28pm

Boston Substantial Searcher wrote: »

I wonder, if Norris has wrote a letter of clemency for an Irish priest accused of violating, raping, an Irish child would that have been different for his supporters now?...

Or can we sit comfortably by and let it happen to other's in the same way we can call on the unionist parties up in the north of Ireland to enter into a power sharing assembly with Adams, MMG & Co. but we dare not ask it of ourselves?.

We make them share power because otherwise everyone starts killing each other again, and because they abused and persecuted catholics for several decades.

There won't be violence if we keep out SF and we have never done anything bad to our Protestant minority that would mean we couldn't be trusted without being forced to allow them participate in government.

We make the disgusting Unionists accept the disgusting Nationalists in government because it saves lives, stops violence and is the only way to protect the two sides from one another - no one expects them to like it, and there is nothing hypocritical about us refusing to accept them ourselves.

The Official After Hours Presidential Election Thread **POLL RESET 23/10**

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The Official After Hours Presidential Election Thread POLL RESET 23/10