General Election - Feb 26th Megathread

ScumLord · 03-02-2016 7:45pm

Mesrine65 wrote: »

This is exactly why I don't vote.

Then you've kind of given up your right to give out about the government. You should at least go through the process so you're aware of whats going on. Voting is the least a citizen can do, as citizens we do feck all, we are pretty flippant with our governance really, we're like absentee management, we pay no attention to whats going on, then complain when we don't know what's going on.

Iwasfrozen · 03-02-2016 7:45pm

44% FG? On an online forum? Well isn't this interesting.

irishfeen · 03-02-2016 7:47pm

Actually shocked that Fine Gael is leading the poll on here at 43% after 100+ people.

FG get my first preference, Labour 2 and Independent 3 - I don't think the country has any other option then giving the government another term - they possible alternatives are genuinely frightening!

Fleawuss · 03-02-2016 7:48pm

What's sickening me is the emergence of the clones: party hacks who mouth the cliches of the manifesto with great confidence and fake friendliness and sweep off with an entourage of bag carriers, tally men and relatives as if they had any clue about running a business let alone a country. They actually think they are qualified to be legislators because of their surname. FCUK off.

Iwasfrozen · 03-02-2016 7:49pm

I will vote for whoever I think will best cut tax and balance the budget, in that order. FG are far from perfect but lacking a right wing alternative they are the best pick.

Iwasfrozen · 03-02-2016 7:51pm

irishfeen wrote: »

Actually shocked that Fine Gael is leading the poll on here at 43% after 100+ people.

FG get my first preference, Labour 2 and Independent 3 - I don't think the country has any other option then giving the government another term - they possible alternatives are genuinely frightening!

It's surprising. I have a feeling FG may do a Tory in the next election.

Mesrine65 · 03-02-2016 7:53pm

ScumLord wrote: »

Then you've kind of given up your right to give out about the government. You should at least go through the process so you're aware of whats going on. Voting is the least a citizen can do, as citizens we do feck all, we are pretty flippant with our governance really, we're like absentee management, we pay no attention to whats going on, then complain when we don't know what's going on.

Democracy is only the illusion that we have a say, a political placebo to appease the hoi-pollo IMHO

I am aware of what's going on, I'm just apathetic about it all.

I do vote in referendums, general elections I couldn't be arsed.

I don't see the point in voting just because I can, if I feel there is no candidate/party worthy of the vote.

Boulevardier · 03-02-2016 9:15pm

Sorry, but WHO are Atari Jaguar?

Some enlightenment please.

Stinicker · 03-02-2016 9:23pm

I am voting for Labour tactically in an attempt to prevent the Fianna Fail candidate from taking the seat. I'll give number 2 to Sinn Fein. If Fianna Fail get back into office then it will be a national disgrace and the people deserve every misery piled upon them.

Fine Gael and Labour did not cause all of the mess and problems, Fianna Fail did that when they stole €200 billion from the Irish taxpayers and used it to bailout their corrupt millionaire cronies. The fact that Fianna Fail exists is a disgrace, when all the previous Government TDs should be in jail for treason and if we had the Death Penalty I'd gladly watch Cowen, Ahern and Martin swing from the gallows.

Jimoslimos · 03-02-2016 9:27pm

Capt'n Midnight wrote: »

I'm surprised it's been so civil thus far.

*gets popcorn*

Indeed, full of rational political arguments.

Stinicker wrote: »

Fine Gael and Labour did not cause all of the mess and problems, Fianna Fail did that when they stole €200 billion from the Irish taxpayers and used it to bailout their corrupt millionaire cronies. The fact that Fianna Fail exists is a disgrace, when all the previous Government TDs should be in jail for treason and if we had the Death Penalty I'd gladly watch Cowen, Ahern and Martin swing from the gallows.

and there it goes

ToddyDoody · 03-02-2016 9:31pm

I remember going through the profiles of the candidates at the last general election. (the very exciting life that I lead)

Education was a standard answer for most candidates, some impressive, some mediocre, some meh and the odd one from out the country with 'Being a man of the world made me far too busy for such things as education'

PressRun · 03-02-2016 9:37pm

Repealing the 8th is an important issue for me in this election and since FG and FF seem to be doing everything in their power to avoid even having a conversation about it, I'm not interested in giving a vote to either of them. Will have to research the other candidates in my constituency to see where the rest of them stand on it.

StewartGriffin · 03-02-2016 9:40pm

Mesrine65 wrote: »

I don't see the point in voting just because I can, if I feel there is no candidate/party worthy of the vote.

I agree. Voting simply to exercise a right to do so is a nonsense. As is this ridiculous notion that if you don't vote you have no right to have an opinion on the outcome.

If the choice was between Stalin and Hitler some clowns would still be queuing up to pick one.

questionmark? · 03-02-2016 9:52pm

Iwasfrozen wrote: »

It's surprising. I have a feeling FG may do a Tory in the next election.

If they done that it would be an even bigger shock than the Tory win. The first past the post suits getting an overall majority in the UK.

RayM · 03-02-2016 9:54pm

PBP/AAA are running two candidates in my constituency - neither of whom have a hope in hell of winning a seat. They'll get my 1 and 2 though. After that, I'll probably give third and fourth preferences to SF and maybe Labour.

ToddyDoody · 03-02-2016 10:00pm

"What about this SF crowd?", he asked.

> "What about them!?", they roared

"Gerry (I call him Gerry) promised to fight for social justice and a united Ireland"

>"How"

"All sorts of schemes that sound crazy now but just wait u see"

>"Let's do it!"

*That'll show 'em*, he thought.

Sir Oxman · 03-02-2016 10:04pm

cena wrote: »

Dolphins barn is a long time gone. Ireland is the only country in Europe without a full time rink. Cause of that we can't compete in international games etc for the country.

I thought you were joking earlier :eek:

canhefixit · 03-02-2016 10:05pm

Just voted there and SF get my no.1 ind will get no 2

I cannot believe that FG is leading this pole are people completely stupid/forgetful/naive?!?!?

FF and Fg are more or less the same cancerious parties, labour has show its true colours and is finished, the greens well are green and a waste of time so its time for something new asap, if ff/fg keep getting back into power this country is fcuked

MilesMorales1 · 03-02-2016 10:06pm

Sinn Fein haven't a hope in hell in getting into power, and I would never vote for a party led by Adams.

kupus · 03-02-2016 10:07pm

I notice joan said she inherited a room!!!

good speech writing, cos if she said she inherited a house, that would put people thinking of their own house and become mad at her.

Rooms are easy to fix. Im impressed.

RobertKK · 03-02-2016 10:08pm

Enda making out how the people are too stupid to understand future budget surpluses.

The man who hides from the people to avoid making himself look stupid when asked a question his advisers have not answered.

BoJack Horseman · 03-02-2016 10:09pm

canhefixit wrote: »

Just voted there and SF get my no.1 ind will get no 2

I cannot believe that FG is leading this pole are people completely stupid/forgetful/naive?!?!?

FF and Fg are more or less the same cancerious parties, labour has show its true colours and is finished, the greens well are green and a waste of time so its time for something new asap, if ff/fg keep getting back into power this country is fcuked

So, what is it about SF policy that impressed you over the status quo?

kupus · 03-02-2016 10:10pm

Labour will be fine, completly and utterly fine, their core base was rocked but not as bad as others. People are writing them off, Im not.

Iwasfrozen · 03-02-2016 10:11pm

kupus wrote: »

Labour will be fine, completly and utterly fine, their core base was rocked but not as bad as others. People are writing them off, Im not.

This. My money's on a FG/Lab government.

Iwasfrozen · 03-02-2016 10:14pm

questionmark? wrote: »

If they done that it would be an even bigger shock than the Tory win. The first past the post suits getting an overall majority in the UK.

Yes, I should clarify I ment % of votes not seats.

Boulevardier wrote: »

Sorry, but WHO are Atari Jaguar?

Some enlightenment please.

http://videogamecritic.com/images/systems/jag.jpg

Any more questions feel free to ask.

StewartGriffin · 03-02-2016 10:23pm

kupus wrote: »

Labour will be fine, completly and utterly fine, their core base was rocked but not as bad as others. People are writing them off, Im not.

Their problem is that it wasn't just their core base that pushed them up to 37 seats. These "other" voters will desert them this time, (bringing them back to 20 seats?) as will some of their core base, (dropping them into the low teens or even single figures.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 03-02-2016 10:33pm

Last time out AH polled like this

Fianna Fail 38 7.74%
Fine Gael 134 27.29%
Labour 136 27.70%
Green 8 1.63%
Sinn Fein 78 15.89%
People Before Profit 15 3.05%
Independent 38 7.74%
A. N. Other 5 1.02%
Spoil Your Vote 39 7.94%

I'm sure Boards will be as indicative of Irish Society this rime too.

ToddyDoody · 03-02-2016 10:33pm

Still funny.

kupus · 03-02-2016 10:34pm

Those floating voters know what side their bread is buttered, As much as they shout about strike actions, entitlements and this that and the other, They wont rock the boat, cos theyve had it relativity easy compared to other groups.

They will go down, but not the wipe out people are thinking. 25-30.

Why Do We Fall · 03-02-2016 10:37pm

canhefixit wrote: »

Just voted there and SF get my no.1 ind will get no 2

I cannot believe that FG is leading this pole are people completely stupid/forgetful/naive?!?!?

FF and Fg are more or less the same cancerious parties, labour has show its true colours and is finished, the greens well are green and a waste of time so its time for something new asap, if ff/fg keep getting back into power this country is fcuked

FG have shown to be no where near as shady as FF. The latter are criminals. Actual criminals. The former have done a job that was always going to be thankless, but if that's the worse that can be levelled at them they haven't done too badly.

FG have surprised me in no way in their policies. Labour, who I've voted for since I turned 18, have disappointed me on the other hand.

So for me that means my preferences are being reversed for the first time.

Fr_Dougal · 03-02-2016 10:46pm

I wonder will Enda Kennys balls drop and will he do a live debate this time, or will he continue to read out speeches prepared by his spin doctors. He's a spineless little gombeen.

Berserker · 03-02-2016 10:50pm

Surprised by how well FG are doing in the vote and online in general. I won't be voting for them but I think that they could poll very well and they might only need the support of one other party to get back into power. It could be Labour again, I suspect, depending on how bad they poll.

Fr_Dougal wrote: »

or will he continue to read out speeches prepared by his spin doctors.

Every leader does that. I would like to see him face up to VB this time round. Ditto for Adams who keeps running away from VB like a coward. I don't get why Enda is still avoiding VB. He has gone toe to toe with him before and he survived.

The Randy Riverbeast · 03-02-2016 11:03pm

Renua, Labour and FF are at the bottom for me. FG or SD maybe, things have improved with FG so far.

freshpopcorn · 03-02-2016 11:05pm

Berserker wrote: »

Every leader does that. I would like to see him face up to VB this time round. Ditto for Adams who keeps running away from VB like a coward. I don't get why Enda is still avoiding VB. He has gone toe to toe with him before and he survived.

I don't think Vincent Browne is taking party in the election debate this year.

StewartGriffin · 03-02-2016 11:11pm

Fr_Dougal wrote: »

I wonder will Enda Kennys balls drop and will he do a live debate this time, or will he continue to read out speeches prepared by his spin doctors. He's a spineless little gombeen.

He's not a good debater and he obviously recognises this as a weakness. He would be foolish to expose himself to a vote losing performance (as he did against Bertie Ahern all those years ago) when he has nothing to gain by taking part. Doesn't make him spineless.

FalconGirl · 03-02-2016 11:12pm

Captain Chaos wrote: »

How so, the boom is back. Makes no odds who get in, we are back at 2003 all over again. Construction is back in full swing in Dublin. Modified cars are all over the place with boy racers back on the streets, I feel like I'm 21 all over again.

Pubs and clubs are packed out all weekend like never before.

Don't know about that. A health system in ****e, a lack of affordable housing, homeless crisis. And construction certainly isn't back in full swing with banks still somewhat cagey to lend. Things are still fragile.

dark crystal · 03-02-2016 11:21pm

StewartGriffin wrote: »

He's not a good debater and he obviously recognises this as a weakness. He would be foolish to expose himself to a vote losing performance (as he did against Bertie Ahern all those years ago) when he has nothing to gain by taking part. Doesn't make him spineless.

He is spineless. He hides away and lets his cabinet do all his talking for him - he's the invisible man.

If he feels he's done such a great job for his country, come out and say so. Surely he should have enough cajones as the leader of a nation to at least face us and open his mouth during an election debate. Defend your policies and tell the nation why you should continue the great job you've been doing so far. If not, why not?

I find it disconcerting how little he's ever seen or heard, given his position as leader.

FalconGirl · 03-02-2016 11:28pm

irishfeen wrote: »

Actually shocked that Fine Gael is leading the poll on here at 43% after 100+ people.

FG get my first preference, Labour 2 and Independent 3 - I don't think the country has any other option then giving the government another term - they possible alternatives are genuinely frightening!

It's sad that FG are the only real option this election but I'm hoping that the Social Democrats can put in a strong performance in this and a even stronger one in 2021. Hopefully they can build in next few years into a credible alternative. I look forward to the day when one of FF and FG is not in power. The country needs it.

Hande hoche! · 03-02-2016 11:30pm

FalconGirl wrote: »

Don't know about that. A health system in ****e, a lack of affordable housing, homeless crisis. And construction certainly isn't back in full swing with banks still somewhat cagey to lend. Things are still fragile.

Hasn't that been nearly omnipresent at this stage?

StewartGriffin · 03-02-2016 11:38pm

dark crystal wrote: »

He is spineless. He hides away and lets his cabinet do all his talking for him - he's the invisible man.

If he feels he's done such a great job for his country, come out and say so. Surely he should have enough cajones as the leader of a nation to at least face us and open his mouth during an election debate. Defend your policies and tell the nation why you should continue the great job you've been doing so far. If not, why not?

I find it disconcerting how little he's ever seen or heard, given his position as leader.

Yeah, we need a man of the calibre of Tyson Fury to run the country.

FalconGirl · 03-02-2016 11:45pm

Hande hoche! wrote: »

Hasn't that been nearly omnipresent at this stage?

I suppose so but FG have utterly failed what they promised in the health part of their 5 point plan. I'd like to see a party deal with the HSE once and for all. It's a shambles. 2nd worst health system in Europe.

http://theliberal.ie/state-of-poor-healthcare-irelands-healthcare-system-the-second-worst-in-the-eu-according-to-latest-survey/

Also Eurostat released a report today saying we have 2nd highest number of cancer deaths in EU. Must check if there is correlation between the two.

dark crystal · 03-02-2016 11:48pm

StewartGriffin wrote: »

Yeah, we need a man of the calibre of Tyson Fury to run the country.

Yeah, because defending your record as Taoiseach = Heavyweight boxing champ with foot in mouth disease.

What's he afraid of anyway?

For Forks Sake · 03-02-2016 11:48pm

FalconGirl wrote: »

I suppose so but FG have utterly failed what they promised in the health part of their 5 point plan. I'd like to see a party deal with the HSE once and for all. It's a shambles. 2nd worst health system in Europe.

What does "dealing with the HSE once and for all" entail, in your opinion, and how would you make it work? Genuine question.

I have my own opinions on what could be done to sort the HSE out as well, unfortunately they'd result in every union in the place going out on strike in reaction to what i'd propose

cena · 03-02-2016 11:48pm

Sir Oxman wrote: »

I thought you were joking earlier :eek:

I don't joke about things like this.

irishfeen · 03-02-2016 11:52pm

Fr_Dougal wrote: »

I wonder will Enda Kennys balls drop and will he do a live debate this time, or will he continue to read out speeches prepared by his spin doctors. He's a spineless little gombeen.

Amazing how the "spineless little gombeen" has been elected to the Dáil since 1975, been democratically elected by his party to become leader, brought FG back from the brink of chaos rebuilding the party to win 76 seats in 2011... the most in FG's 78-year history - becoming the largest party in the Dáil for the first time in FG history..... not to mention the fact that he is odds on to become the only Fine Gael leader to serve as Taoiseach after two successive general elections.

He might be a "gombeen" but is among the most successful political leaders in the history of the state, by far and away the most successful Fine Gael leader.

EazyD · 04-02-2016 12:02am

irishfeen wrote: »

Amazing how the "spineless little gombeen" has been elected to the Dáil since 1975, been democratically elected by his party to become leader, brought FG back from the brink of chaos rebuilding the party to win 76 seats in 2011... the most in FG's 78-year history - becoming the largest party in the Dáil for the first time in FG history..... not to mention the fact that he is odds on to become the only Fine Gael leader to serve as Taoiseach after two successive general elections.

He might be a "gombeen" but is among the most successful political leaders in the history of the state, by far and away the most successful Fine Gael leader.

Had absolutely nothing to do with reactionary voting.

Berserker · 04-02-2016 12:05am

FalconGirl wrote: »

I suppose so but FG have utterly failed what they promised in the health part of their 5 point plan. I'd like to see a party deal with the HSE once and for all. It's a shambles. 2nd worst health system in Europe.

You do realise that five years is nowhere near enough to turn the health system around, don't you? Also, FG went into power when Ireland was in a dreadful state financially. Their primary focus had to be on getting the country back on it's feet. We had no money and you need money to fix things.

If they get another term and they probably will, then they will be in a position to put the wheels of change in motion w.r.t. health care. It is going to be really difficult to changes things though. The unions will make life extremely difficult for them. The housing crisis is something that the next government can and probably will address. I expect to see houses, poorly built no doubt, springing up all round the place.

FalconGirl · 04-02-2016 12:05am

For Forks Sake wrote: »

What does "dealing with the HSE once and for all" entail, in your opinion, and how would you make it work? Genuine question.

I have my own opinions on what could be done to sort the HSE out as well, unfortunately they'd result in every union in the place going out on strike in reaction to what i'd propose

From a high level bring in independent external consultants specialising in process improvements and finding efficiencies. Put a major project together. Cut the waste in middle/upper management and get more people on the front line. Yeah your right, that would probably end in strike :-)

kupus · 04-02-2016 12:09am

dark crystal wrote: »

He is spineless. He hides away and lets his cabinet do all his talking for him - he's the invisible man.

If he feels he's done such a great job for his country, come out and say so. Surely he should have enough cajones as the leader of a nation to at least face us and open his mouth during an election debate. Defend your policies and tell the nation why you should continue the great job you've been doing so far. If not, why not?

I find it disconcerting how little he's ever seen or heard, given his position as leader.

While I kind of agree with you, It is good that he recognises that hes a sh1te talker and debater, and lets others do the talking for him.

We saw enough of bertie and before him albert and before him charlie do a lot of talking, most of it thru their holes.

As regards the health. Its a disgrace and a sham, day after day I keep hoping I never get sick here cos if i do im f88ked. plain and simple.

You need someone that has bigger balls than maggie thatcher to tackle the HSE and the JUSTICE industries.

Ireland has nobody like that., so it will forever and a day remain the same.
Too many chiefs, too many lined pockets and too many fingers in the pies.

irishfeen · 04-02-2016 12:13am

EazyD wrote: »

Had absolutely nothing to do with reactionary voting.

Those are the facts about the man as a politician - to get personal about the man Enda Kenny or any other political leader is disgusting.

He is far from a "spineless little gombeen" ... he is obviously a very smart man to get himself elected to the highest office in the land.

General Election - Feb 26th Megathread

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