Terence Flanagan interview on Drivetime

Brendan Bendar · 13-03-2015 6:20pm #1

My good lord,just finished, total car crash and train wreck.

Renua tanked before it has left the station

Complete disaster.

TOEJOE · 13-03-2015 6:24pm

Its sad ,it could happen to any of us.

Brendan Bendar · 13-03-2015 6:27pm

TOEJOE wrote: »

Its sad ,it could happen to any of us.

Agreed, fair play to Wilson for terminating the interview early.

Blows the party out of the water though,I mean who let the lad on the air?

HeidiHeidi · 13-03-2015 6:28pm

Crap, was only half listening, just copped the abrupt, rather bizarre-sounding ending.

What did he say? Is it easily summarised?

Brendan Bendar · 13-03-2015 6:32pm

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

Crap, was only half listening, just copped the abrupt, rather bizarre-sounding ending.

What did he say? Is it easily summarised?

Was totally out of his depth, you will be able to listen back.

Felt sorry for the poor guy, you could hear the rustling of papers in the background.

Jeez, you would think on day one they would only let either Hobbs or Lucinda deal with the media.

On par with the Marion Finucane Joe Jacob interview.

Really sorry for the guy.

neris · 13-03-2015 6:36pm

did anyone in Fine Gael even know hes left the party? Hes the TD for my area. Might explain then why **** all gets done then

Brendan Bendar · 13-03-2015 6:37pm

Hopefully the News bulletins won't broadcast any clips.

In fairness to the guy.

emo72 · 13-03-2015 6:40pm

"What are you going to do for the hard pressed PAYE workers?"

Silence.........

Desperate rustling of papers.........

"OK, we'll come back to you some other time"

Poor chap is going to have an awful weekend.

CountyHurler · 13-03-2015 6:43pm

I just heard this interview on the way back from work... I dont know why people are commending Mary Wilson... He was having trouble with the first question, sounded like he was distracted by something... And then she doesnt even wait for his to finish his response before asking another question... At this point he was still having trouble... I thought he was having a stroke / seizure or some catastrophic event.... But she then proceeds to ask him a THIRD question...

She should have cut to a break after the second response and asked him off-air if he was okay to continue, but as we know at this stage she's far from the sharpest tool in the shed..

Brendan Bendar · 13-03-2015 6:43pm

emo72 wrote: »

"What are you going to do for the hard pressed PAYE workers?"

Silence.........

Desperate rustling of papers.........

"OK, we'll come back to you some other time"

Poor chap is going to have an awful weekend.

Mary Wilson deserves credit for not putting the boot in.

Lad must have had a bad day,as usually a politician can 'tread water' in these situations.

Brendan Bendar · 13-03-2015 6:45pm

CountyHurler wrote: »

I just heard this interview on the way back from work... I dont know why people are commending Mary Wilson... He was having trouble with the first question, sounded like he was distracted by something... And then she doesnt even wait for his to finish his response before asking another question... At this point he was still having trouble... I thought he was having a stroke / seizure or some catastrophic event.... But she then proceeds to ask him a THIRD question...

She should have cut to a break after the second response and asked him off-air if he was okay to continue, but as we know at this stage she's far from the sharpest tool in the shed..

I don't agree with that assessment.

13-03-2015 6:46pm

My heart went out to him. Sounded like he just went blank.

ThisRegard · 13-03-2015 6:50pm

CountyHurler wrote: »

She should have cut to a break after the second response and asked him off-air if he was okay to continue, but as we know at this stage she's far from the sharpest tool in the shed..

The guy put himself forward as a rep for a political party, he shouldn't be treated any differently than ever other politician. No other would be afforded a break to get their answers together.

CountyHurler · 13-03-2015 6:55pm

ThisRegard wrote: »

The guy put himself forward as a rep for a political party, he shouldn't be treated any differently than ever other politician. No other would be afforded a break to get their answers together.

After the lack of response to the second question it was clear that something was clearly wrong, whether that be bad phone line / health reasons / somebody distracting him.... A professional broadcaster would have gone to a break and found out what the hell was going on before continuing...

Brendan Bendar · 13-03-2015 6:56pm

ThisRegard wrote: »

The guy put himself forward as a rep for a political party, he shouldn't be treated any differently than ever other politician. No other would be afforded a break to get their answers together.

That is so and you are correct, but whatever happened him, he was on the ropes and really no-one could kick the guy when he was down.

I'd say you haven't heard the interview, something went wrong, and Wilson acted professionally,in my opinion.

There were seconds of dead air after a question was asked.

Hope he recovers from this on a human aspect.

Uncle Ben · 13-03-2015 7:00pm

Brendan Bendar wrote: »

Mary Wilson deserves credit for not putting the boot in.

Lad must have had a bad day,as usually a politician can 'tread water' in these situations.

No problem with putting the boot in. He's getting almost €2k plus per week and can't answer a question. Really sad.

CountyHurler · 13-03-2015 7:07pm

Some people are capitalizing on it anyway..

lucky john · 13-03-2015 7:09pm

One of the most bizarre interviews I've heard on radio. This guy is a professional politician. Surley been able to think and talk is the minimum qualifications we should expect. Barring a health reason there is no excuse.

ThisRegard · 13-03-2015 7:19pm

I'll have a listen back. Only half listened but I thought he just got stuck for an answer and fell apart from there, rather than any health issues.

kingstevii · 13-03-2015 7:29pm

rte.ie /radio/utils/radioplayer/rteradioweb.html#!rii=9%3A20743594%3A83%3A%3A

What a meltdown!

kingstevii · 13-03-2015 7:29pm

rte.ie/radio/utils/radioplayer/rteradioweb.html#!rii=9%3A20743594%3A83%3A%3A

What a meltdown!

Brendan Bendar · 13-03-2015 7:31pm

Go again

mickydoomsux · 13-03-2015 7:44pm

He probably expected to get a puff piece with congratulations etc. and just panicked when she asked a question about the pesky aspect that is political policy :P

Iranoutofideas · 13-03-2015 8:11pm

Zero sympathy. His incompetance only mirrors the rest of their "launch."

The good boat Renua appears to be a rebranded Titanic.

Arsemageddon · 13-03-2015 8:32pm

Poor auld Terrence, I'm scarlet for ya.

There's a link for the interview on the Indo's website.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/car-crash-interview-on-rte-spat-with-matt-cooper-and-parody-on-social-media-renua-irelands-eventful-first-day-31064774.html

Field east · 13-03-2015 8:39pm

Brendan Bendar wrote: »

Was totally out of his depth, you will be able to listen back.

Felt sorry for the poor guy, you could hear the rustling of papers in the background.

Jeez, you would think on day one they would only let either Hobbs or Lucinda deal with the media.

On par with the Marion Finucane Joe Jacob interview.

Really sorry for the guy.

Only significantly worse than Deputy Jacob. At least he talked. If this is the best the new party can do on what is the lifeblood of any party - not to say a new party or any other new org. - and on the first step at that, then I would have absolutely no confidence in thrusting it to ever get anything right or off the ground. It's leader should come out , within the next 12 hours, to explain what actually happened? It will be her first opportunity re 'the new way' , 'open democracy', ' transparency', etc, etc etc.

Etc · 13-03-2015 8:49pm

In his first term in the Dial he was caught plagiarising speeches. When he came canvassing prior to the next election, I asked him why I should vote for him if that's what his major achievement was in his first term, his response was "sure anyone can make a mistake" !

Brush up your C.V. Terence, you'll be looking for a new job after the election.....

hotmail.com · 13-03-2015 8:52pm

CountyHurler wrote: »

After the lack of response to the second question it was clear that something was clearly wrong, whether that be bad phone line / health reasons / somebody distracting him.... A professional broadcaster would have gone to a break and found out what the hell was going on before continuing...

It was just a very very bad interview for Flanagan. Nothing else. He completely blanked and is probably out of his depth (something which political observers already know about the man). Mary Wilson was actually quite sympathetic in ending the interview early.

An embarrassing start to Renua. He won't be allowed near a microphone again for a long time.

Richard tea · 13-03-2015 9:01pm

A 3 min 22 sec interview felt like a 10 min one:o

hotmail.com · 13-03-2015 9:05pm

CountyHurler wrote: »

Some people are capitalizing on it anyway..

Higgins is a political opponent. What do you expect?

3rdDegree · 13-03-2015 9:06pm

He sounded a bit like he was having a slight anxiety attack or something. His voice was quivering a bit, even. Poor guy. Felt sorry for him. Could happen to anyone.

4zn76tysfajdxp · 13-03-2015 9:08pm

Jesus, that's rough.

cnoc · 13-03-2015 9:08pm

Was he getting emotional?

jobbridge4life · 13-03-2015 9:12pm

It was a trainwreck alright. The notion that it reflects much about his talent as a politician etc is nonsense though. The most supremely experienced public speaker can still have disastrous moments.

Mint Aero · 13-03-2015 9:17pm

"Mind freeze" as they're putting it, in a public speaking scenario only happens if you've nothing to say because either you don't know what you're talking about or have no real interest in what you're talking about.

The guy has buzzwords and those are basically...we're gonna be an open party....that's all he has. Nothing else. The party is based on nothing other than they're going to be "more" open.

Sure, sure, next!

HeidiHeidi · 13-03-2015 9:35pm

3rdDegree wrote: »

He sounded a bit like he was having a slight anxiety attack or something. His voice was quivering a bit, even. Poor guy. Felt sorry for him. Could happen to anyone.

That was excruciating to listen back to.

He was shaky from the start, and it just got worse and worse.

I feel very sorry for the guy, politician or no - has to be mortifying to corpse like that on live national radio.

BettePorter · 13-03-2015 9:37pm

Maybe they ll claim it wasn't him at all! Maybe it was the taxi driver that dropped him off and a gopher stuck a mic on him. Just like the infamous bbc interview with some random guy who they mistook for a spokesman for some company.
Come to think of it ..... that guy was more knowledgeable about a random company than Flanagan was about his own Party!

efb · 13-03-2015 9:41pm

He needs to renua his career now!

Roger_007 · 13-03-2015 9:42pm

That was the worst performance I've ever heard from any politician. Flannigan is a TD for 8 years!. No wonder nobody has ever heard of him. He hasn't an idea in his head. He was totally out of his depth. If that's the best that Renua can come up with then they might as well fold their tent now.
I bet FG are glad to be rid of him!

murrayp4 · 13-03-2015 9:48pm

Wilson showed compassion and should be commended for it. There was no need to put the boot in as the damage had already been done. The man sounded like he was having a flap of some sort, it's unusual to have a TD of 8 years perform so poorly on a relatively simple 'trot out the party line' interview.

seligehgit · 13-03-2015 9:48pm

Absolute car crash!

honeybear · 13-03-2015 10:32pm

Missed this interview but heard clip of Natalie Bennett (Green Party leader) having a recent mental blank during a radio interview. I felt so sorry for her as I hate public speaking.

CINCLANTFLT · 13-03-2015 11:08pm

Ah dear... Between Hobbs and this lad they are already fecked... I'd like to vote for someone new but I think I'll pass...

Henry94 · 14-03-2015 12:26am

I agree about Wilson. She didn't need to try be aggressive and wasn't. But she didn't cover up for him either. Just right unlike Tubridy tonight who doesn't know enough to do political interviews and focuses unerringly on the trivial.

phelixoflaherty · 14-03-2015 12:29am

Terry Prone wasn't in his ear 'ole,

realdanbreen · 14-03-2015 12:37am

CountyHurler wrote: »

I just heard this interview on the way back from work... I dont know why people are commending Mary Wilson... He was having trouble with the first question, sounded like he was distracted by something... And then she doesnt even wait for his to finish his response before asking another question... At this point he was still having trouble... I thought he was having a stroke / seizure or some catastrophic event.... But she then proceeds to ask him a THIRD question...

She should have cut to a break after the second response and asked him off-air if he was okay to continue, but as we know at this stage she's far from the sharpest tool in the shed..

Just listened to the clip. I thought Wilson was most sympathetic and took her time with the questions giving him time to compose himself. He should thank his lucky stars he [EMAIL="wasn'@t"]wasn't[/EMAIL] being interviewed by Vincent Brown.

The Rape of Lucretia · 14-03-2015 12:38am

Weak Mary. Very weak.

She really shouldhave gone for the jugular here. When you can shoot a fish in a barrel, shoot it.

Politicians normally are a disgrace when interviewed, frequently not really beng interviewed at all, only dodging questions with the standards 'before I answer that', 'its important to say', 'I will answer that, but', 'whats at issue here though is', etc, or just waffling freely filling the air with words.

This Flanagan character clearly hasnt a clue and was shown up.

Rather than nursing him along as she did, giving him every chance to appear normal (what is she, his party handler?), her next questions should have been :

- How can you be part of a new party and be so ill informed on its policies, and so badly prepared to be interviewed on the national airwaves ?
- Clearly Mr Flanagan, you havent a clue about any of the topics I have asked you. You havent even the standard politicians skill to waffle as if you do even when you dont. Are you fit to be a TD ?

QuadLeo · 14-03-2015 2:11am

The Rape of Lucretia wrote: »

Weak Mary. Very weak.

She really shouldhave gone for the jugular here. When you can shoot a fish in a barrel, shoot it.

Politicians normally are a disgrace when interviewed, frequently not really beng interviewed at all, only dodging questions with the standards 'before I answer that', 'its important to say', 'I will answer that, but', 'whats at issue here though is', etc, or just waffling freely filling the air with words.

This Flanagan character clearly hasnt a clue and was shown up.

Rather than nursing him along as she did, giving him every chance to appear normal (what is she, his party handler?), her next questions should have been :

- How can you be part of a new party and be so ill informed on its policies, and so badly prepared to be interviewed on the national airwaves ?
- Clearly Mr Flanagan, you havent a clue about any of the topics I have asked you. You havent even the standard politicians skill to waffle as if you do even when you dont. Are you fit to be a TD ?

Completely disagree. There was no need to "go for the jugular". The damage was done and he dug his own grave. There was no need for Mary to attack him. That would've been completely unfair. The man had a bit of an anxiety attack or whatever, these things happen. Although it was very unfortunate. If Mary stuck the boot in and took advantage it wouldn't have made any difference, except that it would reflect very badly on the presenter and we'd now be here talking about how unfair the interview was. It couldn't be any worse for the new party, there was no need for the presenter to do anything. I think Mary was right to put him out of his misery and end the interview early. To call her weak is not fair. Sometimes a bit of compassion is needed. Don't get me wrong, Terrance made a mess of it, but he knows that better than anyone. No need to kick a man when he's down.

revman · 14-03-2015 2:54am

I did feel sorry for Deputy Flanagan but, and it's a big but, he is MY public representative and he could not handle very basic questions in relation to serious matters. All I saw today was incompetence not only from Deputy Flanagan but also from President Hobbs whose only comment was to attack our faithful front line public servants for causing our economic crash. Hello President Hobbs I believe YOUR friends in the financial world may have contributed in some small way to our National woes don't you think? Where is the New in Nua then, same old same old.

griffin100 · 14-03-2015 3:06am

If Mary Wilson can make you look foolish..........

CINCLANTFLT · 14-03-2015 9:11am

revman wrote: »

I did feel sorry for Deputy Flanagan but, and it's a big but, he is MY public representative and he could not handle very basic questions in relation to serious matters. All I saw today was incompetence not only from Deputy Flanagan but also from President Hobbs whose only comment was to attack our faithful front line public servants for causing our economic crash. Hello President Hobbs I believe YOUR friends in the financial world may have contributed in some small way to our National woes don't you think? Where is the New in Nua then, same old same old.

What's worse is that Hobbs is not really a finance person... He's someone who would struggle to advise you on travel insurance... I know from experience that he is a spoofer on the finance sector

Terence Flanagan interview on Drivetime

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