[dlofnep]

Originally Posted by southsiderosie

No, I'm not saying it is his fault at all. What I'm saying is that because his role is essentially maintaining and managing cohesion, and massive reforms are needed - which is painful in any political context, but esp in NI - that it would seem that his role in Stormont would be more important than his potential role in the Aras.

That is the view of my mother, that his work in the north is critically important (She's not a SF voter). However, I don't believe that Martin as president of Ireland will not possess the ability to continue to uphold peace and reconciliation. There will be much work for him to do, but it will be in the interest s of everybody on the Island.

There are many young, talented politicians in the north in SF who can assist this transition.

[Liam Byrne]

I think the OP has gone to ground, but I'm gonna try again

how come you're ruling Norris out because he wrote letters trying to get criminals off for their crime, but you're happy to support McGuinness who did the exact same thing ?

[vetstu]

Good job, he'll get my vote anyway. Better him than Dorris

[hotmail.com]

Originally Posted by vetstu

Good job, he'll get my vote anyway. Better him than Dorris

Does his gayness bother you that much?

[Sir Oxman]

Originally Posted by hotmail.com

This is possibly true. He has also spoiled any chance of Mary Davies or Sean Gallagher having a chance at winning, they'll get squeezed. They should drop out now to save some money.

McGunniess will just say sure wasn't Dev in the IRA when asked about his IRA past and he has a point.

I think Gay Mitchell is on his knees in thanks to his god tonight while over in Galway, MDH is biting his knuckles and flying into one of his little fits of rage right now!

[lugha]

Originally Posted by dlofnep

However, I don't believe that Martin as president of Ireland will not possess the ability to continue to uphold peace and reconciliation.

He won't be able to anything meaningful (possibly anything at all) without the approval of the FG led government.

And do you really think electing a SF man head of state will do anything for reconciliation between the two tribes. Do you think unionists would be more open to a UI as a result? ..... Actually, maybe I should vote for him.

Originally Posted by dlofnep

There are many young, talented politicians in the north in SF who can assist this transition.

I will fall over an bang my head if I were ever to hear a member of any political party who didn't think their own ranks were stuffed with talent!

[HellsAngel]

Originally Posted by lugha

He won't be able to anything meaningful (possibly anything at all) without the approval of the FG led government.

The Pres cannot be seen to interfer with Govt policy, it states so in the Constitution. They cann't start saying, " Oh lets do X,Y and Z with the euro and bailout ", all they can do is empathise with the country and hope for better days and meet foreign dignatories etc

And do you really think electing a SF man head of state will do anything for reconciliation between the two tribes. Do you think unionists would be more open to a UI as a result? ..... Actually, maybe I should vote for him.

Well I don't see why we should listen to a word from the unionists, they never have a decent word to say to nationalism regardless. And anyway, If they can accept MMcG as Deputy First Minister in the six counties they can hardly start gobbing off about him down here.

[blahfckingblah]

hmm he's likely to get my vote at this stage although it makes me wonder what way this will affect them in NI

[HellsAngel]

Originally Posted by dlofnep

That is the view of my mother, that his work in the north is critically important (She's not a SF voter). However, I don't believe that Martin as president of Ireland will not possess the ability to continue to uphold peace and reconciliation. There will be much work for him to do, but it will be in the interest s of everybody on the Island.

There are many young, talented politicians in the north in SF who can assist this transition.

My honest two cents dlofnep, a crazy decision and a waste of money and resources. I could see SF supporting Micky Harte or Robert Ballagh, but Martim was too 'invovled' for the crowd down here. Dr Sir AJF O'Reilly's comics will go balistic !!!!!

<snip>

[Paparazzo]

Originally Posted by gambiaman

It's SF. It's McGuinness. What's not to draw outrage!

Just heard on TV3, if elected he will draw the avg. industrial wage for himself.
That's one box ticked for me - Mr Higgins waffled and did not answer the question when asked although he said he'd defer his multiple taxpayers provided pensions.

I assume you never talked to a Sinn Fein member canvassing?
Will you get rid of the toll? Yes
Will you sort out the car park outside my house? Yes
Will you tell the bond holders to fúck off? Yes
Will you lower taxes? Yes
Will you give me a pay rise? Yes
Will you drop coropration tax rates? Yes.
But that will mean big companies will leave ireland. "Errr, no then"
Will you send toireasa ferris around to give me a lapdance? Yes

I know politicians say anything to get a vote, but Sinn Fein take the biscuit.

[dlofnep]

Originally Posted by lugha

He won't be able to anything meaningful (possibly anything at all) without the approval of the FG led government.

Since when did building peace in Ireland require the approval of the Government?

Originally Posted by lugha

And do you really think electing a SF man head of state will do anything for reconciliation between the two tribes. Do you think unionists would be more open to a UI as a result?

I don't think it will hinder or help the cause. He already co-holds the highest position in the northern assembly. It's not as if they are not familiar with him holding a position of power.

[Wolfe Tone]

Originally Posted by Liam Byrne

I think the OP has gone to ground, but I'm gonna try again

Apologies Liam, I was out walking my dog.

Really Liam? Do you need to ask that question? What criminals did he try to get off? Would they be the same "criminals" you voted to release?

I'm pretty sure we have had similar conversations before, is there much point going down this road yet again?

[Wolfe Tone]

Originally Posted by phantom_lord

What would you rate his chances of winning?

He has a chance, but I wouldn't expect him to win, but you never know.

[Sir Oxman]

Originally Posted by Paparazzo

I assume you never talked to a Sinn Fein member canvassing?
Will you get rid of the toll? Yes
Will you sort out the car park outside my house? Yes
Will you tell the bond holders to fúck off? Yes
Will you lower taxes? Yes
Will you give me a pay rise? Yes
Will you drop coropration tax rates? Yes.
But that will mean big companies will leave ireland. "Errr, no then"
Will you send toireasa ferris around to give me a lapdance? Yes

I know politicians say anything to get a vote, but Sinn Fein take the biscuit.

Eh, it's The Presidential election.

[Paparazzo]

Originally Posted by gambiaman

Eh, it's The Presidential election.

REad the post I was replying to. McGuinness will say or do anything to get the vote.