[tayto lover]

Originally Posted by djpbarry

I'm not an FG supporter, although I would ask if there are any Irish political parties that boardsies don't consider supporting unacceptable? I know all the cool kids are anti- whoever happens to be in power at present, but it's not very practical, is it?

Its not about being pro or anti any party. Its about failing or refusing to see the wrongs associated with the party. Irish people are only too willing to turn a blind eye to their politicians and that is a big part of the reason we are where we are. Corrupt politicians should be ostracized by everyone especially other politicians.

[djpbarry]

Originally Posted by tayto lover

Corrupt politicians should be ostracized by everyone especially other politicians.

But how is that going to work in practice? Who decides what defines corruption? Individual parties? Could FG simply decide that they were not going to entertain representations from a particular TD or group of TD's, leaving those TDs' constituents without a voice in the Dail?

As I said above, I'm not defending Lowry at all, nor am I defending those who vote for him. But the fact remains that he has been democratically elected and he has to be treated as such.

[rodento]

Do you not think some people should be debarred from politics

[lisasimpson]

just to point out that the jounalist in question has being harressing him in the worst way going. sitting for hrs outside his house, following him around to whereever he goes when he leaves the house ringing him in etc. no regardless of who it is I have heard reports of what that journalist is doing. now pissing someone off like that and following them when they drive of the way it was done is a serious road safety issue there arent the straightest of roads around his lowrys house

[djpbarry]

Originally Posted by rodento

Do you not think some people should be debarred from politics

Ignoring for a moment the certain criteria must be met before a TD can take their seat in the Dail (a tax clearance cert must be provided, for example), more generally, who would decide who should be barred and what criteria would be need to be met? Take Lowry for instance - on what grounds would he be barred from the Dail, bearing in mind that he has not (as far as I am aware) been convicted of any crime (yet)?

[tayto lover]

Originally Posted by djpbarry

Ignoring for a moment the certain criteria must be met before a TD can take their seat in the Dail (a tax clearance cert must be provided, for example), more generally, who would decide who should be barred and what criteria would be need to be met? Take Lowry for instance - on what grounds would he be barred from the Dail, bearing in mind that he has not (as far as I am aware) been convicted of any crime (yet)?

No Bankers convicted either but would you let them handle your money ?

[djpbarry]

Originally Posted by tayto lover

No Bankers convicted either but would you let them handle your money ?

How many people in Ireland do not have bank accounts?

[tayto lover]

Originally Posted by djpbarry

How many people in Ireland do not have bank accounts?

Bertie and probably Seanie, Fingers etc and those who are trying to hide it. Unless they have put it in their wives names of course.

[rodento]

Originally Posted by djpbarry

Ignoring for a moment the certain criteria must be met before a TD can take their seat in the Dail (a tax clearance cert must be provided, for example), more generally, who would decide who should be barred and what criteria would be need to be met? Take Lowry for instance - on what grounds would he be barred from the Dail, bearing in mind that he has not (as far as I am aware) been convicted of any crime (yet)?

Do you not think a finding from a tribunal should at the very least debar someone from taking political office

Leaving them free to try and clear their name if they so wish

[djpbarry]

Originally Posted by tayto lover

Bertie and probably Seanie, Fingers etc and those who are trying to hide it. Unless they have put it in their wives names of course.

Great. Any chance you could answer my earlier questions?

Originally Posted by rodento

Do you not think a finding from a tribunal should at the very least debar someone from taking political office

How would that work in practice? Remember, a tribunal is not a court - he's not been found guilty of a crime (although he is obviously guilty of acting immorally).

Again, I'll stress at this point that I think it's shameful that the electorate in North Tipp repeatedly return Lowry to the Dail, but I really don't think barring certain individuals from holding office is the way to approach this. We shouldn't be asking how do we bar certain individuals from the Dail. What we should be asking is why the hell are these individuals being elected in the first place.

[tayto lover]

Originally Posted by djpbarry

But how is that going to work in practice? Who decides what defines corruption? Individual parties? Could FG simply decide that they were not going to entertain representations from a particular TD or group of TD's, leaving those TDs' constituents without a voice in the Dail?

As I said above, I'm not defending Lowry at all, nor am I defending those who vote for him. But the fact remains that he has been democratically elected and he has to be treated as such.

The political parties should themselves define what corruption is and make sure they are well above it. But of course they can't because they are aware of their own members having shady dealings and the leaders might even be associated with them.
Constantly meeting with Lowry after what the Tribunal said about him was just in-your-face politics i.e. arrogance. That's just my opinion. I know the Tribunal is not a court but to just seemingly ignore it's findings after being part of setting it up or agreeing to it being set up makes the whole episode worse.
I will never cease to be amazed by the difference in the standards of politicians when in opposition and then when they get elected. It's sickening.

[djpbarry]

Originally Posted by tayto lover

The political parties should themselves define what corruption is and make sure they are well above it.

But Lowry is independent?

Originally Posted by tayto lover

I know the Tribunal is not a court but to just seemingly ignore it's findings...

Who's ignoring it's findings? The Gardai certainly aren't.

[tayto lover]

Originally Posted by djpbarry

But Lowry is independent?
Who's ignoring it's findings? The Gardai certainly aren't.

Lowry is Independent now but obviously still on very friendly terms with some/many F.G. members. It just does not seem right at all.

I don't know what the Gardai are taking seriously or indeed ignoring with regard to the Tribunals but I do hope they are digging deep for evidence of criminality inc bribery and corruption.

[Wider Road]

Originally Posted by djpbarry

But Lowry is independent?

Who's ignoring it's findings? The Gardai certainly aren't.

Have we (or you djpbarry) any evidence that the Gardai are certainly not ignoring the findings of the Tribunal?

[LONE WOLFF]

Originally Posted by djpbarry

Again, I'll stress at this point that I think it's shameful that the electorate in North Tipp repeatedly return Lowry to the Dail

Lowry is loved and hated in equal measure down here.
The main problem is that 50% of the people love him.