Will Varadkar (FG) be a part-time TD?

Bunnyhopper

Leo Varadkar, the Fine Gael candidate in Dublin West, seems widely considered a near-certainty for election. The rumour I've heard is that he intends, if elected as a TD, to continue practising as a medical doctor.

So, my questions are: can anyone shed some light on the truth or otherwise of this; and, do you think it's practically possible, or even preferable, to have a TD working simultaneously in a profession other than politics?


(Let's for the moment leave aside the question of whether politics is a profession...)

ballooba

Well it would bring a whole new meaning to the word "clinic" when used for politicians.

patsyh

Plus if his coalition partner Pat Rabbitte gets his way and increases the Dail sittings by 50% would be even less practical.

simu

I don't see how he could do it without scrimping in both jobs tbh.

ballooba

I can't really see him continuing as a MD and a TD. I hope he is not planning on doing so.

Zaph

That's my constituency, and although I wouldn't have voted for him anyway, had I been inclined to do so I wouldn't after hearing this. I appreciate that he has patients to look after, but they're not going to be looked after properly if he's performing his duties as a TD properly. But then again, if he's looking after his patients he's not going to be looking after his constituents properly, so I wouldn't want him elected. And if I heard that any that I do plan to vote for were going to do something similar, I wouldn't vote for them.

ballooba

Are there any part-time TDs at the moment? I'm sure there must be farmers and publicans in there.

They don't need the sponds anyway at €93,000.

Dirk Gently

What's the story with mad Dr. Bill Tormey (FG).

Is he also a Councillor / Doctor / wannabe TD?

E92

Dr Bill Tormey is a FG hopeful to gain an extra Dáil seat. AFAIK he is not a councillor. Balloba, a certain Dr James, commonly known as Jim Mc Daid is a part time TD. I dont think that Dr Varadkar will get away with that in Fine Gael if he only intends on being a part time TD.

ballooba

clown bag wrote:

What's the story with mad X.

Is he also a Councillor / Doctor / wannabe TD?

Do you want to get sued?

Dirk Gently

ballooba wrote:

Do you want to get sued?

I'm sure he's been called worse by wealthier and more important people than me if he wants to sue anyone.

So, what's his story anyway. If elected will he be a full time TD?

ballooba

I was joking. Insults don't constitute defamation. He's a little eccentric alright and Enda has distanced himself from comments made by Tormey in the past. It takes all sorts to make up a government though. His sins are minor compared to those of people like McDaid.

Tormey is a highly respected and oft quoted doctor and has important work
to do in that profession. I'm not sure whether he will be full time or not.

Wisheress

ballooba wrote:

Tormey is a highly respected and oft quoted doctor and has important work
to do in that profession. I'm not sure whether he will be full time or not.

Ah now. did train as a doctor but is now a chemical pathologist and does not see patients (although I completely accept some feel that trying to juggle both types of clinics is asking a bit much, just pointing it out).

Oft quoted does not equal oft respected. Find me a doctor who respects him.

e.g. (as quoted from wiki) he has said that religious missionaries returning to Ireland from Africa should be tested for Aids, stating: "Sure look at the Catholic priests with all their concubines in Latin America. Let’s get real."


In September 2006 he advocated the need for the establishment and continued operation of sex shops and associated businesses as part and parcel of the changing face of inner-city Dublin on the Liveline radio programme. He was criticised by fellow party councillor, Paschal Donohoe, who said:

"I am the FG public representative for the Phibsborough area, not Bill Tormey. The presence and number of sex shops in Dublin Central and Phibsborough, in particular, is demeaning. This is a primarily residential area after all. I live in Phibsborough, with my wife and young son - and want it to have proper shops and amenities, not sex shops which lower the tone and character of the area. Bill is expressing his own personal views and not the views of FG. I have a track record of campaigning for a strategic development plan for the Phibsborough area, in order to avoid inappropriate development, and to enhance the rejuvenation of one of Dublin’s finest Urban Villages. This whole incident is most unfortunate. I work incredibly hard, year round, to try to ensure the best for my community and I deeply regret that any of my constituents have been upset by such loose-lipped words from someone who does not have to face the difficulties that such businesses bring to the area on a daily basis. If Bill wants these kind of shops then he's welcome to them in his own community."

Fine Gael have distanced themselves from Tormey in many situations and have expressed concerns that he does contribute to advancing party policy.

ballooba

I said he was eccentric.

Wisheress

I accept that he is eccentric and a major publicity seeker. I do not wish for my political representatives to be either.

I do not agree that he is highly respected.

Tha's the beauty of politics. We can all have our own opinions!

ballooba

Wisheress wrote:

I do not agree that he is highly respected.

I was studying the whole idea of experts recently as part of my masters. It is interesting how you become perceived as an expert, the fact that he is often quoted would confer expert status on him. Whether you believe he deserves it or not. Does expert status mean you are respected? Possibly not.

I agree he is great at getting publicity. He seems to have a chequered electoral history, I'm not sure if i would vote for him.

WRT Leo Varadkar, he is obviously not in the same league as Tormey. Varadkar polled the highest first preference of any candidate in Ireland in 2004.

Dirk Gently

ballooba wrote:

I'm not sure if i would vote for him.

So if you were living in finglas, you might not vote for the FG representative even though you are a FG member :eek:

ballooba

clown bag wrote:

So if you were living in finglas, you might not vote for the FG representative even though you are a FG member :eek:

I am not completely blinkered by party politics. I believe in my local candidate and in the party in general. Would you vote for Dick Roche if you lived in Wicklow?

I don't see how that is a bad thing.

E92

Varadkar got enough votes in 04 to get him a quota in an election IIRC. And yes Tormey is eccentric.

Dirk Gently

ballooba wrote:

I don't see how that is a bad thing.

Ahh I'm only having a bit of fun with ye.

All partys have their odd ball members, just wish he wasn't up in my area. unfortunetly the realistic winners in dub north west are limited to an IRA bomb maker, the two FF'ers, mad bill and Rosin shorthall. Green party wont get a look in and then theres a few workers party heads and an independant socialist. I may have to limit my vote to Labour and a token green vote and possibly the independant socialist. Which in reality means I'm voting just for labour.

ballooba

Do you think the SWP are fooling many with their PBP front?

I'm presuming they have a candidate in Dublin North.

Dirk Gently

nah, I very much doubt the swimmers are fooling anyone but themselves with this people before profit nonsense. Not sure where else except for Dun Laoghaire they're standing but the dubnorthwest looney lefty contingent consists of WP (2) and an Irish socialist network head.

Might give the ISN chap a transfere for the craic. Will have to find out a bit about him first though. I look forward to chatting about marxism and beards with him if he comes knocking on the door, if only to make him feel better about knowing he's only getting 12 votes in the election, give or take half a dozen

ballooba

The SWP are running Rory Hearne in DSE under the PBP banner. Chap looks like a header on his posters. Saw posters in DL/Rathdown for some other header today.

Dirk Gently

that would be Richard Boyd Barrett. I think he spends his days thinking up new names for new "alliances" and then runs them himself untill everyone leaves and it's just the SWP again.

still though....... Richie boy or mad bill. who's more mental

In a half hearted effort to kinda bring the thread back on topic, is there any other part time potential TD's seeking election.

JupiterKid

I don't know why the original poster is so sure that Leo Varadkar will get elected. Dublin West is only a 3 seater and as Brian Lenihan Jr and Joan Burton are pretty much certain to get re-elected, that would lead Varadkar contesting Joe Higgins of the Socialist party for his seat.

Word on the street is that Varadkar will get a strong vote in Castleknock but his prospects in much bigger Blanchardstown are much less certain. I don't think there will be any big changes in Dublin West but I might be wrong...

thelepo

I'm not a FG fan by any stretch of the imagination, but I really think that we would need a source on an allegation such as this. This would influence ones vote. I don't think that it is fair to Varadkar to post rumours on sites such as these. He will not be getting my vote, but I would like to see a fair race.

All the best,
John

RainyDay

E92 wrote:

Varadkar got enough votes in 04 to get him a quota in an election IIRC. .

Not quite - though he did perform extremely well. He got 4,894 and was elected on the first count. The quota for Dublin West in the last general election was 7,498. Just for comparison, Joan Burton got 3,810 on the first count in the general, and went on to win a seat with transfers.

BostonB

JupiterKid wrote:

I don't know why the original poster is so sure that Leo Varadkar will get elected. Dublin West is only a 3 seater and as Brian Lenihan Jr and Joan Burton are pretty much certain to get re-elected, that would lead Varadkar contesting Joe Higgins of the Socialist party for his seat.

Word on the street is that Varadkar will get a strong vote in Castleknock but his prospects in much bigger Blanchardstown are much less certain. I don't think there will be any big changes in Dublin West but I might be wrong...

I'd say it will be Varadkar > Joan Burton > Lenihan.

I'm not keen on Varadkar but hes literally everywhere and make noise about everything. Kinda annoying tbh seem like he'd go to the opening of a crisp packet. Burton seem to have increased her presence too, though I think you do see her getting involved on the ground in lots of issues than the others. With all the problems in D.15, especially schools Lenihan has to have lost a lot of support. But the FF diehards won't be swayed. I think Higgins will come in after the rest. I don't even know who standing for the greens, their presence is so low.

Judt

BostonB wrote:

I'd say it will be Varadkar > Joan Burton > Lenihan.

I'm not keen on Varadkar but hes literally everywhere and make noise about everything. Kinda annoying tbh seem like he'd go to the opening of a crisp packet. Burton seem to have increased her presence too, though I think you do see her getting involved on the ground in lots of issues than the others. With all the problems in D.15, especially schools Lenihan has to have lost a lot of support. But the FF diehards won't be swayed. I think Higgins will come in after the rest. I don't even know who standing for the greens, their presence is so low.

Greens is, err, that guy, glasses, funny smile.

Lenihan being FF, I'd say he's a shoe in. Varadkar is an example of how all politics are local - he's not my favourite politician by any stretch, but on a national level I want to see FG in power. Higgins is also a good example, as I wouldn't want to see the socialists in a government, I do think that he's one of the most worthwhile TD's in the place. So, for better or worse they'll both be up there on my list.

E92

Apparantly Varadkar will get in at the expense of Burton. But that really isnt that good, I want FG to getting seat gains at the expense of someone other than Labour and Greens. Personally I hope Burton and Varadkar will both get in, and Joe Higgins goes, but all the same I would miss Higgins if he left, while his policies are obviously as daft as a brush, he does at least genuinely believe in what he says plus I find him very entertaining, so it would have to be at the expense of Lenihan, but he is one of the few Feel and Failers that I have time for(him, John Mc Guiness and Mary Hanafin). All the same the 3 sitting TDs are well known people, I cant see Burton losing, as she is one of the most senior front benchers in Labour(being their spokeswoman on Finance),but I know that she barely got in the last time, so its all to play for.

BostonB

Why so fond of Lenihan. He talks a lot but doesn't seem to get anything done.

E92

Well the rest of them come across as snug and arrogant, plus Lenihan comes across as realising that problems exist, whereas the others think that the country wouldnt exist if they were out of power.
P.S thanks for correcting me Rainy Day

Wisheress

thelepo wrote:

I'm not a FG fan by any stretch of the imagination, but I really think that we would need a source on an allegation such as this. This would influence ones vote. I don't think that it is fair to Varadkar to post rumours on sites such as these. He will not be getting my vote, but I would like to see a fair race.

All the best,
John

What rumours did he post?

thelepo

For a start he said that he had 'heard' that Varadkar would only be a part time TD. I think we need a bit of confirmation on this before we start makng judgements.

thelepo

BostonB wrote:

I'd say it will be Varadkar > Joan Burton > Lenihan.

I'm not keen on Varadkar but hes literally everywhere and make noise about everything. Kinda annoying tbh seem like he'd go to the opening of a crisp packet. Burton seem to have increased her presence too, though I think you do see her getting involved on the ground in lots of issues than the others. With all the problems in D.15, especially schools Lenihan has to have lost a lot of support. But the FF diehards won't be swayed. I think Higgins will come in after the rest. I don't even know who standing for the greens, their presence is so low.

Roderic O'Gorman is standing for the Greens. I don't know where you live, but there are a ton of Green O'Gorman posters out my way and he has been canvassing like the hokies since last June.
He also uses youtube to canvass online, see his website and blog www.rodericogorman.com

Bunnyhopper

thelepo wrote:

For a start he said that he had 'heard' that Varadkar would only be a part time TD. I think we need a bit of confirmation on this before we start makng judgements.

Exactly: I clearly presented it as nothing more than rumour and hearsay. I certainly didn't present it as fact, nor did I make any judgement on it: I think anyone reading the original post ought to be able to see that.

I think the sort of people who read these boards are capable of judging the value of the material posted on them, and are well able to tell a rumour from a fact (particularly when it comes with the word "rumour" attached).

Leaving aside for a moment the question of whether this rumour is true or false (I still don't know), I have to say that I disliked your use of the word "allegation" (in "an allegation such as this"), and of the word "only" (in "would only be a part time TD"). They strike me as rather more judgemental than anything I said.

I agree that "we need a bit of confirmation" (or refutation) before making any judgements, but then that's what I asked for in the original post.

murphaph

I'm also in D15 and voted for Lenihan the last time. I was duped by FF and I hold my hands up to it. I will not make that mistake this time. I am not alone. I believe Varadkar will win a seat, as will Burton (lots and lots of meetings in school halls about transport and education!). Don't know about the third but I'd like Higgins over Lenihan obviously as I want FF OUT! D15 hasn't exactly done well out of the last 5 years. Chronic traffic, lack of schools in the new estates, crime (or at least perceived crime). What has been done? No feeder buses to non-existant trains that are already full to bursting. Varadkar actually commutes daily on the 0630 train from Coolmine-this alone will win him votes.

JupiterKid

It would be great to see FF get booted out of Dublin West completely come this election but there are plently of die hard FF voters who would elect a FF candidate of it was a Jack Russell dog. Mindless sheep! But in reality D15 have done poorly in the past 5 years - chronic traffic congestion and all the major problems associated with huge growth in population but no corresponding provision of facilities like schools, creches or public transport.

In 1975, it took about 30 mins to travel by bus from Clonsilla to the city centre. In 2007, 32 years later, the same journey takes over an hour. Enough said. Let the people of Dublin 15 deliver their verdict of the current government on the 24th.

thelepo

Bunnyhopper wrote:

Exactly: I clearly presented it as nothing more than rumour and hearsay. I certainly didn't present it as fact, nor did I make any judgement on it: I think anyone reading the original post ought to be able to see that.

I think the sort of people who read these boards are capable of judging the value of the material posted on them, and are well able to tell a rumour from a fact (particularly when it comes with the word "rumour" attached).

Leaving aside for a moment the question of whether this rumour is true or false (I still don't know), I have to say that I disliked your use of the word "allegation" (in "an allegation such as this"), and of the word "only" (in "would only be a part time TD"). They strike me as rather more judgemental than anything I said.

I agree that "we need a bit of confirmation" (or refutation) before making any judgements, but then that's what I asked for in the original post.

Yes, I agree with you. Allegation was a bit strong. Curse internet diplomacy.
All the best

segadreamcast

clown bag wrote:

Ahh I'm only having a bit of fun with ye.

All partys have their odd ball members, just wish he wasn't up in my area. unfortunetly the realistic winners in dub north west are limited to an IRA bomb maker, the two FF'ers, mad bill and Rosin shorthall. Green party wont get a look in and then theres a few workers party heads and an independant socialist. I may have to limit my vote to Labour and a token green vote and possibly the independant socialist. Which in reality means I'm voting just for labour.

My god, yes, isn't our Green candidate just a complete joke? Declan something-or-other. I wouldn't mind but, talking to a lot of people in our area, it seems to be very much a case of "I would vote for the Green candidate but *this* guy...". Real shame. FF/Lab and possibly a SF seat to be had here? I'll be going Tormey/Carey/Shorthall myself though - with SF safely last preference.

BostonB

More like I would vote for the green party if I knew who the candidate was! There was a golden opportunity to get involved with local issues for the greens over the last few years while FF and PD's were off playing monopoly. The greens didn't grasp it though. IMO.

Nevyn

Have any of ye been to any of the meeting Vardakar has called over the last 2 years ?
The ones on schools, the new roads, new buildings ?

He brings the plans and takes the time to answer questions and makes sure everyone who wishes to ask and understand what the proposed plans are will mean for where they live and has also fallicated people lodging objections.

He grew up here and still lives here and honest I am surpised that I would consdier voting for any ff/fg with in my top three preferences.

Twould be nice to not a ff seat here after the election and I bet that they woudl have been pushing for more then 3 seats out here or for the constituancy to be split when the censes numbers are finally confirmed.

Money Shot

The Blanchardstwon area is a much neglected area in terms of public transport, schools and so many other amenities. It is the fastest growing town in Ireland, and has the largest percentage of 'young' people. Crime in the area is high too. Add to this that it also has a very large foreign population. If you put all these things together, Blanchardstown is an area that requires a lot of honest effort if it is to grow properly.

Brian Lenihan has done nothing, and I don't know who Gerry Lynam is, but reports haven't been good. Joan Burton does little too as far as I can see and Joe Higgins tries his best, but ultimately achieves nothing. Leo Vardakar does absolutely nothing either, but makes sure to send regular 'Updates' of what has been decided in the area, and pictures of him in various 'man on the street' locations. I think this will give a lot of people a false sense of what he has achieved, and as such clinch a lot of votes. It is a joke too if he entertained the idea of being a part time TD. Please correct me if anyone knows of anything specific in the area that he is actually responsible for !

Who is the man to give Blanchardstown the voice it deserves and needs ?
It's a tough constituency with any three from four. I'm writing off Felix Sinn Feiner bloke because I'm not even sure he exists, same with the Green candidate, what ever his name is. So, we have

Vardakar (FG)
Lenihan (FF) with transfers from no hoper Gerry lynan (FF)
Joan Burton (Labour)
Joe Higgins (socialist)

P.S they have some cheek arriving at your door step now without so much as a whisper or leaflet over the last four years....

cavedave

Good points Money Shot.

Let us say the most important local issues are crime and transport and childrens facilities. If we are just being pragmatic (rather then voting based on a viewpoint) about these issues the question becomes
1. Who cares about these issues
2. Who is likely to be elected
3. If elected who is likely to be in Government. If the person is in a minor party they will have more weight than their due.

1. Greens talk about transport a lot. Joe higgins talks about facilities for the children. Vardakar seems involved with planning and such so chalk him down for children too. Joan Burton has answered a query I had about a public park so she seems at least mildly involved. I do not know enough about Lenihen to comment

2. Who are the three to get elected out of

Vardakar (FG)
Lenihan (FF)
Joan Burton (Labour)
Joe Higgins (socialist)

3. Hard to see a government without labour in it. Also the possibility of Joe higgins being taken in exists. Bertie has said he want him to join his party and a promise of a few bus routes, parks a school should be enough for him to know he is serving the people of D15. Lenihen or Vardakar one will not be in government even if elected.

From this then if you want to vote for someone who will be in government who will be a minor party sounds like Burton then Higgins is the way to go.

bloodninja

This constituency needs a TD with integrity and intelligence such as that of Varadkar. Lenihan doesn't seem to me as a pure person. This is coming from someone who wil vote FF in my own area

Money Shot

cavedave wrote:

From this then if you want to vote for someone who will be in government who will be a minor party sounds like Burton then Higgins is the way to go.

Well thought out - I was kind of thinking along that route myself, but still doing research before I commit mentally to anyone. That still leaves the all important third preference. Vardakar or Lenihan ? Toughie.

While I don't particularly like Vardakar, I do want change and fresh ideas badly, so he looks like the only option. Greens are an option sure, but I seriously have never heard of the candidate in any shape or form - I don't even think he's too bothered whether he gets in or not.

All in all, there will be one reasonably confident politician crying in a few weeks, and it will be interesting to see who it is. My money is on Mr. Lenihan - and he only has himself to blame....

Nevyn

There is a PD canidate running as well hard to tell what she really looks like as her posters are very photoshopped.

I have yet to see any canidate anywhere near my estate and there were one calling door to door last time around and as i have kids this not like I am not here in the evenings.

cavedave

The calculation needs to take into account who your vote is likely to help. Helping a clear loser or a clear winner is not going to be much use.
Intersting analysis of the area here
http://www.politics.ie/viewtopic.php?t=6141
he gives it to
Vardakar (FG)
Lenihan (FF)
Joe Higgins (socialist)

Zaph

If that analysis pans out it would be a right kick in the teeth to Labour if they lost Joan Burton's seat, as I reckon she'd be one they'd be lining up for a ministerial job if they got in. Can't stand the woman with her annoing whiny voice myself, which leaves me with a bit of a dilemma - do I vote for her anyway (wouldn't be no. 1 regardless) because I'd like to see Labour in, or do I not vote for her because I hate her so much?

Nevyn

Well Joan as a county cllr vote in favour of the bin charges for Fingal,
but it was Gerry Lynam's swing vote that passed the bill.

Zaph

I'm only in D15 for a couple of years, but the bin charges there are grand compared to what my parents pay Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown CC. Obviously I'd rather there were none, but that's a different argument.