What do you look for in a politican?

Seloth

I was just wondering what people look for in politicans,such as what kind of Education they recivied and so on.

mike65

Don't care about educashun (plenty of incompetent idiots have degrees/diplomas) I look for sense of street level common sense/understanding and "pragmatic honesty" if such a thing exists.

Mike

dresden8

mike65 wrote: »

Don't care about educashun (plenty of incompetent idiots have degrees/diplomas) I look for sense of street level common sense/understanding and "pragmatic honesty" if such a thing exists.

Mike

Agreed, I work with some of the most highly educated, most god awful @ssholes you would never wish to meet.

Seloth

By all means education shoudlnt be a person key factor for voting for a person but allot of people do seem to view it as a key view.An old techer of mine used to say the would only vote for a president that studied law as they would have a better understanding of it.

mike65

Thats why governments have a phalanx of advisors! )

Mike

pigeonbutler

Seloth wrote: »

By all means education shoudlnt be a person key factor for voting for a person but allot of people do seem to view it as a key view.An old techer of mine used to say the would only vote for a president that studied law as they would have a better understanding of it.

Said teacher must never have studied any constitutional law themselves given how little discretionary power the President has.

snubbleste

Seloth wrote: »

I was just wondering what people look for in politicans,such as what kind of Education they recivied and so on.

Honesty and ambition to represent their electorate.

ChocolateSauce

Honesty, integrity and a liberal outlook.

Mr.Micro

Intelligence,realism and humane with the correct amount of determination when required.

Colonel Sanders

Intelligence, a lack of cronies in the back ground or pandering to vested interests, a person who impresses me in his demeanour when questioned, a person who isn't just a TD becuase 'there has been a "Surname X" TD in this county fro the last 40 years and I want to keep it that way'

nesf

I generally end up in the distasteful situation with voting for the guys I disagree least with. I've never had the luxury of living in a constituency where I actually liked or admired any of the running politicians, it was just that some of them annoyed me less than the others.

Seloth

The reason I asked,just incase people are wondering is because I'm highly interested in Politics.I'm only in 5th year at the moment but I have high ambitions to head into the system when Im older.

I'm really glad that people((atleast here)),look for dedicated,Inteligent people,who actually care about what they do,rather than people who have recieved the highest grades in school and so fort.

Personally what I plan too do is do History and Political science.

Biggins

* I look for intelligence, Not necessarily diplomas and degrees - just enough to be clever to be able to make up one own mind with a bit of brains and also possessing a bit of brains to be able to tell when one is being lead rather than shown a path to possibly take!
* I look for character. Hopefully strong and firm.
* I hope for honesty and forthrightness.
* I look for a good listener who does actually listen, not make him/herself look like they are!

There is a number of things but I ask myself this silly question.
If this person (in theory) asked for the hand of my son/daughter in marriage, would I consider them to be a suitable candidate in which I could trust them to take care of my loved one?
If I thought they could take care of my loved ones and be a good match, they could take care of my other love, my country.

galwayrush

Next time around, i'll be asking them if and for what reason did they vote to cancell the cervical vaccine scheme.

Caoimhín

Ideally?

Someone who doesnt want to be a politician.

Jesus Wept

A fine head of hair.

ninty9er

Biggins wrote: »

* I look for intelligence, Not necessarily diplomas and degrees - just enough to be clever to be able to make up one own mind with a bit of brains and also possessing a bit of brains to be able to tell when one is being lead rather than shown a path to possibly take!
* I look for character. Hopefully strong and firm.
* I hope for honesty and forthrightness.
* I look for a good listener who does actually listen, not make him/herself look like they are!

There is a number of things but I ask myself this silly question.
If this person (in theory) asked for the hand of my son/daughter in marriage, would I consider them to be a suitable candidate in which I could trust them to take care of my loved one?
If I thought they could take care of my loved ones and be a good match, they could take care of my other love, my country.

OP

You could have all of these qualities and get hammered on the doorsteps for having the audacity to be a Fianna Fáil candidate.

Most of the people I've canvassed with could be described in those terms, and most politicians of all parties that I've met would be in the same boat.

ChocolateSauce

Caoimhín wrote: »

Ideally?

Someone who doesnt want to be a politician.

Jefferson publicly mused why anybody in their right mind would want to be president, that it was a burden. More recently, a comedian joked that nothing has changed with Obama; blacks still get the worst jobs.

Caoimhín

ChocolateSauce wrote: »

Jefferson publicly mused why anybody in their right mind would want to be president, that it was a burden. More recently, a comedian joked that nothing has changed with Obama; blacks still get the worst jobs.

Well based on any politicians i know, nobody goes into politics for public service.
I think it should be like the Pope, if you want to be in high public office you should be automatically ruled out.

jmayo

ninty9er wrote: »

OP


* I look for intelligence, Not necessarily diplomas and degrees - just enough to be clever to be able to make up one own mind with a bit of brains and also possessing a bit of brains to be able to tell when one is being lead rather than shown a path to possibly take!
* I look for character. Hopefully strong and firm.
* I hope for honesty and forthrightness.
* I look for a good listener who does actually listen, not make him/herself look like they are!


You could have all of these qualities and get hammered on the doorsteps for having the audacity to be a Fianna Fáil candidate.

Most of the people I've canvassed with could be described in those terms, and most politicians of all parties that I've met would be in the same boat.

Maybe it is becuase people reckon they haven't that strong a character, or are that honest and forthright, if they can stomach the bull**** that the parties former leader was trying to peddle to a tribunal of inquiry of the state and to the people of the state ?
The quesitons lots of us would have is, how can they support a party that condones members such as Lawlor, Flynn, Fahy and Burke if they are honest and of good sound character ?

And yes I know a few people involved in FF and it does always beggar my belief how come they are so myopic when it comes to the party, whereas in other areas they would never condone such sh**.

ninty9er

jmayo wrote: »

Maybe it is becuase people reckon they haven't that strong a character, or are that honest and forthright, if they can stomach the bull**** that the parties former leader was trying to peddle to a tribunal of inquiry of the state and to the people of the state ?
The quesitons lots of us would have is, how can they support a party that condones members such as Lawlor, Flynn, Fahy and Burke if they are honest and of good sound character ?

And yes I know a few people involved in FF and it does always beggar my belief how come they are so myopic when it comes to the party, whereas in other areas they would never condone such sh**.

Point proven.

jmayo

ninty9er wrote: »

Point proven.

Ah but ninty9er can you explain why supposed good honest, forthright people of good character and moral fibre, can condone and even disregard some of the sh*** that has come out from and about some of your prominent party memebrs including the ex leader ?

That is where it seems myself and a lot of other people have a problem.

If you do believe the sh*** then you are gullible eejits and if you don't believe it, then you are frankly of not good character and cannot be trusted to stand up for justice and truth.

I think the position adopted by the government, by the TDs (bar one) that make up the government parties, the would be FF lackies i.e. Healy-Rae and Behan, over the vote to withdraw the cervical cancer vaccination speaks in higher volumes than anything else about the character of these individuals.

Gutless sh**s who are removed and immune from everyday reality is what comes to mind.

I await with baited breath for one of these to darken my doorstep during an election canvass, so that they can address this fine example of moral courage and character :rolleyes:

QED.

oscarBravo

jmayo, can you tone it down a bit? Ta.

jmayo

oscarBravo wrote: »

jmayo, can you tone it down a bit? Ta.

Sorry OB but it makes my blood boil :mad:
These people appear to think that they can affectively swan around come election time and we will have forgotten.
The health system is a joke and the government washes their hands of it by conveniently pointing people to the HSE.
The bucks stops somewhere, it should stop at the minister and the government but they seem to believe that responsibility has nothing to do with them.

It would be funny if it were not for tha fact that people have died and will continue to die, becuase of the total inadequacies of our health system.

oscarBravo

jmayo wrote: »

These people appear to think that they can affectively swan around come election time and we will have forgotten.

What's really annoying is that they're absolutely right.

kevmy

ChocolateSauce wrote: »

Honesty, integrity and a liberal outlook.

Colonel Sanders wrote: »

Intelligence, a lack of cronies in the back ground or pandering to vested interests, a person who impresses me in his demeanour when questioned, a person who isn't just a TD becuase 'there has been a "Surname X" TD in this county fro the last 40 years and I want to keep it that way'

Both of these. Unfortunately it's often very difficult to get people with everything.

For example Micheal Ring works very hard on behalf of his constituents, doesn't have the name or cronyism attached and is a farily straight talker but I don't know if I would trust him to handle one of the top jobs.

Irlbo

Tony Gregory's devotion to fighting for underdog,Berties flair with people,Martin McGuinness's strong republican ideals but his good sense of humour

nacho libre

someone who says they are voting against the government because of their conscience on an issue then in the next vote, which is equally an issue of conscience, supports the government.

12-years-olds are feckless afterall, some of the grey voters might not have the courtesy to forget or die by the time the next elections come around.

i read recently people don't remember data, only emotional content. i don't believe this because in three years if the economy is doing well most of the people outraged and disillusioned now will likely vote for fianna fail again.

Caoimhín

nacho libre wrote: »

i don't believe this because in three years if the economy is doing well most of the people outraged and disillusioned now will likely vote for fianna fail again.

Sadly this is true, not just in Ireland but all over the world. Its one of the main flaws with democracy.

ninty9er

Caoimhín wrote: »

Sadly this is true, not just in Ireland but all over the world. Its one of the main flaws with democracy.

One of the main flaws of democracy is that a little pain now in the overall good results in a change of government and the undoing of any progress.....which is why we see so little social progress....infrastructure is just about feasible.

anita.cathider

hung like a horse!

Only kidding - please don't ban me!

I like politicians who are honest, and brutally so.

Someone who calls it like it is and does not shy away from truth.

A

limklad

Seloth wrote: »

By all means education shoudlnt be a person key factor for voting for a person but allot of people do seem to view it as a key view.An old techer of mine used to say the would only vote for a president that studied law as they would have a better understanding of it.

For President then one who have studied Law then Yes, for Normal Politician for President who does not know the Law, then No, But that my opinion. The President suppose to audit the Law to check if the Bill is in conflict of our Irish constitution. If it is then refer it to the Supreme Court or else sign it into Law. That the hard Job, the other side to visit or welcome/Host other leaders from around the World. Welcome and visit Kids/elderly charity organisation which are neutral to National Politics etc.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_Ireland

For TD's then someone who know what the Jobs entails, i.e. know what the Dail does or know where it is at least so they can talk on our behalf. After that it is like most Jobs, on the Job learning. Same goes for Local Councils.

It is up to you which politician best suit your views. I cannot advise you on which politician is best as what is best for me might not be best for you.

Seloth

Caoimhín wrote: »

Ideally?

Someone who doesnt want to be a politician.

Thats like saying someone who wants to be a soccer player shouldnt play for say Liverpool.

A person who wishes to be a politican for reason like having power for the sake of it and so fort should be ruled out,Not those who wish to be politicans as they want to be for the right reasons.For instance myself,I would love to be a politican"When I grow up" but for good reasons,I wish to fix things,to help people,to sort things out and listen too problems.I dont wish to do it for the money or that I will control people((Even though it really is the other way around:pac:)).Its the reasons that a person wants to be something rather than the ract that they want to be it.This is simial to many people going to medicine for the money rather than the fact they want to be Docotors to help people.

Liam Byrne

Honesty, integrity, principles, work ethic and a genuine belief in giving the country a decent service.

[ I'm off to wake up now, coz I know I'm dreaming ]

shqipshume

No stutter and none with first or second name beginning with B

Seloth

shqipshume wrote: »

No stutter and none with first or second name beginning with B

You remind me of my frried who has a phobia of yellow mushrooms :pac:.

rcecil

If they are Sinn Fein candidates. I vote for them. I've yet to see one that isn't motivated to help working class people, minorities and erase the border.

the_syco

That they actually do helpful stuff.

Sleepy

So far I've voted from the bottom of the ballot sheet to the least worst candidate.

In dream land, I want Jed Bartlett.

Delphic

Their eyes. they tell you everything.

Delphic

rcecil wrote: »

If they are Sinn Fein candidates. I vote for them. I've yet to see one that isn't motivated to help working class people, minorities and erase the border.

What border?

Mike Summers

I am writing from the western most province in Canada which is BC (British Columbia)

I am amazingly enough to leader of an upstart party whose sole aim is bring control of politicians to the voters.

We are in the process of taking yet another referendum to consider the acceptance of the BC-STV (single transferable vote). It was offered up to us as a 'NEW' and 'BETTER' way to elect politicians.

I personally do not believe that politicians are capable of doing the right thing because they are human and subject to the temptations of greed and bribery the same as anyone else.

I want to be elected to form government to strip politicians of the ability to abuse citizens by the free hand that comes with parliamentary supremacy.

I am not out to be a career politician because I have MS and don't know how long I could do it anyway. So I have nothing to lose by stripping politicians of the tickets to ride the gravy train.

However, Ireland was held up as a shining example of a successful jurisdiction using STV to elect governments.

From looking at your constitution, I see that you the citizen, really do not have any control of your politicians.

Did I read your constitution correctly?

How does this make the citizens of Ireland feel?

Do Irish citizens want to control the politicians and everything they do, even between elections?

What do you think of the way you are governed?

I hope yopu can help me out on this issue.
Mike

Delphic

Shining example??! you're having a laugh.

Don't waste any more time, Mike. You won't learn anything useful.

Our politicians seek to get elected on one platform of policies. When elected they do another. By the time the next election comes round, they hope half the electorate that voted for them has forgotten what they promised they'd do. They're right they have and we elect them again on another set of policies and promises that they don't deliver on.

As an election manifesto can I suggest that rather than waste your time on developing policies, collect a few people in a room - get them to natter and complain at each other for half an hour. Write it all down on 20 pages. Shuffle the pages, cut them in half and there's your manifesto.

Happy voting.

Mike Summers

We have a policy outline already. We are being asked whether or not we want what you folks are enjoying already.
I don't know too many folks from Ireland. And if what I am hearing is correct, you folks there are less than enchanted with what you have now. I'm not so sure we want it too.
Personally, I despise the option myself. But hey. That could be just me too.

Delphic

Ok - on a less cynical note - but not much.

The system we have is a pretty good one, in that sets out to be as demoncratic as possible in weighing the votes of people across a range of candidates to be as representative of people's voting intentions as possible. So you vote for people in order of preference. You might want to give a particular candidate your no 1, but rather than that being your only chance to vote, the STV goes a bit further. If your #1 person doesn't get sufficient votes to be elected - they must reach a pre-detemrined quote - then your second best preference comes into play. So others may have voted for your #1 choice as their second choice. Now you're compiling a candidates #1s and #2s - if you'll pardon the expression. This is seen as more democratic, and given the paper-based voting system we use here, it makes for more dramatic election counts - some of them running to 18 or 19 counts before the final candidates for a constituency are elected.

Whatever about the system that is used, it does come down to the candiates ultimately. If your candidates are poor, then it doesn't matter what system you use. If unfair majorities occur, or parties who only attract minority votes tend to take govt, the system evens it out a bit more, so at a certain point, they may have to get into coalition in order to rule. This will obviously have an attenuating effect on the majority party, and possibly result in a better outcome for the voters.

The disenchantment is more with the politicians, rather than with the voting system.

Mike Summers

I suspect that this aspect won't change here either. Because BC is only 4.1 million people spread over an area about two or three times that of Ireland, we are going to have regional disparities adding to the already insane cost that will come from adding to the layers of government.

I foresee a tripling of costs to support multiple members of a legislative assembly within one riding.

And for all of this, the politicians are still going to be totally out of control. I am a starry eyed dreamer who seeks absolute voter control of everything a politician sets their hands to. I want politicians to be administrators rather than rulers exercising some kind of dominion of the citizens.

Delphic

Administrators? Best of luck mate. And who is going to lead you out of the valley of darkness? Who will be inspired and have a vision of how BC can function as a country? Who will determine how best to provide a society in which as many BCs as possible will enjoy how they live, work, play? what policies will be chosen to be pushed and others retarded or dismantled?

Administrators? Don't think so.
Voters? Fat Chance. That's why they elect politicians. to make the hard decisions as well as cock up the easy ones.

Mike Summers

Obviously the politicians will have to lead. That is a given. But wouldn't it be nice to know that you COULD undo something stupid that they have done if it was needed?

Delphic

Yep. It would.

Lauder

Richard Bruton

ejmaztec

A politician who doesn't tell you that their grandfather and their father were in politics and that they are following in their foot-steps. They should also canvass on their own and leave their sycophantic goons in the car.