Who are you voting for next year?

flickerx

Local elections coming up next year. Next summer I think.

Just curious as to what people's political affiliations are, and whether they feel certain parties are more green/cyclist friendly - and whether this would be a factor in deciding who to vote for.

flickerx

Dang - if I was to be really scientific with my polling I should put in "not voting" and "undecided" in there.

TinyExplosions

I'm taking "Royston Brady Ham & Turkey Sandwich Party" to be similar to 'not voting'

Chips Lovell

OK, what joker selected the Shiners?

neilled

el tonto wrote: »

OK, what joker selected the Shiners?

Probably someone hoping to get a free rocket propelled grenade for use against motorists :eek:

ednwireland

where's the dont know option, considerering i live in a town with NO bike racks at all not a cycle path to be seen (not even a footpath to the craft village from town (about a mile ish) i'll wait to see what they offer - my office is on the second floor so guess what i drive in and spend the evening on the turbo (or will once ive fixed the bike)

so dont think anyone will be worth voting for but probably an independant if they have decent policies and or i know them (i.e i can bend their ear)

Eoin D

They're all feckin terrible. I hope they go canvassing door to door though so I can have a go at them.....

Turbulent Bill

Is the strong Green support because of the new cycle-to-work scheme, or because Green supporters are sandle-wearing muesli-munchers who naturally hang out in a cycling forum (tongue firmly in cheek)? Just interested.

unionman

Card carrying member of the Labour Party (what a surprise!).

And here's my candidate

Chips Lovell

Given that its a local election, then yes I'd probably ask about cycling issues. However, the single biggest policy change I'd hope for is removal of the obligation to cycle on off-road cycle lanes (because removal of lanes entirely is probably only a pipe dream). Since councillors can't change road traffic law, the most I can ask for is for them not to plan off-road lanes and to pay more attention to keeping road surfaces in good repair. I wouldn't be terribly optimistic though. I don't think there's enough cyclists to form an effective lobby and I'd expect most candidates just to pay lip service to the issue.

As an aside, I've had one general election and one referendum take place since moving to my current constituency. Not one canvasser or candidate has ever called to my door looking for a vote.

blorg

el tonto wrote: »

However, the single biggest policy change I'd hope for is removal of the obligation to cycle on off-road cycle lanes (because removal of lanes entirely is probably only a pipe dream). Since councillors can't change road traffic law, the most I can ask for is for them not to plan off-road lanes and to pay more attention to keeping road surfaces in good repair.

I brought up cycling as my No. 1 issue with a canvasser and they immediately jumped on the importance of "promoting more cycle lanes." They were quite taken aback by my view that cycle lanes are poorly designed, not useful for many cyclists and should not be mandatory. I think I suggested a tax incentive for cycling like the UK had

Asking for "no more cycle lanes" is a dead end and a minority position, you won't get support for that even from cycling groups. That when they go in they are well designed, maintained, and kept free of obstructions is a positive request. (And that they should not be obligatory for cyclists, but that is one for the government.)

Chips Lovell

blorg wrote: »

Asking for "no more cycle lanes" is a dead end and a minority position, you won't get support for that even from cycling groups.

Agreed, which is why I said it was a pipe dream. My position would be "if you have to build cycle lanes, could you at least do them properly".

ROK ON

Very difficult to say. I have voted for most parties since I received the vote. AM a genuine floating voter. I am passionate about politics and policy, but feel (like many of my friends) that there is not a party that represents me and my views. I really believe that the vasy majority of private sector paye workers/commuters/parents/cyclists are not represented well (or at all) by many of our current public representatives. Politcs in Ireland is predominantly decided by (1) family history, (2) having a profession (or private wealth) that allows a person to devote time to building a profile to get elected, (3) making friends in high places within your political party (your own party members are the biggest obstacle to getting elected).
The vast majority of politicians come from the legal/teaching/farming/publican professions. How in the name of christ is that representative of anything.
As a cyclist (and that is not the most important reason I would vote), any party that would pursue a policy of (1) teaching cycling and driving at school and (2) ensuring a zero tolerence of breaches of raod tarffic violations, would do a lot to secure my vote.
Rant over.

unionman

ROK ON wrote: »

I really believe that the vasy majority of private sector paye workers/commuters/parents/cyclists are not represented well (or at all) by many of our current public representatives.

The vast majority of politicians come from the legal/teaching/farming/publican professions.

A lot of public sector paye workers are commuters, parents and cyclists too, and share the feeling that they are not represented well by our current public representatives. I think it is interesting that much of the debate in recent months has somehow driven a wedge between private and public sector workers, as if somehow public sector workers are immune to economic circumstances, commuting issues, parenting issues or even cycling issues.

Of the professions you mentioned that produce the politicians, three of them are private sector in origin.

I don't fundamentally disagree with your assertion, but I dislike (with very good reason I can assure you) the increasing marginalisation of public sector workers. They are every bit as hungry for decent political representation, especially now that they are being routinely scapegoated by right wing interests and certain sections of the media.

Is it possible that this entire thread is off topic?

Cycling lanes - if you must, please build good ones. There, still a bit cycle-ish:)

Funkyzeit

Unashamed plug time...

This young lad is running in South Dublin (Tallaght Central) and I know first hand he is a big cycling enthuasist both in terms of commuting (Greenhills to Tallaght daily - not exactly the most cycling friendly route....) and a follower of the Sport.

http://thelooneyleft.blogspot.com/

I'm sure anyone living or commuting in the area could get in contact with him and ask about his thoughts on commuting etc.

ROK ON

unionman wrote: »

A lot of public sector paye workers are commuters, parents and cyclists too, and share the feeling that they are not represented well by our current public representatives.

Fair cop. I have given my cycling point. But perhaps we will continue this on a bike spin some day:)

rp

el tonto wrote: »

OK, what joker selected the Shiners?

me, for one. Mary Lou is sound.
Here's a handy summary by DCC, of party policies from last year:
http://home.connect.ie/dcc/campaigns/election07/