Local Elections 2009

snubbleste

Given the antics that our current crop in City Hall have been engaged in in the past five years, how will you vote in the June local elections?

Also post any exchanges you have experienced with candidates seeking your vote, be they serious or otherwise.

ronnie3585

Was always a FF voter as there was never a viable alternative. I have no intention of voting for the cretins now as they have absolutely f*cked the country.

FF are going to get their ass handed to them on a plate in the upcoming elections. Their seat numbers will be decimated come June.

The chances of this 'government' (I use that in the loosest sense of the word) lasting another 12 months are slim and none.

The scary thing is that there will probably be a big swing towards Labour in the upcoming local elections (and impending general election) with the majority of support coming from the ungrateful, inefficient, don't know how good they have it public service, because they feel that as Lab are so leftie and tied to the unions etc their ridiculous rates of pay and jobs will be safe. The sad reality is that when this country requires IMF emergency funding (and it will) the IMF will come in slashing and burning and will cut all of those that voted for Labour.

Lockstep

ronnie3585 wrote: »

The scary thing is that there will probably be a big swing towards Labour in the upcoming local elections (and impending general election) with the majority of support coming from the ungrateful, inefficient, don't know how good they have it public service, because they feel that as Lab are so leftie and tied to the unions etc their ridiculous rates of pay and jobs will be safe. The sad reality is that when this country requires IMF emergency funding (and it will) the IMF will come in slashing and burning and will cut all of those that voted for Labour.

Exactly! When the IMF come in with their pillaging and raping, we will cry out "WHY OH WHY DID WE VOTE LABOUR?"

I hear Derek Nolan is the one to watch though.

paconnors

can't see Mike Crowe getting back in on a ff ticket. He should have stayed indopendent, The area he is running in is a working class area, the working class people are not great ff folowers. he was a good local politician, one very short political career.

foxy_19-89

I've always been a Labour supporter so I'll be sticking with them

banshee_bones

Im registered to vote at home in mayo. how do i get registered up here, dont want to have to go all the way home just to tick the box!
(but if i have to i will...dont worry i will be voting!)

Lockstep

Labour, the Sinners and the SWP were all active in shop street yesterday.

paconnors

banshee_bones wrote: »

Im registered to vote at home in mayo. how do i get registered up here, dont want to have to go all the way home just to tick the box!
(but if i have to i will...dont worry i will be voting!)

City Hall. College Rd.

Mike...

I wont Vote,
Following my voting No to Nice & No to Lisbon
Now both being overturned I have lost all faith in democracy...
Oh I am also moving to Cuba!!!

scary_tractors

paconnors wrote: »

can't see Mike Crowe getting back in on a ff ticket. He should have stayed indopendent, The area he is running in is a working class area, the working class people are not great ff folowers. he was a good local politician, one very short political career.

Mike Crowe is in FF to stay, they put him on the GE ticket after only a couple of years as a councillor and he almost wiped out Frank Fahey. And, unfortunately, working class people DO vote FF. Why do you think it's wealthy middle class constituencies where you find Labour and Green reps? It's why labour has never really been the voice of the working classes in Ireland - FF used to be seen as the 'small mans' party. Perhaps it will change but there are a lot of people who would bite off their own hand before voting anyone but FF. I think all the talk they will be decimated is bluster. Still think they will get well over 20% of the vote nationally.

Galway already has just 3 FF councillors anyway - Mary Leahy could be in danger but I think Crowe and Connolly are safe.

Fey!

There's one option missing in the poll, and that's voting for the person, not the party.

Having dealt with him numerous times over the past few years, I would give a vote to Declan McDonnell, who does actually do quite a bit around the place. Unfortunately he's on the Mervue ticket, and I'm the other end of town!

The Connolly sister in our area will certainly NOT be getting a vote in our house, due to one of them blowing smoke up my rear end last time out when I asked about her take on same sex marriages.

Padraic Connolly, while I'm not a fan, does tend to bring a lot of things to the attention of the public, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Mike Crowe is someone I haven't much of an opinion on, as are Terry O'Flaherty and Daniel Callanan.

Neil McNeilis is a grand lad 1 to 1, but I don't know about how much I'd want to see him in public office.

Niall O'Brolchainn (sp?) wasn't the worlds worst disaster as mayor, but I can't see what he's achieved.

In fact, that seems to about sum the whole lot of our current lot up; can anyone point out a list of each of their individual achievements during their time in city hall?

Does anyone have a proper list of who's running in what areas that can be put up here; I don't even know who's in my area anymore.

snubbleste

The candidates generally have either the backing of a party or are independent. So, if you vote for Mike 'Im sick of trees' Crowe, then you'll be casting a vote for FF

As regards the closing date for candidates to run for election, it's 4 weeks before polling day.

Fey!

Isn't it a shame that all of our elected officials see it as "governing for the party" rather than "governing for the people".

I'm still inclined to vote person rather than party, as all of the parties have their good people as well as their idiots. Also, I don't see parties doing things locally, but I do see individuals doing things locally.

Lockstep

scary_tractors wrote: »

It's why labour has never really been the voice of the working classes in Ireland - FF used to be seen as the 'small mans' party.

Utterly untrue.

Labour currently has the support of more middle class, but this was not always the case. The skilled working class is divided between FF and Labour as far as voting goes.

Also check out Labour's support through the century; Labour had a lot of support from agricultural labourers until Fianna Fáil was more palatable given their misx of Catholicism and social reform.

You seem to be forgetting that Labour was founded as the political wing of the trade unions.

gordongekko

Fey! wrote: »

Having dealt with him numerous times over the past few years, I would give a vote to Declan McDonnell, who does actually do quite a bit around the place. Unfortunately he's on the Mervue ticket, and I'm the other end of town!

He should spend more time getting clean drinkable water to the people of mervue than selling lotto tickets for mervue united :mad:

Why are we thinking of voting for this council again when we are stuck with third world water.

gg

JohnCleary

I supporting my legs because my legs support me :pac:

(OK i've been studying for too long)

toiletduck

Fey! wrote: »

In fact, that seems to about sum the whole lot of our current lot up; can anyone point out a list of each of their individual achievements during their time in city hall?

Clamper-gate and eh that's about it.


Just like the West Wing this is.

ScumLord

The entire government needs to be let go. I'll be voting ABFF (anybody but FF) but I include FG in that. All these people are completely out of touch with the general population. They go to fancy dinners with business men and befriend them.

I don't trust even the ones with the best intentions because the current political system breeds corruption and greed. I don't think I'll find representation in my life time so all my efforts will be to disrupt the corrupt from power.

snubbleste

Election posters will be going up from May 6th and can be up until June 12th. If you see any smug politician mugs on telegraph poles outside that timeframe, phone the City Hall and complain about littering.

GalwayGirl1983

I'll be voting Derek Nolan for Labour - he has a lot of good ideas, one I think is important - sorting out the terrible bus service in Galway. I know him personally also and he's a nice, genuine guy. Worth taking a look at his website..http://www.dereknolan.com

3fullback

what gob**** voted finna fail .....u cant be serious Fu*kin Fool

biko

Infract for 3fullback. Even if you think FF has caused the collapse of Irish Economy abusive language is still not on.

snubbleste

Is this true or is it just electioneering? I've lived in Galway all my life and have yet to be offered any drugs..

Galway is in danger of becoming a fertile stomping ground for gangland criminals involved in the drugs trade and could soon even surpass Limerick City for drugs-related criminality and gangland turf wars. City Councillor Brian Walsh says cocaine, heroin and cannabis are being openly sold in city estates throughout the city and the problem is now “growing out of control”. Dealers in estates are even giving young teenagers free drugs initially in order to get them hooked, he says.
Senior Galway Gardaí have conceded to him that attempts to contain the drugs problem in Galway are being seriously hampered by a lack of resources.
Cllr Walsh says Galway is not guaranteed to remain exempt from the criminality and gangland shootings that are prevalent in Limerick and he says the problem must be tackled head-on. http://www.galwaynews.ie/7291-drugs-being-sold-openly-estates-claim

snubbleste

bump

toiletduck

Where's the Mocha Beans option? Their posters have really made me think.

skelliser

who are the 5 ppl who voted ff?!!

biko

bump

Xiney

skelliser wrote: »

who are the 5 ppl who voted ff?!!

BURN THEM!

*rabble rabble*

sgthighway

Xiney wrote: »

BURN THEM!

*rabble rabble*

Bigger Version:
http://www.flickrholic.org/images/fiannafailwarning.jpg

TheSledge

I think Declan Macdonnell is one of the best workers on the East side of the city. the current crop of councillors have been an absolute disaster. just look at how they handled Erye square. And half of them oppose the By-pass. An almost total clearout of the councillors should take place.

Lockstep

TheSledge wrote: »

I think Declan Macdonnell is one of the best workers on the East side of the city. the current crop of councillors have been an absolute disaster. just look at how they handled Erye square. And half of them oppose the By-pass. An almost total clearout of the councillors should take place.

http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/11848

If he joines FF after the election, I will lose whatever respect I had for the man.

cornbb

Who will you be voting for in the Local/Euro elections this friday? I'm a bit uninformed at this stage, I don't know much about the local candidates here in Galway City West. As for the Euro elections, I've heard a bit about Marian Harkin and she seems pretty solid. Ganley will be getting my last preference, with FF candidates following closely behind Elsewhere, I'll probably lean towards FG, Labour or Independents.

Does anyone have strong feelings about whether any particular candidates would be a good choice?

Jugs82

Changed my vote to Galway this year so was doing a bit of research on the canidates (however helpful that is) - heres where im at: (voting in City Central btw)

Conneely (FG) lives in the same estate but im not a fan of his attention seeking, its all about me approach but that said he does seem to bring issues to the fore

Connolly (FF) & Crowe (FF) - Honestly cant see myself voting for either such is the anger i have towards FF at present

Cameron (LAB) seems to be a hard working genuine kind of fella so at the moment, hes got a tick, just not sure where yet - the car expense story ive read doesnt really alter this for me

Connelly (LAB) people i work with live in Shantalla and they arent happy over the whole water crisis - some like her but others says they dont see her until election time

Ni Chroinin (Greens) completly disillusioned with the Greens, alot of talk and no action seems to be the norm..

Marley (SF) Running in 2 constituencies as far i know and doesnt reside in the area so that wouldnt entice me to vote for her

Cubbard (IND) Lots of posters, young fella keenly interested in local issues but have heard that he is symphatic towards FF and ive seen plenty of so called Independent councillors join a party once elected so im dubious

Geraghty (IND) Like the look of this guy and although he is ex-PD (Wasnt a fan) that isnt putting me off - seems to be quiet proactive but maybe im wrong..

As for the European elections, i will be giving everybody except Ganley a tick - probably Harkin followed by O'Luain and O'Keefe

snubbleste

I voted No to Lisbon and I'm voting for those that represent that view.

axiom32

Jugs82 wrote: »

Changed my vote to Galway this year so was doing a bit of research on the canidates (however helpful that is) - heres where im at: (voting in City Central btw)

Conneely (FG) lives in the same estate but im not a fan of his attention seeking, its all about me approach but that said he does seem to bring issues to the fore

Connolly (FF) & Crowe (FF) - Honestly cant see myself voting for either such is the anger i have towards FF at present

Cameron (LAB) seems to be a hard working genuine kind of fella so at the moment, hes got a tick, just not sure where yet - the car expense story ive read doesnt really alter this for me

Connelly (LAB) people i work with live in Shantalla and they arent happy over the whole water crisis - some like her but others says they dont see her until election time

Ni Chroinin (Greens) completly disillusioned with the Greens, alot of talk and no action seems to be the norm..

Marley (SF) Running in 2 constituencies as far i know and doesnt reside in the area so that wouldnt entice me to vote for her

Cubbard (IND) Lots of posters, young fella keenly interested in local issues but have heard that he is symphatic towards FF and ive seen plenty of so called Independent councillors join a party once elected so im dubious

Geraghty (IND) Like the look of this guy and although he is ex-PD (Wasnt a fan) that isnt putting me off - seems to be quiet proactive but maybe im wrong..

As for the European elections, i will be giving everybody except Ganley a tick - probably Harkin followed by O'Luain and O'Keefe

id agree with all the above and certainly with the FF bit....its a shame if cubbard has links to FF it wud be good for a younger member of the area to get a seat and deal with local issues and not just roll into the idealogy of FF i.e there is no west of city...example that f##kin seamus quirke road that jus stops being four lanes and goes into two
i probably give no 1 to geraghty it seems to me hes been lookin out for the area for a while

Just about canidate on the other side of city the McNelis guy im sure came lookin for the old No1 a few years back as a Fine Gael member when i lived in renmore area....think this kind of ship jumping is a sign of a lack of conviction to ur cause and more like trying to jump on the gravy train

prob give no3 to the green girl cos she looked all alone when she knocked on door and evelen new friends might be good for her;)

PopeBuckfastXVI

snubbleste wrote: »

I voted No to Lisbon and I'm voting for those that represent that view.

Out of curiosity, are you voting for 'No' parties/people regardless of left/right split, or do you consider one or the other side a more legitemate representation of the 'No to Lisbon' view?

Also, feel free to tell me to bog off as it's none of my business :pac:

W!zard

snubbleste : This is not the Lisbon we are voting for..

Zzippy

Galway East here. Won't be giving any preference to FF candidates, completely fed up of this govt and regardless of local issues I strongly feel they need to be given a kick up the h*le at every level to wake them up to how much people are angry with them.
Similarly to the Green Party, I voted Green since I was old enough to vote but no more, their lack of social conscience in propping up a govt that bails out banks but closes childrens wards in hospitals disgusts me.
I like this Derek Nolan guy from Labour, young and enthusiastic, seemed very well informed and determined when I spoke to him. His colleague Nuala Nolan however, was a bit thick, just kept saying she worked in Boston Scientific and was a working person, not like them other candidates who were all professionals - um, like there's something wrong with being a professional??
Will prob give a vote to Barra Nevin of FG, he was impressive too when I spoke to him, again he's young and seems determined to try to make changes. A bit of new blood on the council wouldn't be a bad thing.
As for other candidates, I either haven't met them or would laugh in their faces (Michael Crowe = muppet).
Overall I reckon one vote for Lab and one for FG.

Re European election, I've read/heard so little about the candidates I haven't decided yet, but again it won't be FF getting any preference...

snubbleste

PopeBuckfastXVI wrote: »

Out of curiosity, are you voting for 'No' parties/people regardless of left/right split, or do you consider one or the other side a more legitemate representation of the 'No to Lisbon' view?
Also, feel free to tell me to bog off as it's none of my business :pac:

I'm voting for those who advocated a No vote regardless of where their ideals originate. How can it be that the majority in NW voted No to a european treaty and are still not actually being represented in parliament, instead we have our MEPs saying we made a mistake or did not know how to vote the correct way.

cornbb

snubbleste wrote: »

I'm voting for those who advocated a No vote regardless of where their ideals originate. How can it be that the majority in NW voted No to a european treaty and are still not actually being represented in parliament, instead we have our MEPs saying we made a mistake or did not know how to vote the correct way.

Well now you have the chance to vote for those who you feel will represent your views. And in fact now almost twice as many people say in polls that they would vote yes as opposed to no, so it looks like its the electorate who are saying they made a mistake and not the politicians.

biko

cornbb, merged with the thread with a poll. Hope that's ok.

cornbb

Magnus wrote: »

cornbb, merged with the thread with a poll. Hope that's ok.

'pologies, I forgot that there was another thread.

sgthighway

If people are unsure on who to vote for; take a couple of minutes to recall all the trouble in the Council Meetings which led to some been abandoned. I reckon most should be got rid off. I'd keep Brian Walsh. The Galway City Council Management need Councillers who they can work with. Some existing Councillers are around too long. Time for change.
Anyone voting SF?

PopeBuckfastXVI

sgthighway wrote: »

Anyone voting SF?

I'm going to give a high enough preference for Tom Hanley, but only because I know him personally and he's a good guy.

I'm just after realising that I have been removed from the voting register! WTF :mad:, I have been registered since I was 18 and have always used my vote why would I be removed, I only checked the register as I didnt get a polling card.

The only thing I can think of is that I registered to vote when I was living in london last year, does anybody know if that removed me from the register here?

skelliser

if your not on the register you cant vote. Its to late to register now.
The only thing you can do is hope you are on the register by going along to the polling station on friday with picture id, passport, drivers license etc. They have the register there and can check for you.

skelliser

skelliser wrote: »

if your not on the register you cant vote. Its to late to register now.
The only thing you can do is hope you are on the register by going along to the polling station on friday with picture id, passport, drivers license etc. They have the register there and can check for you.

Yeah I know its too late now. I would have checked the on-line register in time but I was on the register for the last election and never expected to be removed. I will go down anyway but my other family members are showing up on-line and I'm not so nearly sure I have been removed.

skelliser

so your best bet is to head down and hope for the best

Lockstep

axiom32 wrote: »

Just about canidate on the other side of city the McNelis guy im sure came lookin for the old No1 a few years back as a Fine Gael member when i lived in renmore area....think this kind of ship jumping is a sign of a lack of conviction to ur cause and more like trying to jump on the gravy train

Not really; he ran for Fine Gael 5 years ago and joined Labour 3 years ago while living in the East Ward; where there was such a strong labour team he wouldn't be put forward for election anyway. Was very active in the 2007 election at a time when Labour's seats seemed fairly stagnant and even the Labour vote in Galway was a Michael D. vote.

Micahel D;( one of Galway's most respected politicians) was once a Fianna Fáiler.

Zzippy wrote: »

I like this Derek Nolan guy from Labour, young and enthusiastic, seemed very well informed and determined when I spoke to him. His colleague Nuala Nolan however, was a bit thick, just kept saying she worked in Boston Scientific and was a working person, not like them other candidates who were all professionals - um, like there's something wrong with being a professional??

Any thoughts on Costello?


I'll probably be voting;
1) McNelis (like the guy, has good ideas and is good on the charity work in Galway)
2) Hanley (SF) Has some good solid policies, unlikely to get elected though)

Rest will depend; some such as Naughton and Keane do nothing to dispel my notions of an argumentative council (anyone hear the Galway Bay FM show? The two of them were terrible)
Ó Brolcháin seems a good man but I dislike his party propping up FF
Connolly I respect but she's too much of a "fly off the handle" type for me to give her a very high preference.

ethernet

Yareli Embarrassed Teller wrote: »

I'm just after realising that I have been removed from the voting register! WTF :mad:, I have been registered since I was 18 and have always used my vote why would I be removed, I only checked the register as I didnt get a polling card.

The only thing I can think of is that I registered to vote when I was living in london last year, does anybody know if that removed me from the register here?

Busy-body neighbour? Same thing happened to someone I live with who went to study in the UK for a while. The mind boggles.

cornbb

What are people's thoughts on AJ Cahill in the West ward?