Local election options/or lack of.

Jabby

Isn't it depressing to see the same old faces on their posters, smiling down on us with their cheesey smiles from their perches high up on the poles. Why in the name of God can we not entice some young energetic bright people to run for local office instead of these aging gob****es? The last time I saw some of the local representatives was on their last posters.

90% of them should piss off and do something else.:mad:

Culchie

I dunno, there's a couple of new faces as far as I can see.

I don't know whether you heard 'Ming the Merciless' on radio yesterday about same sort of 'gripe' he had a few years ago.

Basically, what he did was (like you) he was unhappy with the options ... so he put himself forward. He's now a pretty well respected councillor.

If you're not happy with what you see, do something about it, and put your name forward.

Jabby

Fair enough Culchie. I suppose you're right. I doubt if I would get elected though. I would love to be involved but I think a stressed out overworked impatient 49 year old is the last thing the electorate and indeed myself need at the moment. I would love to get in there though and shake things up a bit though but that was the point I was making.....that there should be younger,fresher people both locally and nationally with some new radical approaches and ideas.

A lot of these existing parish pump outdated Ballymagash clowns in my opinion have always been there solely for their own good and have only been taking up space in the chambers for years now. All they seem to do is to spend their time in their different political camps arguing for the sake of it. I'm sure you've heard some of their cringing Ocean FM performances.

One last thing.. Have you ever wondered as to why do most of them go to all that trouble and expence to get themselves elected to a job that just pays expenses?? What exactly is in it for them? Do we know? I have my own suspicions.

Don't get me wrong. I do think there are a minority of good people in there too genuinely trying to do their best.

Culchie

Jabby wrote: »

Fair enough Culchie. I suppose you're right. I doubt if I would get elected. I would love to be involved but I think a stressed out overworked impatient 49 year old is the last thing the electorate and indeed myself need at the moment. I would love to get in there though and shake things up a bit though but that was the point I was making.....that there should be younger,fresher people both locally and nationally with some new radical approaches and ideas. A lot of these existing parish pump outdated Ballymagash clowns in my opinion have always been there solely for their own good and have been taking up space in the chambers for years now. All they seem to do is to spend their time in their different political camps arguing for the sake of it. There has to be a reason why most of them go to so much trouble and expence to get themselves elected. What exactly is in it for them? Do we know? I have my own suspicions..

Jabby, no offence, but in another 35 years or so, you'll be 6ft under.

If you have an urge to be a a councillor and help improve things around Sligo, then fair play to you, you're half way to getting elected. Don't be regretting in advance, go for it!

Jabby

Culchie wrote: »

Jabby, no offence, but in another 35 years or so, you'll be 6ft under.

If you have an urge to be a a councillor and help improve things around Sligo, then fair play to you, you're half way to getting elected. Don't be regretting in advance, go for it!

Thanks for that VOTE of confidence C.:)

zonEEE

Did anyone notice Jude Devins and Mc goldricks posters? You nearly have to squint to see fina fail written on them, from a glance driving by you would think they were independent.

EuskalHerria

strongr wrote: »

Did anyone notice Jude Devins and Mc goldricks posters? You nearly have to squint to see fina fail written on them, from a glance driving by you would think they were independent.

I know a few lads in my area who are not bothered by the size of the Final Nail sign on the posters. They aren't political but they tell me it doesn't matter as they all burn the same on the bonfire.

il gatto

Reading the Champion a few weeks back, I noticed many of the FF councillors had neglected any mention of their party in their ads. If they're ashamed to put a FF logo in their ads, how do they expect we should vote for them when they're still members (but too ashamed to say).

In fairness there's plenty of young councillors, it's just that they started off so young (mayor at 22 anyone?) that they've already been around an eternity. And besides, youth is wasted on the young. I've not heard anything radical or fresh from these younger councillors. Just the same rehashed, politico speak babble. At least some of the older guys have a personality and a sense of humour. Devins the younger and his ilk are condesending, arrogant and pretty ineffectual by everything I've read and heard from them.

Youth is no indicator of character. I'd rather a decent octogenarian than a self serving 30 something.

darealtulip

EuskalHerria wrote: »

I know a few lads in my area who are not bothered by the size of the Final Nail sign on the posters. They aren't political but they tell me it doesn't matter as they all burn the same on the bonfire.

Bonfire? what a waste of a good sign. You can use them for all kind of things. Repairing holes in fences, fix broken windows temporarly etc.! So tell them to stop that waste!!!

EuskalHerria

darealtulip wrote: »

Bonfire? what a waste of a good sign. You can use them for all kind of things. Repairing holes in fences, fix broken windows temporarly etc.! So tell them to stop that waste!!!

They'd need painting over if they were going to be used for anything other than to building a fire.

I think the lack of choice is also a bad thing. There are too many candidates that you may disagree with but the abundance of seats gives them a good chance of either getting in or retaining their seat. I'd love to see more independents running in Sligo. I think independents are often better than those in mainstream parties, if only because they have no party line to tow and are often more accountable than those in mainstream parties.

TequilaMockingBird

We were ATTACKED by a Chris McManus sign today :eek: I had two kids walking in front of me and this big sign came flying out of nowhere towards us, so I shouted to the kids to cover their eyes (not because of the scary man - the sharp edges, as it was flying horizontally ) finally grabbed it, and fecked it into the bushes of Dunnes car park. Dusted my hands off and carried on. (It felt strangely satisfying..)

That's my vote lost Sinn Fein.

Essexboy

strongr wrote: »

Did anyone notice Jude Devins and Mc goldricks posters? You nearly have to squint to see fina fail written on them, from a glance driving by you would think they were independent.

Last time out many of the candidates who went for the traditional FF poster eg Padraig Branley were dumped. It must be even riskier to show the party logo this time!

cronndiesel

if you go for election- if you want to change things your a radical if you dont your just init for yourself if your young your inexperienced if your old your too old and if your part of a party your a puppet if your independant you ve no right power behind ya and with all the other partys out to get ya youll have no say theres martin ford and the bull mc sharry john sullivan the christian democrats you even had at one stage the natural law party!! if the people was hungry for change theyd have voted for some or all of themperhaps the people should take a look at themselves they get the same old thing because they want the same old thing after all imagine if someone actualy got in and made some real changes?? real changes nobody would have a clue what was going on and couldnt give out about it!! theyd have no yard stick to compare who here would take on the real powerful forces knowing the public would nt care or would be to frightened or caught up in their own lives to have a minute so they hang you out to dry with a half true yearn spun to the mediawould the people that you depend on for support you after it?? we all know the answers to the problems in this country deep down in our heart of hearts we do.

Big_Mac

You should check this out.

Aparrantly, re-opening O'Connell Street, lowering businesss rates, objecting to the Eastern Bridge location and lowering parking fees is going to secure jobs in Sligo. Fancy how no one else ever thought of this magnificent Idea if its so good

Does this sound like a candidate with a well thought out agenda, who would be worth your vote?



















............. Yeah, I thought so

bobcar61

Is it just me that the link doesn't work for. It comes up saying Error, Not found or something like that.

Big_Mac

bobcar61 wrote: »

Is it just me that the link doesn't work for. It comes up saying Error, Not found or something like that.

Fixed the linky there. Sowee about that

bobcar61

Oh i actually know his family:o

The webiste doesn't seem to appealing so don't think he will be getting my vote.

*I dont base my votes on how well their websites look.

Hail 2 Da Chimp

I know him too, don't see what would be so bad voting for him. He's lived in Sligo / Garavogue / Cranmore all his life IIRC. I don't believe he's from an exceptionally wealthy family (don't think his parents are politicians - no nepotism), volunteers in his community etc. He doesn't seem to have too much experience but a fresh face might be just what Sligo needs.

Big_Mac

Hail 2 Da Chimp wrote: »

I know him too, don't see what would be so bad voting for him. He's lived in Sligo / Garavogue / Cranmore all his life IIRC. I don't believe he's from an exceptionally wealthy family (don't think his parents are politicians - no nepotism), volunteers in his community etc. He doesn't seem to have too much experience but a fresh face might be just what Sligo needs.

I'm certainly not enstilled with confidence over it

Ogham

Jabby wrote: »

One last thing.. Have you ever wondered as to why do most of them go to all that trouble and expence to get themselves elected to a job that just pays expenses?? What exactly is in it for them? Do we know? I have my own suspicions.

Don't get me wrong. I do think there are a minority of good people in there too genuinely trying to do their best.

Councillors get paid over 17k a year now (since 2002) plus expenses . It's easy money for doing little. This Blog has the right idea

bobcar61

Earning 17k a year isn't the greatest salary,they wont be millionaires anytime soon if they stay on that wage.
I think it's experience that people want though,it could be a total waste of time voting someone in who has never done this before.

Macroom Man

bobcar61 wrote: »

Earning 17k a year isn't the greatest salary,they wont be millionaires anytime soon if they stay on that wage.
I think it's experience that people want though,it could be a total waste of time voting someone in who has never done this before.

Being a councillor is a springboard to appointment to other bodies eg the Border Midland and western Assembly (no, I don't know what they do either!).

I think it's experience that people want though,it could be a total waste of time voting someone in who has never done this before
Are you saying no-one new should be elected? surely not.

Jabby

bobcar61 wrote: »

Earning 17k a year isn't the greatest salary,they wont be millionaires anytime soon if they stay on that wage.
I think it's experience that people want though,it could be a total waste of time voting someone in who has never done this before.

Are you trying to tell me that they go to all this trouble and expense and hassle for 17K plus expenses....Wake up and smell the coffee will you. None of you have mentioned this possibility. I suspect there are still a lot of, shall we say, 'perks' here and there available to many of them.

It just doesn't go away you know!

bobcar61

I was only quoting someone else with the 17k salary and just stating that it wasn't a great salary.
''Perks'' are hardly going to pay a mortgage or loans,might be a subsidized trip away for some reason.

And in fairness it's not like they go to a lot of trouble do they? Well it doesn't seem they do anyways.

bobcar61

Macroom Man wrote: »

Are you saying no-one new should be elected? surely not.

No not necessarily,it's handy if they have some notable experience though or are known in some other way other than politics. I know the candidate Danial Mc Garriagle I think it is was the president of the student union I think in the I.T here in Sligo so he has some experience other than politics and has been getting things done and organised.

Jabby

bobcar61 wrote: »

I was only quoting someone else with the 17k salary and just stating that it wasn't a great salary.
''Perks'' are hardly going to pay a mortgage or loans,might be a subsidized trip away for some reason.

And in fairness it's not like they go to a lot of trouble do they? Well it doesn't seem they do anyways.

Depends what exactly the 'perks' are though doesn't it??

zonEEE

Im fairly sure most of them have jobs and being in the council is just a bit on the side.

Big_Mac

In fairness though, he can't even spell the name of the party he's running for. erm... Spell check anyone?

EuskalHerria

http://www.bebo.com/MP3Player.jsp?MemberId=4063126683

We need this man

starbelgrade

PROPRTIONAL REPRESENTATION


Remember - when voting - that in Ireland, most constituencies are multi seat, eg, 3, 4 or 5 seat. Proportional representation means you get a choice - you indicate your first choice by placing 1 opposite your first choice candidate, 2 opposite second and so on. This means you are transfering your vote to your second choice candidate if your first choice candidate is either elected and has a surplus number of votes over the quota (number of votes needed to be elected) or is eliminated.

It is important to use your votes so as you have a say in as many rounds of voting as possible. If you are not sure about some of the candidates or you don't want to see someone elected, start at the bottom. Give the candidate you least like your bottom vote and work your way up the ballot paper.

Some parties will ask you to give your number one to their candidate and your number 2 to a member of a party they may be thinking of going into coalition with. If you feel you would like to see 2 or three particular parties in coalition, then there is more chance of this happening if voters use their vote like this.

Basically number the candidates in order of preference choosing as many as possible, and make sure that Fianna Fail are way down the end of the list.

Ogham

starbelgrade wrote: »

PROPRTIONAL REPRESENTATION


Remember - when voting - that in Ireland, most constituencies are multi seat, eg, 3, 4 or 5 seat. Proportional representation means you get a choice - you indicate your first choice by placing 1 opposite your first choice candidate, 2 opposite second and so on. This means you are transfering your vote to your second choice candidate if your first choice candidate is either elected and has a surplus number of votes over the quota (number of votes needed to be elected) or is eliminated.

It is important to use your votes so as you have a say in as many rounds of voting as possible. If you are not sure about some of the candidates or you don't want to see someone elected, start at the bottom. Give the candidate you least like your bottom vote and work your way up the ballot paper.

Some parties will ask you to give your number one to their candidate and your number 2 to a member of a party they may be thinking of going into coalition with. If you feel you would like to see 2 or three particular parties in coalition, then there is more chance of this happening if voters use their vote like this.

Basically number the candidates in order of preference choosing as many as possible, and make sure that Fianna Fail are way down the end of the list.

If you don't want someone to be elected don't give them any vote at all - leave them off altogether. You don't need to choose as many as possible - that's stupid - otherwise there is a channce your top preferences won't get in and your vote will transfer to the person you "don't like".
No wonder we have such a bad government if this is how people think they should vote.

starbelgrade

Jabby wrote: »

Isn't it depressing to see the same old faces on their posters, smiling down on us with their cheesey smiles from their perches high up on the poles. Why in the name of God can we not entice some young energetic bright people to run for local office instead of these aging gob****es? The last time I saw some of the local representatives was on their last posters.

90% of them should piss off and do something else.:mad:

Not strictly true - running for the Coolaney / Ballinacarrow / Ballisodare elections are Alywn Love (Labour) & Dara Mulvey (Fine Gael), both of whom are fairly young in political terms and both are very active community members & campaigners.

Yep, they're both alligned with political parties, but in local elections, that really doesn't have a huge bearing, unless you are totally averse to their party, as I am with Fine Gael. I know that Alywn Love ran as an independant in the last elections & he believes that he'll have a better chance with a national party behind him and I wish him all the best - he'll be getting my vote, despite the ridiculous "Love" campaign the Labour Party mounted for him over Valentine's Day. I mean I like the guy as a politician, but I don't want to get a feicin Valentine's card off of him!

I'm not sure who's running elsewhere, but I suspect there are young candidates running in most local elections. And as someone else pointed out - youth is no guarantee of bright, energetic politics. Just take the likes of Marc Mc Sharry, who keep the old school Fianna Fail flags flying high.

As for running for elections yourself - it's fairly straightforward. All you need is 6 people in your area to nominate you, then apply to your local council (though I think the deadline is today). You may well run once or twice before anyone takes any real notice of you and you'd be well advised to involved in as many community activities as possible - you need to be visible - people rarely vote for someone they have never met or heard of.

But if you do decide to go for it, best of luck!

starbelgrade

Ogham wrote: »

If you don't want someone to be elected don't give them any vote at all - leave them off altogether. You don't need to choose as many as possible - that's stupid - otherwise there is a channce your top preferences won't get in and your vote will transfer to the person you "don't like".
No wonder we have such a bad government if this is how people think they should vote.

Hang on a second - I might be wrong in what I posted - but don't dare think that I am in any way stupid, or in any way responsible for the bad government we have as I have never voted Fianna Fail.

My understanding of it is, is that by not numbering all the candidates, your vote is not counted in all the rounds. Now, I may well be wrong and I am open to correction, but I will NOT be slandered by association with the government.

starbelgrade

From what I understand, with Preference Voting (PV)—the voter simply ranks candidates in an order of preference (1,2,3,4, etc…). Once a voter’s first choice is elected or eliminated, excess votes are “transferred” to subsequent preferences until all positions are filled.

Voters can vote for their favorite candidate(s), knowing that if that candidate doesn’t receive enough votes their vote will “transfer” to their next preference. With preference voting, every vote counts and very few votes are wasted.

Is it not better then, that if I don't want Fianna Fail in local government, to put them last rather than express no opinion by leaving them off the ballot paper? I would really like to know as I have never actually preferenced more than 3 candidates in previous elections & I heard someone on the radio last week discussing this to the contrary.

Ogham

As I said before - you don't vote for people unless you want them to be possibly elected by your vote. You can vote for 1 or all of the canditates or any number in between - but leaving a candidate off is the only way of ensuring they don't get a vote from you via a transfer.

See this for the full story

starbelgrade

Ogham wrote: »

As I said before - you don't vote for people unless you want them to be possibly elected by your vote. You can vote for 1 or all of the canditates or any number in between - but leaving a candidate off is the only way of ensuring they don't get a vote from you via a transfer.

See this for the full story

I've read that before - and I may be just missing something - but it doesn't fully explain it to me.

Ok, it says "You indicate your first choice by writing 1 opposite your first choice and 2 opposite your second choice, 3 opposite your third choice and so on. You may stop marking your paper after 1 or any subsequent preference or you may go right down the ballot paper until a preference has been given to all candidates ending with the candidate of your lowest choice.

When you vote like this, you are instructing the Returning Officer to transfer your vote to the second choice candidate if your first choice is either elected with a surplus of votes over the quota or is eliminated. If your second choice is elected or eliminated, your vote may be transferred to your third choice and so on."

So, surplus and unused votes are passed down in each round, so is it not better to specify all the preferences so that you at least have a say in each round? If there are multiple seats, surely it's better to list the lesser of the evils for subsequent seats than not (even if you only want to vote for one candidate)?

Plus, is it not giving those who have balloted all candidates more of a say in the election? Like I said, I never filled the ballot paper before, but I heard a discussion to the contrary & thought I had previously been misled.

il gatto

starbelgrade wrote: »

I've read that before - and I may be just missing something - but it doesn't fully explain it to me.

Ok, it says "You indicate your first choice by writing 1 opposite your first choice and 2 opposite your second choice, 3 opposite your third choice and so on. You may stop marking your paper after 1 or any subsequent preference or you may go right down the ballot paper until a preference has been given to all candidates ending with the candidate of your lowest choice.

When you vote like this, you are instructing the Returning Officer to transfer your vote to the second choice candidate if your first choice is either elected with a surplus of votes over the quota or is eliminated. If your second choice is elected or eliminated, your vote may be transferred to your third choice and so on."

So, surplus and unused votes are passed down in each round, so is it not better to specify all the preferences so that you at least have a say in each round? If there are multiple seats, surely it's better to list the lesser of the evils for subsequent seats than not (even if you only want to vote for one candidate)?

Plus, is it not giving those who have balloted all candidates more of a say in the election? Like I said, I never filled the ballot paper before, but I heard a discussion to the contrary & thought I had previously been misled.

If, by some chance, it went to a 20th count (it won't, but bear me out), most people would not have marked a 20th preference. If you had put a FF candidate as you 20th preference, that could see him elected. Not voting beyond your actual preferences still give you a say in each round, as your preference has been either elected or eliminated, your ballot will not help elect someone you wouldn't wanted elected. I believe we need the "wouldn't give him the steam of me ...." argument when voting. Don't give a scrap to those you feel unelectably inept and corrupt.

rcecil

Sean Macmanus and company have a great record of defending working class voters and progressive politics. They were the only party right on Lisbon, right on the economy (who are the loolas now?) right on the environment and human rights and even detractors can't say anything about constituent service. SF was the first party to put forward a job creation and retention program. Pearse Doherty's paper on "The West's Awake" is a model for clear thinking in our region.If you really want a change vote Sinn Fein! If you vote for the corporate parties or so called independents what are you really getting? nuff said

il gatto

bobcar61 wrote: »

Earning 17k a year isn't the greatest salary,they wont be millionaires anytime soon if they stay on that wage.
I think it's experience that people want though,it could be a total waste of time voting someone in who has never done this before.

I thought I posted some response but it seems to have vanished. Basically multiple quangos are divvied up after the election, each councillor being paid for being on them. Any addittional title such as mayor or deputy mayor, receives a hefty wedge as well. Deputy mayor get 10-12k a year for doing nothing. Councillors tend to come out with 25-30k+ a year, and only a handful are full time, most do it as an aside to their day jobs. Certain "decisions" go their way too (Houses selling above market value to council, anyone?).

Link http://www.independent.ie/national-news/revealed-councillor-pay-surge-hits-836483m-1441998.html

il gatto

Oh, and I believe there's certain tax breaks for the councillors unfortunate enough to be saddled with the extra income of mayorship or deputy mayorship. It's certainly tough at the top alright.

Culchie

starbelgrade wrote: »

Not strictly true - running for the Coolaney / Ballinacarrow / Ballisodare elections are Alywn Love (Labour) & Dara Mulvey (Fine Gael), both of whom are fairly young in political terms and both are very active community members & campaigners.

Yep, they're both alligned with political parties, but in local elections, that really doesn't have a huge bearing, unless you are totally averse to their party, as I am with Fine Gael. I know that Alywn Love ran as an independant in the last elections & he believes that he'll have a better chance with a national party behind him and I wish him all the best - he'll be getting my vote, despite the ridiculous "Love" campaign the Labour Party mounted for him over Valentine's Day. I mean I like the guy as a politician, but I don't want to get a feicin Valentine's card off of him!

I hear you regarding seperating the bloke from the party, I've had alot of dealings with one of the aforementioned, I won't say which as I might be presumed bias ... but the amount of work they are putting in deserves election, regardless of party allegiance..... and this is not just around election time, like alot of the politicians, but over the last 2/3 years.

starbelgrade

il gatto wrote: »

If, by some chance, it went to a 20th count (it won't, but bear me out), most people would not have marked a 20th preference. If you had put a FF candidate as you 20th preference, that could see him elected. Not voting beyond your actual preferences still give you a say in each round, as your preference has been either elected or eliminated, your ballot will not help elect someone you wouldn't wanted elected. I believe we need the "wouldn't give him the steam of me ...." argument when voting. Don't give a scrap to those you feel unelectably inept and corrupt.

I see - that clears that one up!

starbelgrade

Culchie wrote: »

I hear you regarding seperating the bloke from the party, I've had alot of dealings with one of the aforementioned, I won't say which as I might be presumed bias ... but the amount of work they are putting in deserves election, regardless of party allegiance..... and this is not just around election time, like alot of the politicians, but over the last 2/3 years.

Very true - I don't see anyone else in the area who's grafted like them... I might even consider giving the Fine Gaeler my 2nd vote, though I will have to consider that one very carefully.

fmcc

Radio one with pat kenny has north west election on at the moment from the glasshouse.

tuppence

fmcc wrote: »

Radio one with pat kenny has north west election on at the moment from the glasshouse.

Focus mainly on the European elections
http://www.rte.ie/podcasts/2009/pc/pod-v-120509-53m28s-patkenny.mp3

il gatto

There'll be an hour's lenght repeat from 2:30a.m. or you can listen back on the RTE website.

EuskalHerria

Just for people who may be able to listen to it in the mornings between 10 and 11, Ocean Fm are running regional debates with all those standing for elections. Gives people more info on the candidates from their area. Today was ballymote was pretty basic politics even for local politics. Schedule is as follows :

Wednesday 13th - Manorhamilton
Thursday 14th - Drumcliffe
Friday 15th - Sligo East Ward
Monday 18th - European North West
Tuesday 19th - Bundoran
Wednesday 20th - Glenties
Thursday 21st - Ballyshannon
Friday 22nd - Donegal
Monday 25th - Dromore West
Tuesday 26th - Dromahair
Wednesday 27th - Sligo West Ward
Friday 29th - Tubbercurry
Tuesday 2nd June - Sligo-Strandhill
Wednesday 3rd June - Sligo North Ward

magnumlady

I really wish they would ban those posters, does anyone vote for people because of their posters?
I think they are an eyesore and half of them were blowing all over the place last week, my car got hit by labour:eek:

starbelgrade

magnumlady wrote: »

I really wish they would ban those posters, does anyone vote for people because of their posters?
I think they are an eyesore and half of them were blowing all over the place last week, my car got hit by labour:eek:

They only look good when they've been altered (known in legal terms as "vandalised").







And this one is scary - more so because, it is in fact an actual real poster...



And I thought, Brian Cowen had paintings removed from galleries by the Gardai, so he could use them in his campaign, but alas, no.



As Cowen seems to think he's God these days, perhaps my comment will be subject to the blasphemy laws.

And before you can say, "Leave Bertie A Loan"....

cronndiesel

starbelgrade is right use up all your vote as best you can- just a bare stroke and run is only a joke too many people are afraid of their lives to be seen spending any time at all in the booth. the way some does it and the way they go on about it in the pub seconds later youd think they were ashamed to vote at all!! other countrys have only a bare scrap of democracy- UK and US-remember the george bush voting machine scandal where the stub was barely punched (im sure the iranians and the russans had a great laugh and then the miles of guff blown about freedom and democracy the irish system imo is streets ahead of any of them now if only somethng could be done about the weather!

Jabby

starbelgrade wrote: »

Not strictly true - running for the Coolaney / Ballinacarrow / Ballisodare elections are Alywn Love (Labour) & Dara Mulvey (Fine Gael), both of whom are fairly young in political terms and both are very active community members & campaigners.

Yep, they're both alligned with political parties, but in local elections, that really doesn't have a huge bearing, unless you are totally averse to their party, as I am with Fine Gael. I know that Alywn Love ran as an independant in the last elections & he believes that he'll have a better chance with a national party behind him and I wish him all the best - he'll be getting my vote, despite the ridiculous "Love" campaign the Labour Party mounted for him over Valentine's Day. I mean I like the guy as a politician, but I don't want to get a feicin Valentine's card off of him!

I'm not sure who's running elsewhere, but I suspect there are young candidates running in most local elections. And as someone else pointed out - youth is no guarantee of bright, energetic politics. Just take the likes of Marc Mc Sharry, who keep the old school Fianna Fail flags flying high.

As for running for elections yourself - it's fairly straightforward. All you need is 6 people in your area to nominate you, then apply to your local council (though I think the deadline is today). You may well run once or twice before anyone takes any real notice of you and you'd be well advised to involved in as many community activities as possible - you need to be visible - people rarely vote for someone they have never met or heard of.

But if you do decide to go for it, best of luck!

Thanks S. You're quite right when you say that youth is no guarantee of bright,energetic politics, and I agree with you also when you use that mindless moron McSharry as a perfect example. Anyone who came out with the now infamous statement that he ''was born Fianna Fail'' and he ''will die Fianna Fail'' needs to see someone in the psychiatric profession very quickly if he seriously expects bright thinking people to vote for him.