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Green Party candidate makes howler on Pat Kenny this morning

  • 15-05-2009 12:55am
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 589 ✭✭✭


    RTÉ.ie Media Player: RTÉ Radio 1 (51 minutes, 17 seconds in)

    Elizabeth Davidson: The Green Party is looking at renewable energy and industries which...we believe that the recovery for jobs will be green and that that's where our future lies. As you see this morning there's an announcement of a wind farm that's being set up in the west of Ireland to produce jobs. This is...this is...

    Pat Kenny: This is a manufacturing plant to build wind turbines

    ED: It is, but the whole thrust of the economy in the future will be green, and I think that George is looking back at an old model. After all, Fine Gael talked up the property bubble as well; they wanted to cut stamp duty to keep the prices inflated.We always said in the Green Party that this was crazy. We believe in a sustainable economy and we said, and we were first to say, that it was treason what was happening in the banks. When we're talking about energy, green energy is the way forward. This is what the world wants, this is what the world needs...

    PK: Alright but Bord Gais is a company....based on what you're saying, if green is the future, you might as well sell it off now before anyone cops on that it's going to be worth nothing in a few years.

    ED: Well, you know, it's a national asset, I don't believe in selling off national assets.

    PK: But I mean if green is the future, Bord Gais has no future in selling gas

    ED: Well, there's green gas, green natural gas.

    Alex White (or George Lee): Sorry?

    [Pause]

    ED: Natural gas is a green...[long pause]

    PK: No, it's a fossil fuel

    ED: It's a fossil fuel, but what we're looking at is energy, cheap energy, and that's what it is.


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,971 ✭✭✭teednab-el


    I heard this on the radio this morning. This was absolutely hilarious. I nearly wet myself laughing. It reminded me of something like Mary Coughlan would say. It really says enough about her understanding of green energy to be honest.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 589 ✭✭✭vincenzo1975


    yep, I reckon it was a clanger alright. She really did sound clueless and unable to compete in the debate.

    This seems to happen many times with green supporters, who's aspirations and ideas just are not matched by a decent grounding in current energy generation.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 173 ✭✭waitingforBB


    just listened and it was embarassing for the green candidate.
    Typically idealist, but unaware of the facts


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,641 ✭✭✭paconnors


    And shes seeking to be elected, anybody that votes her may aswell give dustin no 2,
    remember she also mentioned the wind farm in the west that was creating jobs, they are a company the make wind turbines for wind farms, she hasn't done her homework too well,


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,971 ✭✭✭teednab-el


    paconnors wrote: »
    And shes seeking to be elected, anybody that votes her may aswell give dustin no 2,
    remember she also mentioned the wind farm in the west that was creating jobs, they are a company the make wind turbines for wind farms, she hasn't done her homework too well,

    I couldnt have put it better myself. Two very bad blunders on her behalf. We have enough of muppets in Irish politics already than voting in another one.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 95 ✭✭briktop


    like a fool , i believed the hype at the time and like to think green
    i voted for these [EMAIL="w@nkers"]w@nkers[/EMAIL] at the time

    but they have turned out to be the biggest turncoats in history
    and the dumbest bunch of morons I have ever heard on tv .

    hopefull they will be burnt to the ground fairly soon

    tossers


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 88,972 ✭✭✭✭mike65


    Meanwhile John Gormless has just insulted the electorate by suggesting the latest poll shows we are being irrational.

    He will be on Newstalk after 1 pm.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,458 ✭✭✭✭gandalf


    Thanks for that link. It shows up the lightweight nature of the Greens tbh. Will enjoy seeing their demise over the next couple of years.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16,165 ✭✭✭✭brianthebard


    Its true that the greens are pretty poor at campaigning on the issues they are supposed to know best, but I won't delight in their downfall, Ireland still needs a party that puts ecology at the center of their ideology. Unfortunately it seems the greens are not that party.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 271 ✭✭ismynametoolong


    The Greens will jump on the band wagon and try to take credit for anything with the slightest tinge of green , I believe the public will see throught these people and vote them out of all office in the future !


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,948 ✭✭✭gizmo555


    I was listening to this at the time and couldn't believe what I was hearing. What an idiot!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,366 ✭✭✭IIMII


    Ouch!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 679 ✭✭✭Darsad


    I really hope the electorate wise up to these green idiots and send them all packing to live under a tree somewhere.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,496 ✭✭✭irishgrover


    oh god, just listened to it, I'm completely cringing


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 39,022 ✭✭✭✭Permabear


    This post has been deleted.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,117 ✭✭✭✭MrJoeSoap


    This post has been deleted.

    Fantastic! :D

    We have one of the most ecologically friendly governments, by that reasoning...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,620 ✭✭✭Grudaire


    just listened and it was embarassing for the green candidate.
    Typically idealist, but unaware of the facts

    That wasn't idealist, that was just a very poor show. Bush would be proud!

    But she's clearly not a good public speaker - very nervous. Bad thing for a candidate.

    There seems to be a huge illogical hatred of the Greens on boards - yet again this thread highlights it: "w@nkers" "morons"


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,355 ✭✭✭Belfast


    It reminds me of a candidate running election quite a few years ago.
    He said if elected the would get Dublin bus to run on lead free Fuel.
    Dublin bus was using diesel at the time.

    It always seemed to me that the green party did not have a very firm grasp of he facts.
    The seem to have bet the farm on man made global warming to the exclusion of other environmental issues like

    The CFL bulbs have mercury in them
    Used or Broken CFL Light Bulbs Are Hazardous Waste
    watch the video in the link below
    http://www.icue.com/portal/site/iCue/flatview/?cuecard=39643

    Water quality: contamination of ground water and drinking water. I am not hearing much for the Green party on this one.

    Illegal dumping of industrial waste

    illegal dumping of domestic rubbish in country roads.

    People changed oil and filter in cars at home dumping the oil.

    Collapse in population of honey bees

    Who Killed the Honey Bee?
    "Bees are dying in their millions. It is an ecological crisis that threatens to bring global agriculture to a standstill. Introduced by Martha Kearney, this documentary explores the reasons behind the decline of bee colonies across the globe, investigating what might be at the root of this devastation.

    Honey bees are the number one insect pollinator on the planet, responsible for the production of over 90 crops. Apples, berries, cucumbers, nuts, cabbages and even cotton will struggle to be produced if bee colonies continue to decline at the current rate. Empty hives have been reported from as far afield as Taipei and Tennessee. In England, the matter has caused beekeepers to march on parliament to call on the government to fund research into what they say is potentially a bigger threat to humanity than the current financial crisis.

    Investigating the problem from a global perspective, the programme makers travel from the farm belt of California to the flatlands of East Anglia to the outback of Australia. They talk to the beekeepers whose livelihoods are threatened by colony collapse disorder, the scientists entrusted with solving the problem, and the Australian beekeepers who are making a fortune replacing the planet's dying bees. They also look at some of the possible reasons for the declining numbers - is it down to a bee plague, pesticides, malnutrition, or is the answer something even more frightening?"
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00jzjys

    The Silence of the Bees - A Look at Colony Collapse Disorder
    http://www.naturalnews.com/022376.html

    Frog polulation collapsing workld wide
    As Amphibian Populations Collapse Worldwide, Chytrid Fungus Confirmed In Missouri - Post-Dispatch
    http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=115x104405

    Dying Frogs Sign Of A Biodiversity Crisis
    http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812135654.htm



    Back yard burning of rubbish.
    Burning rubbish at home in the back yard open fire at low temperature produces Dioxins and is a bigger problem that incinerator if run at the correct temperature. ( not sure that would ever happen in Ireland)

    Smokeless coal.
    A friend of mines mother dump ash form smoke kess coal in the vegetable garden several years ago. It killed every plant there and nothing has grown on that spot since them.

    "The report also finds that coal ash disposal sites release toxic chemicals and metals such as arsenic, lead, boron, selenium, cadmium, thallium, and other pollutants at levels that pose risks to human health and the environment."
    http://www.earthjustice.org/news/press/007/coal-ash-pollution-contaminates-groundwater-increases-cancer-risks.html

    Where are all the allotments the greens have been talking about?
    Only 500 in in Fingal and some of these will not open for another month or 2.
    Also none of the allotments are convent to public transport. Drive to the allotment , yes very green.

    cycling with garden equipment not very safe.

    a bus too bring people who do not have cars to bring gardening equipment to and from allotment I suppose would be too much. I would hate to be arrested for carrying a gardening knife or other sharp implement for gardening on public bus on the way to my allotment.

    with all these real problems what does the Green party do.
    they spend all their time atlking baout Carbon foot prints and farting cows.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,231 ✭✭✭✭ejmaztec


    briktop wrote: »
    like a fool , i believed the hype at the time and like to think green
    i voted for these w@nkers at the time

    but they have turned out to be the biggest turncoats in history
    and the dumbest bunch of morons I have ever heard on tv .

    hopefull they will be burnt to the ground fairly soon

    tossers

    Shouldn't they have their own re-cycling bin?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,262 ✭✭✭✭Joey the lips


    How do I find this clip it seems to be updated today!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,210 ✭✭✭Pedro K


    briktop wrote: »
    hopefull they will be burnt to the ground fairly soon

    tossers

    Make some green natural gas out of em.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4 killy09


    Im suprised the other opposition candidates did not put her to the sword on that blunder. Politeness? or they too did not know gas is a fossil fuel? :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,971 ✭✭✭teednab-el


    they should have and rightly so but again they probably know that she has no chance of being elected anyway.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,990 ✭✭✭squonk


    Well I'll be delighted to see the back of them. They have to be the poorest excuse for a govt. party in a long whiel, and that's a fair feat given who they're in government with. At least you get the impression FF have some grasp of the issues they're talking about.

    on a practical level I am not a fan of CFL bulbs for many reason, amongst which I don't think they're very good at producing usable light for a start and then there's the issues surrounding their disposal. i was particularly miffed that Gormless took it upon himself to wheel that CFL only sales policy out without allowing for people to make a choice. I said at the time I would happily pay a levy to allow me to continue to use the existing style bulbs.

    Dublin Bus recently sold off a number of around 100 buses and services are being cut. Well done Greens. Now anyone using public transport is receiving further encouragement to get out there and buy a car.

    Watching these muppets also make sure they get on camera every time there's a Dail special meeting arrving into govt. buildings on their rothair is just, frankly, insulting. There's a Garda car following these jokers as protection. it'd make life easier for just about everybody if they just sat in the back seat. Do they think we're all fools? Evidently they do. Hopefuly at the next election the good voters will show them who the real fools are!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 987 ✭✭✭diverdriver


    I'm delighted particularly with Gormless. I always thought the Greens were amateurs playing with big boys. They prove it frequently. When they decided to sup with the devil in the form of Fianna Fail. They were always doomed. Look what happened to the PDs. Remember what happened to Labour when they went into coalition with FF.

    The only thing irrational at the moment is that the Greens haven't brought down FF before now. But they dare not, they would be wiped out too. So they share the bunker with der fuhrer Cowan marshalling divisions that no longer exist, hoping for a secret weapon to save them from the massed ranks of the Allied voters.

    I'm delighted their limitations have been exposed. Maybe their trendy middle class voters will finally see them for what they are.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,262 ✭✭✭✭Joey the lips


    killy09 wrote: »
    Im suprised the other opposition candidates did not put her to the sword on that blunder. Politeness? or they too did not know gas is a fossil fuel? :D

    I would say conor lenahan might know its a fossel fuel he spouts it enough. Then again they proposed shooting cows because of greenhouse gases. Shooting him might be just a service to society!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,990 ✭✭✭squonk


    Anyone out there able to remember Mary White's stunningly stupid idea about putting energy efficient ratings on the number plates of cars? She was interviewed onthe Last word about it around 2 years ago or something. I believe it was along the lines of a sticker or soemthing like those ones that you see on German numberplates... but ithin I'm giving her too much credit here because I think it was more daft than that but I cant' remember the exact details. I'm choosing to ignore the fact that a vehicle's energy efficiency disimproves as it gets older...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,620 ✭✭✭Grudaire


    Belfast wrote: »
    It reminds me of a candidate running election quite a few years ago.
    He said if elected the would get Dublin bus to run on lead free Fuel.
    Dublin bus was using diesel at the time.

    Misplaced good intentions alright (Not as bad as the one mentioned in this thread). I think we can agree that Diesel isn't great for the health. (One of the biggest problems that the Greens had was trying to take on too many causes at once - now perhaps too few?)
    Belfast wrote: »
    It always seemed to me that the green party did not have a very firm grasp of he facts.
    The seem to have bet the farm on man made global warming to the exclusion of other environmental issues like

    I don't know if there's much doubt about it now. Anyway do you think that they're ignoring other environmental issues in particular?
    Belfast wrote: »
    The CFL bulbs have mercury in them
    Used or Broken CFL Light Bulbs Are Hazardous Waste
    watch the video in the link below
    http://www.icue.com/portal/site/iCue/flatview/?cuecard=39643

    More facts about Mercury, Have a look through that. I think that you are over stating the danger. Clearly the bulbs have to be disposed of carefully, and broken bulbs aren't the safest thing in the world. I think a proper information campaign needs to be put in place to ensure that people know to recycle the bulbs, and to take care if they break.

    Anyway I'm sure you can give out about the EU as well!
    Belfast wrote: »
    Water quality: contamination of ground water and drinking water. I am not hearing much for the Green party on this one.

    Drinking water report

    Fine Gael block water treatment plant

    I think the green party say a lot - people just don't hear most of it!
    Belfast wrote: »
    Back yard burning of rubbish.
    Burning rubbish at home in the back yard open fire at low temperature produces Dioxins and is a bigger problem that incinerator if run at the correct temperature. ( not sure that would ever happen in Ireland)

    Well it's illegal - I do agree that this is a big problem here, and something needs to be done to stop it.
    Belfast wrote: »
    Smokeless coal.
    A friend of mines mother dump ash form smoke kess coal in the vegetable garden several years ago. It killed every plant there and nothing has grown on that spot since them.

    Well I think there was a far bigger problem with air pollution in the cities to really worry about the poor womans plants
    Belfast wrote: »
    "The report also finds that coal ash disposal sites release toxic chemicals and metals such as arsenic, lead, boron, selenium, cadmium, thallium, and other pollutants at levels that pose risks to human health and the environment."
    http://www.earthjustice.org/news/press/007/coal-ash-pollution-contaminates-groundwater-increases-cancer-risks.html

    Isn't that link giving out about coal in general?


    Now I (unlike the greens apparently) must admit I haven't got a clue about allotments:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,136 ✭✭✭✭is_that_so


    Cliste wrote: »

    There seems to be a huge illogical hatred of the Greens on boards - yet again this thread highlights it: "w@nkers" "morons"

    Even the staunchest of FF supporters in this forum acknowledge that they are not doing everything well and that there are issues. As far as I can see there is a blind defence in those comments and tbh no matter how many times people highlight why it is that the Greens are getting it in the neck you still refuse to see anything wrong with them. That is also quite illogical. You also fail to grasp what it is the Greens are perceived as, to those of us not wedded to bikes and light bulbs and eh green natural gas. They have made their bed and will quite probably suffer the consequences of it.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,620 ✭✭✭Grudaire


    is_that_so wrote: »
    Even the staunchest of FF supporters in this forum acknowledge that they are not doing everything well and that there are issues. As far as I can see there is a blind defence in those comments and tbh no matter how many times people highlight why it is that the Greens are getting it in the neck you still refuse to see anything wrong with them. That is also quite illogical. You also fail to grasp what it is the Greens are perceived as, to those of us not wedded to bikes and light bulbs and eh green natural gas. They have made their bed and will quite probably suffer the consequences of it.

    I don't think that you're reading any of my posts fairly -Considering I compared her to Bush... I don't know how a anyone could be chosen as candidate if they don't know stuff like that, seems like a very very bad choice. I did say that it is clear that she is a very poor public speaker - PERHAPS the pressure meant she came out with that statement

    Taking the opposite opinion here isn't easy to be fair. The Greens are getting it in the neck but I am putting forward my opinion that they are being unfairly picked upon. (Given the other parties that are around at the moment it's not a mad opinion to take)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,189 ✭✭✭✭jmayo


    killy09 wrote: »
    Im suprised the other opposition candidates did not put her to the sword on that blunder. Politeness? or they too did not know gas is a fossil fuel? :D


    I thought heard tumbleweed blowing throught the studio after her comment.
    If some one of the guys had put her to the sword, they would be labelled sexist as critics of the mensa candidate from Donegal have :rolleyes:
    squonk wrote: »
    Anyone out there able to remember Mary White's stunningly stupid idea about putting energy efficient ratings on the number plates of cars? She was interviewed onthe Last word about it around 2 years ago or something. I believe it was along the lines of a sticker or soemthing like those ones that you see on German numberplates... but ithin I'm giving her too much credit here because I think it was more daft than that but I cant' remember the exact details. I'm choosing to ignore the fact that a vehicle's energy efficiency disimproves as it gets older...

    Was she the muppet that proposed a lesser easier driving test for old folks since afterall they would drive slower on the way for the pension ?
    Or was she the moron that came up with idea of changing the side of the road we drive on at different times for different counties ?

    Both of these ideas have definitely been proposed by politicians :rolleyes:

    I am not allowed discuss …



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,136 ✭✭✭✭is_that_so


    Cliste wrote: »
    I don't think that you're reading any of my posts fairly -Considering I compared her to Bush... I don't know how a anyone could be chosen as candidate if they don't know stuff like that, seems like a very very bad choice. I did say that it is clear that she is a very poor public speaker - PERHAPS the pressure meant she came out with that statement

    Taking the opposite opinion here isn't easy to be fair. The Greens are getting it in the neck but I am putting forward my opinion that they are being unfairly picked upon. (Given the other parties that are around at the moment it's not a mad opinion to take)

    To be fair to that candidate no party supporter of any hue would be pleased with how she performed. My comments are more general ones on your own defence of The Greens in this forum. In a lot of ways I don't think they can be defended.

    Labour's Spring Tide is remembered not for what they might have achieved but for sleeping with the enemy. Across the water Labour have become virtually unelectable because they are seen as dirty.

    It's not all about "look at our policies" which as far as I can see is the Greens' modus operandi. The public take far, far more into account and it is the little things that they said they would and wouldn't do that will be most remembered. And we do like to punish parties for perceived lies and slights. That's not irrational, that's just an average voter.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,620 ✭✭✭Grudaire


    is_that_so wrote: »
    To be fair to that candidate no party supporter of any hue would be pleased with how she performed. My comments are more general ones on your own defence of The Greens in this forum. In a lot of ways I don't think they can be defended.

    That is a completely different argument to this:
    is_that_so wrote: »
    Labour's Spring Tide is remembered not for what they might have achieved but for sleeping with the enemy. Across the water Labour have become virtually unelectable because they are seen as dirty.

    It's not all about "look at our policies" which as far as I can see is the Greens' modus operandi. The public take far, far more into account and it is the little things that they said they would and wouldn't do that will be most remembered. And we do like to punish parties for perceived lies and slights. That's not irrational, that's just an average voter.

    First off: My defence of the Greens in a whole number of threads is mainly because of the absolute illogical nature of the mud that is being flung at them. For instance there's another thread knocking about complaining that Green Party members are also part of an Taisce - the OP had forgotten about an Taisce by his 4th post - deciding to ignore the points made by a number of posters, and continued to attack the greens over a different topic.
    As for my general defence of the greens on other matters that are very much less excusable (and I must add I completely agree that they are inexcusable), I am giving the other side of the argument - which is needed to keep some of the threads alive given the out and out witch hunting that boardsies can be prone to. (Take our friend Raiser - he is a great ranter - has a brilliant way of putting things, really gets the emotions out, but if you peel back what he says there's nothing behind it - to disarm him you just ask for him to back-up what he says - thats not a good way to discuss things)


    I definitely agree on your second point. The voting public can often not be logical about things (this works every way). I have said elsewhere that I think that it would be best for the continued existence and prosperity of the Greens that they take the current government down - the problem is how they balance it, I don't think that there was a hope in hell for them if they had left any time before the recession (cue cries of being an unstable party - they'd never be let near a coalition ever again) I think (and I hope that they do) bring the Government down AFTER these coming elections, when a clear mandate will exist for such a move.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 26,567 ✭✭✭✭Fratton Fred


    One person, one vote. Then people would use it wisely rather than throwibg second votes aroung willy nilly


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,003 ✭✭✭bijapos


    Was canvassed on the street by that Davidson woman the other day, told her I dont live in the area but she still had a chat, admitted she screwed up but came across as fairly decent, got the impression she isnt your usual career politician. seems she does community work anyway and only got into politics recently so she not "media trained" (sez the girlfriend who lives in the area).

    What I found interesting/worrying about that Kenny debate is that she was the only one who opposed the selling of Bord Gais. If they are sold for €500m or whatever then WE THE F**KING TAXPAYERS are going have to buy it back, at the rate of €500m PLUS interest on the sh**es who buy it PLUS another healthy dollop for their own profits.

    FFS have we learnt nothing in the past, sell the family jewels for s bit of short term gain? No bloody thanks.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,003 ✭✭✭bijapos


    And whatever about candidates I find Yawn Gormless very very irritating (dunno why) :mad:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,895 ✭✭✭✭Sand


    Why would WE THE F**KING TAXPAYERS have to buy it back?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,003 ✭✭✭bijapos


    "WE", (the state) sell it to xyz company, probably someone like Shell, Total, Gazprom etc etc.

    The ordinary Joe will then buy this gas back off xyz company over the next few decades at a higher rate then we sell it to them (market economics or whatever you want to call it).

    Instead of controlling this natural resource we will pay more for it, the surplus/profit going overseas, the balance of payments taking a hit and generally being detrimental to the economy.

    Its our gas, we put the infrastructure in place, we should benefit from it, not some private company.

    We should try to learn from our mistakes with the Shell contract in Mayo and not do this.

    There are also other examples of places where privatisation has not always worked, UK, Germany etc have examples.

    This is why I do not think that we should sell Bord Gais, and btw I do not live in a house which is supplied with gas.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,510 ✭✭✭population


    bijapos wrote: »
    "WE", (the state) sell it to xyz company, probably someone like Shell, Total, Gazprom etc etc.

    The ordinary Joe will then buy this gas back off xyz company over the next few decades at a higher rate then we sell it to them (market economics or whatever you want to call it).

    Instead of controlling this natural resource we will pay more for it, the surplus/profit going overseas, the balance of payments taking a hit and generally being detrimental to the economy.

    Its our gas, we put the infrastructure in place, we should benefit from it, not some private company.

    We should try to learn from our mistakes with the Shell contract in Mayo and not do this.

    There are also other examples of places where privatisation has not always worked, UK, Germany etc have examples.

    This is why I do not think that we should sell Bord Gais, and btw I do not live in a house which is supplied with gas.

    Sorry I am missing something here because my state owned gas bills are fcuking HUGE!!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,003 ✭✭✭bijapos


    Yep they probably are huge, but they wouldn't get any smaller if Bord Gais were sold off, on the contrary they would (probably) go higher.

    And at least at the moment the money ends up in the states coffers (whatever they do with your money after that is another thread too)

    This is going rapidly off topic.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,839 ✭✭✭✭padd b1975


    jmayo wrote: »
    I thought heard tumbleweed blowing throught the studio after her comment.
    If some one of the guys had put her to the sword, they would be labelled sexist as critics of the mensa candidate from Donegal have :rolleyes:



    Was she the muppet that proposed a lesser easier driving test for old folks since afterall they would drive slower on the way for the pension ?
    Or was she the moron that came up with idea of changing the side of the road we drive on at different times for different counties ?

    Both of these ideas have definitely been proposed by politicians :rolleyes:
    that was Donie Cassidy who proposed changing the side of the road we drive on.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,824 ✭✭✭ShooterSF


    bijapos wrote: »
    Yep they probably are huge, but they wouldn't get any smaller if Bord Gais were sold off, on the contrary they would (probably) go higher.

    And at least at the moment the money ends up in the states coffers (whatever they do with your money after that is another thread too)

    This is going rapidly off topic.

    I think you are neglecting the fact that historically state run businesses are bloated and inefficient. A private company would probably cut the costs of bord gais and therefore maximise profits by lowering the overheads. My opinion is that the Banks and the hospitals should be state ran. Transport and energy should be private.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,003 ✭✭✭bijapos


    Privatisation might work sometimes, a lot of the time it has been regretted, depends if you want profit or a service.

    On private energy, we see every time the price of a barrel of oil goes up the price of fuel goes up disproportionally. I just think for a short term gain we would be shafted long term. Gas Infrastructure is already there so we owe no one on this account.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,082 ✭✭✭lostexpectation


    doesn't seem this candidate comes from a environmentalist background, no bad thing.


  • Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 41,240 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle


    They were always doomed. Look what happened to the PDs.
    Although they got decimated, their leader is still high up in government (possibly as a form of punishment)
    squonk wrote: »
    Anyone out there able to remember Mary White's stunningly stupid idea about putting energy efficient ratings on the number plates of cars?
    Mary is great for the funny policy suggestions! She also wanted to create a two tiered driver licence system (at a time when the RSA is trying to improve the fatality stats) aimed at people living in remote areas and elderly people who rely on their cars to get through their daily tasks. Adding to that she suggested that this license is for those who get nervous when they sit the real driving test and who don't drive too far from home.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 679 ✭✭✭Darsad


    Cliste wrote: »
    There seems to be a huge illogical hatred of the Greens on boards - yet again this thread highlights it: "w@nkers" "morons"

    I disagree it is not illogical or as your great leader would spout "irrational"
    The hatred as you call it displayed on Boards is just a snap shot of the general populations dislike of your party. You people are the closest thing to a political cult spouting your Green Mantra. As I said before there is no need for a Green party marginalising Ireland with economically damaging policies. Green issues will be dealt with and legislated for by the EU in the form of Eu directives which as members we will have to implement the sooner you are consigned to the history books the better for this country !


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,089 ✭✭✭✭P. Breathnach


    Darsad wrote: »
    I disagree it is not illogical or as your great leader would spout "irrational"
    The hatred as you call it displayed on Boards is just a snap shot of the general populations dislike of your party. ...

    Given the way in which you attack the Greens (and don't do much else here) your claim about being part of the general population's view is about as convincing as Declan Ganley's pro-Europeanism.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,620 ✭✭✭Grudaire


    Darsad wrote: »
    I disagree it is not illogical or as your great leader would spout "irrational"
    The hatred as you call it displayed on Boards is just a snap shot of the general populations dislike of your party. You people are the closest thing to a political cult spouting your Green Mantra. As I said before there is no need for a Green party marginalising Ireland with economically damaging policies. Green issues will be dealt with and legislated for by the EU in the form of Eu directives which as members we will have to implement the sooner you are consigned to the history books the better for this country !

    I'm glad that you believe that I'm a member of the Greens - however I'm not :eek: So it is not My 'great leader', my 'Green Mantra', My 'people', or indeed me that will be 'consigned to the history books' - Come on - Grow up, don't assume things about me.

    I am not a member of the Green Party.

    First off please explain how the Green policies are 'economically damaging'? (I think the bankers policies have been the real problem)*

    Green Directives from Europe have not been heeded by the government Féach anseo

    *I'm not defending them here per say - I am just curious, and plus it entertains me making people back up what they say with some facts


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,892 ✭✭✭spank_inferno


    Mea Culpa folks..... I voted in the last general election for my local green candidate but I have seen the error in my ways.

    But in my defence I voted green in the hope of them forming a coalition with FG & Labour to deliver a new government with a strong emphasis on envirionemtal protection and energy reform.

    So picture me on my knees , arched backwards roaring at the sky "how could I have been so blind" :D

    I wanted a government that would make the big decisions itself on the environment, but all we got was nanny state interference , telling me what car I should drive, what Light bulb I should use....

    I wont make the same mistake again!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,907 ✭✭✭LostinBlanch


    One person, one vote. Then people would use it wisely rather than throwibg second votes aroung willy nilly

    Good point fred, it's called tactical voting. Vote for the candidate(s) you prefer then vote all the way down the list for candidates other than the ones you don't want to get in i.e. if you don't want FF or Greens to get in then vote for your preferred candidate(s) and then for everyone else bar them. This makes sure they don't get allocated any transfers, or more importantly that transfers go to their rivals.


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