Ned O'Keefe, TD - indefensible

El Stuntman

this is truly shocking

FF arrogance in all its glory

turgon

Evening Echo?

Wouldnt be my definition of a "reputable" source.

El Stuntman

turgon wrote: »

Evening Echo?

Wouldnt be my definition of a "reputable" source.

no sign of him denying it

it's also being discussed on politics.ie and locals are verifying it

Spudmonkey

Just one of many things thats going to happen in the coming months. priorities priorities...

sparklepants

Ned O'Keeffe was always a bit of a maverick - so it doesn't surprise me.

If fairness, I think that schools shouldn't have to lobby local politicians for upgrades. It seems absurd that a school would be prioritised for an upgrade just because the local TD was able to bend the minister's ear. If O'Keeffe lobbied for no schools in particular and concentrated on his job as legislator then his position might be defensible.

Loveless

He's happens to have said in public what every other politician does in private.

A friend of mine was told by her local Labour councillor that her VEC application would be 'looked after' if her family looked after him- 'cos there were five votes in the house at recent local elections.

Bell X1 "Reacharound"

"Cute hoors in the corridors of power
Throwin' shapes, atin' grapes
The wink and elbow language of delight.."

eigrod

turgon wrote: »

Evening Echo?

Wouldnt be my definition of a "reputable" source.

Why ?

Loveless is spot on. The only real story is that a TD admitted it. The implication in the OP that this is unique to FF is laughable, and shows a lovely and almost touching naivety about Irish politics.

Does anyone here really think this country would have paid millions for a windmill (yes, you read it right, a windmill), a steam train, an Acquadome and of course the world's most expensive famine ship in North Kerry if it wasn't for Labour leader Dick Spring? What happened in that part of his own county where he didn't get votes in that time? Did South Kerry get anything like that? Not a bean. A few years later, John O'Donoghue and Jackie Healy Rae hold more power than anyone in North Kerry, and we get all the handouts. Are people really contributing to an Irish political board and saying this is news to them? That beggers belief.

solice

Ned O Keefe wrote:

I was contacted by a representative for the parents’ council and told her straight out my position. Des O’Malley used to do the same. All things being equal, I asked her why I should look after the people of Rathcormac if they didn’t look after me? I told her there was no funding available.

If he did indeed say this then im sickened!

He wont represent an area in his constituency because they didnt vote for him?

I didnt vote for Brian Cowen but unfortunately he still represents me!!!

solice

solice wrote: »

If he did indeed say this then im sickened!

This honesty from an Irish politician is indeed worrying. Though not sick, I am kinda anxious myself too. This could be serious...

solice

Deleted User wrote: »

This honesty from an Irish politician is indeed worrying. Though not sick, I am kinda anxious myself too. This could be serious...

LOL! Finally an Irish politician is saying what he really thinks and being honest!

Im not so much sickened by his honesty, more his thought process and selfishness

But it's realpolitik. They all do it. Only one is 'honest' (though I will concede, more probably 'stupid') enough to shout it out. But that's Ned for you.

Het-Field

sparklepants wrote: »

Ned O'Keeffe was always a bit of a maverick - so it doesn't surprise me.

If fairness, I think that schools shouldn't have to lobby local politicians for upgrades. It seems absurd that a school would be prioritised for an upgrade just because the local TD was able to bend the minister's ear. If O'Keeffe lobbied for no schools in particular and concentrated on his job as legislator then his position might be defensible.

He is no maverick. He is a dye in the wool FFer, who epitomises the worst things about Irish politics. Remember that time he grandstanded over Harney ? That was nothing to do with him being a maverick, or a loose cannon. It was a chance to get back at the PDs for 1985-1987.

A gombeen farmer, up to his neck in CAP subsidies (the largest recipient in Dail Eireann). He has never legislated for the benefit of anybody. He is a waste of space, who needs ousting from the Dail ASAP.

the_dark_side

eigrod wrote: »

Why ?

why? you ask... its because Turgon is displaying the same arrogance as Ned O'Keffe, 'questioning the credability of the local press...

Hers a good corruption watchdog website, leave the likes of Turgon to his rants

http://www.publicinquiry.eu/2009/07/02/ned-okeeffe-let-them-eat-cake/

Het-Field

Het-Field wrote: »

up to his neck in CAP subsidies (the largest recipient in Dail Eireann).

Having a large farm is no big crime. I bet the land wouldn't be as good as either of the two owned by Richard Bruton, nor does he rent out his farm unlike Pat Rabbitte etc. etc.

Agree he's no maverick though. Tbh, though I am in FF, I just couldn't vote for him in the recent euro election.

deadhead13

turgon wrote: »

Evening Echo?

Wouldnt be my definition of a "reputable" source.

And what would you consider to be a "reputable" source?....lol.

shoegirl

Het-Field wrote: »

A gombeen farmer, up to his neck in CAP subsidies (the largest recipient in Dail Eireann). He has never legislated for the benefit of anybody. He is a waste of space, who needs ousting from the Dail ASAP.

Quite.

And he conveniently "forgets" about his wealthy cronies (party members I believe) who worked out the contortions to turn this once small hamlet of 500 people into the most pathetic urban miserypit of 2500 people, minus any sort of useful infrastructure. Those people couldn't have voted for him, as they simply were not living there!

I hope they will remember what he said if he indeed does have the barefaced cheek to stand in the next election, and other Cork villages that were raped and pillaged by his cronies in the construction industry take note.

greendom

He repeated his stance on Morning Ireland this am.

He really should be kicked out for this blatant admission of partiality. He should represent everyone in his constituency - not just those who voted for him. Sounds like they have a more than reasonable case too.

Of course the workings of the Irish political system will mean he will carry on with barely a slap on the wrist. Just not good enough

greendom

greendom wrote: »

He should represent everyone in his constituency - not just those who voted for him.

Sure.

Now will someone ever ask Joe Higgins to do more for farmers, bankers and developers in Leinster? They are people too you know Joe!

Drakmord

He's really awful. I'm from his constituency and he has done absolutely nothing for the local area. If he wants my vote he'll have to put in a local swimming pool into the town or perhaps some basic amenities.
The only reason he's still here is because there are so many idiots in the area who will vote FF even if the sky was about to fall.
Don't get me started on his stupid statements; a nuclear power plant outside Mitchelstown, or not helping constituents just because they won't vote for him. By my logic it should be the other way around. Help the constituents and earn votes that way.
Sorry for the rant, I just think he epitomises everything wrong with Irish politics today!

Riskymove

Deleted User wrote: »

Sure.

Now will someone ever ask Joe Higgins to do more for farmers, bankers and developers in Leinster? They are people too you know Joe!

well, while I get your point, the issue at hand is that a local community wants to get its school sorted.

Its not an issue that is against FF policy or what they (should) represent. Should Ned not be doing his best now in order to gain their support in future.

...as oppossed to developers looking for rezoning visiting Joe Higgins or something:)

Drakmord

Drakmord wrote: »

If he wants my vote he'll have to put in a local swimming pool into the town or perhaps some basic amenities.

:eek:

That's putting it up to the politicians in your area!

Want my vote? Gizza a swimming pool at a time when the country is broke!

Riskymove wrote: »

Should Ned not be doing his best now in order to gain their support in future.

Of course he should. And of course his comments are stupid.

But he is just articulating what we all know politicians do all the time up and down the country in every party. They are just more clever than Ned when it comes to shouting it from the rooftops...they don't.

Drakmord

Deleted User wrote: »

:eek:

That's putting it up to the politicians in your area!

Want my vote? Gizza a swimming pool at a time when the country is broke!

We should have got one years ago. He was an elected representative during to 10 or so years of the Celtic tiger! Our town has nothing because of these clowns.

Drakmord

Drakmord wrote: »

We should have got one years ago.

You'll forgive me for being cynical about the need for swimming pools in towns around the country, even during the so called tiger years.

solice

Deleted User wrote: »

You'll forgive me for being cynical about the need for swimming pools in towns around the country, even during the so called tiger years.

I know that you are referencing what was said but your attempt to focus the thread on the lack of a swimming pool is a cheap stunt. Have you ever driven through the town of Rathcormack? Have you seen the badly planned housing developments that line the road? Have you seen the state of the road as you drive through the town? Have you seen the amenities been built to support the population explosion? I am not talking about a swimming pool, I am talking about amenities that would support a community and allow it to grow and develop.

There are still the same level of amenities in Rathcormack today as there was 10 years ago, a GAA pitch and ....... oh wait there is a toll bridge nearby! I forgot about that. Well done Ned, you did us all proud!!!!

Biggins

While shocking, its only what the public deserve in some respect.
A lot of us like too complacent muppets are letting others get away with this crap so what do we expect!

We get the politicians we deserve for sitting on our collective arses and doing nothing to make a change!

solice

solice wrote: »

I know that you are referencing what was said but your attempt to focus the thread on the lack of a swimming pool is a cheap stunt.

Well if you are not clear about my position read any of the other posts I have made on this thread rather than concentrating all your attack on one of them.

The suggestion that I have focussed on the swimming pool in nonsense. I can only make my argument that in the real world, politicians only work for those who vote for them so many times, forgive me if one post didn't repeat that point for Nth time

solice

Deleted User wrote: »

The suggestion that I have focussed on the swimming pool in nonsense. I can only make my argument that in the real world, politicians only work for those who vote for them so many times, forgive me if one post didn't repeat that point for Nth time

And ill repeat what everyone else is saying the Nth+1 time, regardless of who votes for you, you are elected to represent all the people of a constituency!

solice

solice wrote: »

And ill repeat what everyone else is saying the Nth+1 time, regardless of who votes for you, you are elected to represent all the people of a constituency!

So again, what has Joe Higgins done for developers and bankers lately?

Riskymove

Deleted User wrote: »

So again, what has Joe Higgins done for developers and bankers lately?

have they sought his assitance?

like these local people did?

solice

Deleted User wrote: »

So again, what has Joe Higgins done for developers and bankers lately?

Give him a chance, he just got elected! How many years has Ned been in? But I accept your point.

Can you please clarify - Do you agree with the sentiments expressed by Ned?

Lemming

Deleted User wrote: »

So again, what has Joe Higgins done for developers and bankers lately?

Considering that bankers & developers have been exceptionally well looked after by the gubberment by way of incentives, tax breaks, etc. etc. have you considered the simple fact that perhaps these are not the people needing things "done for them" as they have already been "looked after". At the expensive of our entire. F*cking. Economy.

solice

solice wrote: »

Can you please clarify - Do you agree with the sentiments expressed by Ned?

I think the sentiments are wrong, but I think it's a correct indicator of the way most politicians think.

Lemming wrote: »

Considering that bankers & developers have been exceptionally well looked after by the gubberment

As were those on the dole and those on social welfare who saw their handouts go through the roof in the past 10 years, or all those in trades who made great money during the boom, or all those in the service industries, or doctors accountants and auctioneers, or those who didn't have to emigrate like previous generations, or teachers etc. etc.

If you analyse it like that, on the basis of who did well during the boom, sure politicians wouldn't have to work for anyone...

Lemming

Deleted User wrote: »

If you analyse it like that, on the basis of who did well during the boom, sure politicians wouldn't have to work for anyone...

Blinkered as ever the FF party fanboi you are Conor

Are you able to distinguish between the perception of "doing well" (which is subjective since those same people are now indebted to the hilt) and having govenrment introduce tax incentives/breaks/etc. to encourage business growth for developers?

You can? Good. In that case you'll realise how dishonest your last post was.

thebman

Deleted User wrote: »

So again, what has Joe Higgins done for developers and bankers lately?

I don't think they fit in with his ideology. I'm not sure if it is because they won't vote for him or because he wants them all to go away that he wouldn't do anything for them.

lostexpectation

Deleted User wrote: »

I think the sentiments are wrong, but I think it's a correct indicator of the way most politicians think.

there is nothing correct about it

Raiser

Nuclear Ned the Incinerator King is in my opinion an arrogant, puerile Moron of the highest order and lowest intellect.

This is the way the voters found him; let them reap their own Ned's Atomic Dustbin rewards.....

- You do have to feel genuinely sorry for the ones that so wisely didn't vote for him and are now suffering an extra-poor standard of Political representation even by Ireland's already ultra-poor standards - God help them.

I'd sincerely love to see him face some serious retribution for the disdainful, disrespectful and disgraceful way he is currently treating the honest, hard-working, tax paying people here.

Another FF Wánker letting his mask slip......

994

Deleted User wrote: »

So again, what has Joe Higgins done for developers and bankers lately?

Joe Higgins stood on a pro-worker platform, so it would not be expected of him to speak out in favour of the bourgeois capitalist exploiters . If O'Keeffe had presented himself as an "Independent Anti-Rathcormac" candidate, then acting against Rathcormac would be fine.

thebman

What I want to know is will the few people in Rathcormac that voted for him, vote for him again?

And if so why?

I doubt there are many here however and less voting for him lol. I'm sure there is at least one person that will continue to vote for him in Rathcormac and I'd love to know why.

Joey the lips

Why are you really shocked?

After hearing that Batt o keaffe has cut special care places and assistants recently why are you shocked. His actions mean that we will fail in our early intervention of children with special needs meaning they will need a life time of care

So really why are you shocked! Dont blame those that vote for these people, blame those that cannot be bothered turning up

lostexpectation

Joey the lips wrote: »

Why are you really shocked?

After hearing that Batt o keaffe has cut special care places and assistants recently why are you shocked. His actions mean that we will fail in our early intervention of children with special needs meaning they will need a life time of care

So really why are you shocked! Dont blame those that vote for these people, blame those that cannot be bothered turning up

how about we blame ned, as the op said that attitude is unacceptable ,don't accept it joey.

Spiritoftheseventies

lostexpectation wrote: »

how about we blame ned, as the op said that attitude is unacceptable ,don't accept it joey.

well at the end of the day he wont be coming round looking for their votes next time round will he. shot himself in the foot there.

mikemac

Rathcormac NS has more than 200 pupils and there are nine prefabs in use, at a cost of €83,000 per year.

I'll admit I didn't read the whole thread so maybe this has been raised before.

I hope to get value for money for taxes paid.
At 83K per year, maybe they would be better off buying the prefabs then just renting?

And sure take three years of expenses. You should be easily be able to build a school extension for nine classrooms for the cost of a few years rental price.

Joey the lips

lostexpectation wrote: »

how about we blame ned, as the op said that attitude is unacceptable ,don't accept it joey.

Oh blame ned by all means but unless you are will to do something about it your words are worthless.

lostexpectation

Joey the lips wrote: »

Oh blame ned by all means but unless you are will to do something about it your words are worthless.

your the one defending the system not me

Joey the lips

lostexpectation wrote: »

your the one defending the system not me

I was being saterical if thats the correct word as in makiing comedy out of it.

I loved batt on the news this morning " Its not on the program for goverment" what the hell does that tell us? How are the govt managing to insult people by using that as a cop out.

I can just imagine us sitting in a boardroom with our boss and he askes about how much we are buying of X supplier. It would be very funny to turn to the boss and say "Ah thats not on the agenda so we wont be discussing that" That is the type of insult the govt is providing.

If its not on the program get it on the program! or as my old teacher used to say " Get with the program"

lostexpectation

Joey the lips wrote: »

I was being saterical if thats the correct word as in makiing comedy out of it.

you weren't being satirical, its not funny.

its the same over at p.ie and on the blogs all the most know it all wannabee political hacks going ah sure what do expect. winking and sighing wistfully.

and trying to suggest the people that didn't vote for the party deserve it. laughing at the plebs

going on to tell there stories that their td mate told em, or saying its been going on for years, sure i remember when i was doing this campaign blaa blaa.

defending the system.

Joey the lips

lostexpectation wrote: »

you weren't being satirical, its not funny.

its the same over at p.ie and on the blogs all the most know it all wannabee political hacks going ah sure what do expect. winking and sighing wistfully.

and trying to suggest the people that didn't vote the party deserve it.

going on to tell there stories that their td mate told em, or saying its been going on for years, sure i remember when i was doing this campaign blaa blaa.

defending the system.

Right I am going to stop this now because its clear we are not on the same path. As boards proved lately in a pole MOST people on it will not actually vote when you take the splits between all the parties so while you argue that its wrong what Ned o keaffe does and batt o keaffe does unles those who DONT vote get off there behinds you are preaching to the damed! You catch my drift. That was what I pointed out.

Now I have no doubt your just in an arguementative mood but its not happening with me so take the last word and i will say goodbye

Spiritoftheseventies

thebman wrote: »

I don't think they fit in with his ideology. I'm not sure if it is because they won't vote for him or because he wants them all to go away that he wouldn't do anything for them.

Joe Higgins when he was up for european election had posters up in Artane and Coolock in Dublin. never saw any posters up in leafy Clontarf where i'm located. anything to be drawn from this?

bayviewclose

bayviewclose wrote: »

Joe Higgins when he was up for european election had posters up in Artane and Coolock in Dublin. never saw any posters up in leafy Clontarf where i'm located. anything to be drawn from this?

Ah sure you know people will now dance on the head of a pin to demonstrate why Joe is great cos he represents all his constituents, even when the converse is patently true, and Ned is bad cos he admits to not doing so.

I'm sure the poster in Coolock thing was an oversight and Joe loves all his constituents. He's not in FF, he must be a good person and a good politician.

Lemming wrote: »

Blinkered as ever the FF party fanboi you are Conor

Are you able to distinguish between the perception of "doing well" (which is subjective since those same people are now indebted to the hilt) and having govenrment introduce tax incentives/breaks/etc. to encourage business growth for developers?

You can? Good. In that case you'll realise how dishonest your last post was.

There you go. Some hate FF and like to give lessons along the way too!

Thanks for your thought on me, Lemming. Now have you an opinion about Ned O'Keeffe's comments?

Incidentally, what happened to the 'Ned is bad, he has a big farm' stuff in earlier posts? That was amusing.

solice

Deleted User wrote: »

Incidentally, what happened to the 'Ned is bad, he has a big farm' stuff in earlier posts? That was amusing.

I find it amusing that even though you disagree with what he said you defend him because he is only saying what everyone else is thinking...am I right in this?

Deleted User wrote: »

I think the sentiments are wrong, but I think it's a correct indicator of the way most politicians think.

I dont believe that we should tolerate this kind of behaviour from any elected official regardless of their political leanings. Your blind faith to your party seems to cloud your vision, you know he is wrong and yet you defend him by bringing up people who were elected to different parliments from a different part of the country and rehashing old stories of rich farmers. This kind of hap hazard approach to morality is what led FF down the path of shady dealings and brown envelopes. This is what has turned people away from FF. Your attitude is destroying your own party.