Help needed re running for Election

Sparks43

I am 32 and have always had an interest in politics.

I am a working man proud of my country and the people that are around me.

This Government saddens me, they had the chance 2 years ago to make the cuts when the people (Even though it would have been unpopular) where in work and could take a hit in there wages.


Now it is a disaster this country is on its knees


advice that i need


1 How do i get on the ballot sheet for the next election ?

2 Can i run in a different area to where i live ie instead of Dublin north (Where i live ) To Dublin Central (who would vote for me hopefully)?


3 How much is the Retainer and other costs?

4 Any other constructive advice would be very welcome.

Thank you in advance

mikemac

Are you going for Dublin City Council or the Dáil?
There is no longer a deposit for running for the Dáil so that's good news for you

Sparks43 wrote: »

2 Can i run in a different area to where i live ie instead of Dublin north (Where i live ) To Dublin Central (who would vote for me hopefully)?

A parachute candidate so?
We don't like your type around here

Want our votes but won't live here?
Only messing and there are elected reps out there who don't live where they are elected.
But have you an answer ready and it's guaranteed you'll be asked about it. As Mary Lou McDonald was asked about it when she ran in Dublin Central.
Some say it's not important and some find it very important.

Dáil
Council
It realy is a fantastic website

zig

feelingstressed wrote: »

Want our votes but won't live here?
Only messing and there are elected reps out there who don't live where they are elected.
But have you an answer ready and it's guaranteed you'll be asked about it. As Mary Lou McDonald was asked about it when she ran in Dublin Central.
Some say it's not important and some find it very important.

If Id my way no-one would be living in the area they are going for, crazy as it sounds, there is far far too much selfish voting in this country, "ill vote Willy O dea , he did a great job getting that community centre built", all well and good but it makes people forget about the actual party theyre voting for. Anyway enough of my tangent , carry on....:pac:

Sparks43

Thank you very much.

I will do my best on this i think it is time to make my voice heard it is time for common sense to rule this country and not let greed dictate.


I am not parachuting btw i work in the area and i am in touch with the feeling of the community

gl me:)

Biggins

Here you go: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/government_in_ireland/elections_and_referenda/national_elections/nomination_for_membership_of_dail_eireann.html?tab=related

In order to be nominated for membership of the Dáil, you may either nominate yourself or a Dáil elector may nominate you.

Before nomination you should check that you are eligible for membership of the Dáil. To be eligible for membership of the Dáil:

* You must be a citizen of Ireland
* You must be over 21 years of age and
* You must not be disqualified from election to the Dáil.

---

Rules

You must complete a nomination paper and present it to the returning officer of the constituency in which you are standing. It is possible to be nominated as a candidate in more than one constituency and you don't necessarily have to be living in a constituency to be nominated. If you wish, you may state your party affiliation on your nomination paper. You may also submit a photograph and/or a political party emblem to appear on the ballot paper.

The returning officer must decide on the validity of your nomination paper within one hour after it is presented to him or her. He or she will object to your name (or description) if:

* It is not the name by which you are commonly known
* It is misleading or likely to cause confusion
* It is unnecessarily long or
* It contains a political reference.

You must change the particulars on the nomination paper if the returning officer raises an objection. The returning officer must hold that your nomination paper is valid if it is properly filled out and signed.

As a candidate at a Dáil election, you are entitled to send one election letter free of postage charge to every elector in the constituency. If you are a member of a political party with another candidate in the constituency, you will only be allowed one election letter free of postage charge between you.

You must submit your nomination paper to the returning officer for your constituency by 12 noon on the 7th day after the issue of the writ by the Dáil to the returning officer.

There is no longer a requirement to pay a deposit to be nominated for membership of the Dáil. However, candidates must either produce a Certificate of Party Affiliation or a document containing 30 signatures of registered voters.

If you wish to supply a photograph or a party emblem, it must meet certain requirements regarding shape and size. If you do not supply a photograph and/or emblem, the space or spaces provided on the ballot paper will be left blank.

To withdraw your nomination, you must inform the returning officer in writing at any time up to 12 noon on the 7th day after the issue of the writ by the Dáil to the returning officer.

Rates

There is no charge for applying for nomination for membership of Dáil Eireann.

How to apply

You must apply to the returning officer for your constituency who is either the county sheriff or the county registrar. Contact information for the returning officer for your constituency is available from the franchise section of your local authority.

mikemac

But are you going for the Dail or the council?

Sparks43

Dail next election


I know i am throwing myself at the deep end but this is how i feel,I am for the people hopefully elected by the people if not i will learn from the lesson

I am fed up with when i say my views on the way this country is at the moment i am told

"Then why are you not in politics"

Now is my time tbh

the groutch

good luck if you decide to run, but I would carefully consider your constituency as Dublin Central will be very hard to win a seat in.

Bertie would almost certainly get re-elected if he runs again (failing that a another FFer with his endorsement), and Labour's increased support will get Joe Costello back in, you'd be competing against Maureen O'Sullivan, Mary Lou, a FG candidate and possibly a 2nd labour candidate for the last 2 seats.

In Dublin North however, there's no TD with a real foothold, 3 of the 4 are in their first term, and there's real potential to take a chunk of votes off Trevor Sergeant, who is likely to struggle

Liam Byrne

the groutch wrote: »

Bertie would almost certainly get re-elected if he runs again

Why ? Have the people of Dublin not watched current affairs for the past 5 years ?

mikemac

Dublin Central is one of the most interesting areas even leaving out Bertie

Senator Donohue is bound to be elected, missed out narrowly in the last election and the byelection. I think I'll have a bet on him closer to election day.

Who knows what Mary Lou McDonald will do, high profile anyway got a respectable 9% in the first ballot.
Maureen O'Sullivan topped the by election, lots of support

Joe Costelloe will be back and may have a running mate, Aodhán O'Riordáin maybe?

I would think FF can get one seat but Brady and Fitzpatrick need to sort out something between themselves or they'll take votes off each other.

Very competitive area.

the groutch has good advice OP, maybe run in the area where you live

Sparks43

In my home constituency i would not get as many people behind me as i would in the Dublin Central region that is why i am going to run there.



Also as i am working there 10 years i feel closer to the needs that the area craves

At the moment the easy work has to be done (Getting on the ballot slip)



The hard work is yet to come.



Common sense FTW


Any Dublin central voters on here willing to help spread the word

Lets go for it

Amhran Nua

Sparks43 wrote: »

I am 32 and have always had an interest in politics.

I am a working man proud of my country and the people that are around me.

This Government saddens me, they had the chance 2 years ago to make the cuts when the people (Even though it would have been unpopular) where in work and could take a hit in there wages.


Now it is a disaster this country is on its knees

Can I ask you, what would you do upon getting elected? What policies would you support or otherwise?

Sparks43

I would support what is right and what would matter to the constituents in my area

I am at the moment doing up a full manifesto for my campaign (it will take time)

Watch this space.

I-Shot-Jr

Sparks43 wrote: »

I would support what is right and what would matter to the constituents in my area

I am at the moment doing up a full manifesto for my campaign (it will take time)

Watch this space.

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't a TD's job to legislate for the entire country as opposed to serve the direct needs of their individual constituents? Shouldn't your concern be for Ireland and not just your constituency?

Sparks43

I-Shot-Jr wrote: »

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't a TD's job to legislate for the entire country as opposed to serve the direct needs of their individual constituents? Shouldn't your concern be for Ireland and not just your constituency?

As an independent you can only lobby for what you believe is right


But fighting for your constituents (The people who put you in the Dail) is the primary aim.

Bottle_of_Smoke

I have a vote in Dublin central.

I'm not the only one here - you should outline your policies/views/who you're likely to support in government etc

Nijmegen

You need a brand essence, not a 50 page document.

Also, have you thought about building an organisation? You need to run an election campaign like a professional marketing campaign, not handing out leaflets and hoping for the best.

Also, money, fundraising? The deck is stacked against you here, as the parties all get state funding (€83,000 a TD each year, based on last years €13.8m handout) as well as all the money they spend from their own pockets, allowances and expenses, and the fundraising machine they've got going.

The final 3 weeks alone you'll burn through €30-€40,000 and the total cost of electing a TD is north of €100,000 when all is said and done, unless you've got some instant pulling power, like you saved some kids from mad knife weilding maniacs in the local area and everyone knows you.

Time is also an issue - we're either 5-10 months from an election.

From a technical perspective, get 30 people to go down and sign for you when the election gets called and you're a candidate. But there's a lot more before and after that to be done.

Justin Collery

As an aside I was pondering the problems we currently have. One issue is that we have a terrible government and a worse opposition. Setting up a new political party is almost impossible as policies take time to formulate and the chance of success is low as people will always be drawn to the policy they disagree with. Here is a possible solution:

Rather than setting up a political party where members must sign up to all the policies, why not have a group of independents (not previously TD's) who have a core agenda, getting the economy sorted and amending the electoral system to make ministers accountable to the country, not constituencies. Enlist the help of noted economists such as McCarthy, Whelan, Lacey, McWilliams, Gurdgiev etc. Have them run also. You would need one candidate in each constituency and the plan would be to hold the balance of power. As the grouping has no specific policies on health, education etc, members of the other parties would be enlisted as minsters for these portfolios.

Assuming the grouping goes into government, it would take the Taoiseach and mister for finance roles only, the other ministries would be divided between the traditional political parties. The grouping would work with each minister and identify where savings can be made in each department and to assist in implementing the measures needed to get the country back on its feet.

At the end of the term, assuming the crisis has passed some will decide to return to their former lives. Others will not, but will then have the profile and experience to join an existing party, or set up a new one.

There needs to be drastic change, the current TD's have baggage and cannot deliver.

Nijmegen

Have you got €4.3m handy?

Like I keep saying, the deck is stacked.

The Volt

feelingstressed wrote: »

Joe Costelloe will be back and may have a running mate, Aodhán O'Riordáin maybe?

I wouldn't be surprised to see Labour run 3 candidates in not only this constituency but in many urban areas. Costello is a near certainty for election which I think can only help Prison reform is Labour are part of the next government.

I predict: LAB 2 FG 2 SF 1 for this constituency though

Bottle_of_Smoke

Voltwad wrote: »

I wouldn't be surprised to see Labour run 3 candidates in not only this constituency but in many urban areas. Costello is a near certainty for election which I think can only help Prison reform is Labour are part of the next government.

I predict: LAB 2 FG 2 SF 1 for this constituency though

I'd say Lab 1 FF 1 SF 1 FG 1 Maureen O Sullivan 1

Or maybe Lab 2 FG 1 FF1 MOS 1 SF 0

the groutch

it's only a 4 seater, which makes it even tougher

Amhran Nua

Nijmegen wrote: »

You need a brand essence, not a 50 page document.

Actually I'd like to see a fifty page document, rather than yet another brand.

Nijmegen wrote: »

Like I keep saying, the deck is stacked.

It certainly is.

Nijmegen

Amhran Nua wrote: »

Actually I'd like to see a fifty page document, rather than yet another brand.


It certainly is.

Of course you need your policies lined up, but:

1. In an election, or any marketing campaign, you only have room for a few seconds of message to sink in with the electorate, and you have to repeat it - if they get interested, they'll read your policies in more detail
2. Trying to match the parties that get that €13.8m quid handup for policy formulation etc is difficult - they don't have to reach into their pockets once to attend a conference or have a lunch with an expert etc

If you want to run successfully you need a great vision and policies, but you also need to run a professional marketing campaign.

mikemac

OP, you've picked an area which has an Independant who is pretty certain to be elected.

So this is your target and you need to pull the FF vote up for grabs
Best of luck to you. I know you've discounted Dublin North but maybe look again

My prediction in no particular order
O'Sullivan Ind
Donohue FG
Costelloe Lab

SF, FF and Costello's running mate to scrap over the last seat.
I've hesitantly say Aodhán O'Riordáin will get it. He is well known in the area and does a lot of work.


Now Dublin North

James Reilly FG will be back
Not sure about Trevor Sargent chances are.

Michael Kennedy FF topped the polls but he is 61, will he run again?
Then you have Darragh O'Brien FF and he is vunerable
There is an opportunity for an Independant (where you live ) in this area

yeahimhere

Firstly, good on you OP for giving this a go. I admire your drive to try but word of warning, if you haven't been in politics before, it can be disheartening if you do get in. You may feel you'll have the power to make a big change but can end up getting bogged down in the nitty gritty and the "I'll pat your back if you pat mine" that goes on. It's part and parcel of the game. (a little different circumstances, but see George Lee for an example)

Nijmegen wrote: »

You need a brand essence, not a 50 page document.

Also, have you thought about building an organisation? You need to run an election campaign like a professional marketing campaign, not handing out leaflets and hoping for the best.

Also, money, fundraising? The deck is stacked against you here, as the parties all get state funding (€83,000 a TD each year, based on last years €13.8m handout) as well as all the money they spend from their own pockets, allowances and expenses, and the fundraising machine they've got going.

The final 3 weeks alone you'll burn through €30-€40,000 and the total cost of electing a TD is north of €100,000 when all is said and done, unless you've got some instant pulling power, like you saved some kids from mad knife weilding maniacs in the local area and everyone knows you.

Time is also an issue - we're either 5-10 months from an election.

From a technical perspective, get 30 people to go down and sign for you when the election gets called and you're a candidate. But there's a lot more before and after that to be done.

+100

Also, have you thought about setting your sights a little lower at the beginning to find the lay of the land before going for the Dail? That will also lay some ground work and if you do achieve some good things it'll give you a leg to stand on when constituants grill you on your policies / previous ability.

Both my parents were in politics for years but before they started their career, and throughout, they were heavily involved in many local and regional groups / charities etc. Even then, they had to work damn hard come election time.

Put the work in and good luck!

I-Shot-Jr

Sparks43 wrote: »

As an independent you can only lobby for what you believe is right


But fighting for your constituents (The people who put you in the Dail) is the primary aim.

Well I have to disagree with you there, if anything that is a county/ city Councillor's job. A TD is elected to the Dail which is our parliament. A parliament's primary function is to discuss matters of state, i.e. legislate. A TD's function to me is to legislate, pass bills and look after the state, not put me on a housing list and get me a medical card. It is people who don't recognise this that have consistently voted in "politicians" on the basis that they will look after the person and not the state and is partly to blame for the state this country is in as of now.

yeahimhere

I-Shot-Jr wrote: »

Well I have to disagree with you there, if anything that is a county/ city Councillor's job. A TD is elected to the Dail which is our parliament. A parliament's primary function is to discuss matters of state, i.e. legislate. A TD's function to me is to legislate, pass bills and look after the state, not put me on a housing list and get me a medical card. It is people who don't recognise this that have consistently voted in "politicians" on the basis that they will look after the person and not the state and is partly to blame for the state this country is in as of now.

i.e Jackie Healy Rae

But also agree, hence OP, you really should look at going for the city / county council as that seems where your interests lie.

Amhran Nua

I-Shot-Jr wrote: »

It is people who don't recognise this that have consistently voted in "politicians" on the basis that they will look after the person and not the state and is partly to blame for the state this country is in as of now.

Thats a direct result of the single transferable voting system though. If we moved to a party list system like 99% of the other countries with PR out there, you'd see a change in the landscape.

Overheal

Im startled more people don't do this. I mean hell, they already have no jobs, are they just that apathetic?

Pete_Cavan

Sparks43 wrote: »

I-Shot-Jr wrote: »

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't a TD's job to legislate for the entire country as opposed to serve the direct needs of their individual constituents? Shouldn't your concern be for Ireland and not just your constituency?

As an independent you can only lobby for what you believe is right


But fighting for your constituents (The people who put you in the Dail) is the primary aim.

Sounds like Bertie is going to run as an independent!

Liam Byrne

Does it seriously cost €100,000 ?

Because the more crap I see being done (and it seems there's a new, massive sickening revelation daily these days) the more tempted I am to go for it.

I used to think it was pointless because of all the corruption and those who'd want to protect the status quo, but if enough new blood ran and got in then maybe there wouldn't be a majority of self-serving pricks.

But if it costs €100,00 then I haven't a hope.

zig

The problem with politicians is that to be successful, they have to be just that , a politician. And that means doing a few favours here and there, it means compromising and sacrificing some of your views. It means probably pissing off other politicians, making enemies, making friends, getting sucked up into the system and before you know it you've been watered down in the rest of the political cocktail that is showing weakness for the sake of votes.

Theres a few honest heads out there, but they are few and far between. What you need is someone that is
1: older, so the idealism is more real than the youth idealism
2. rich already, so he can stick to his principles and not care that he feels that he's missing out on a couple of quid somewhere.
3. Stubborn. This is a very important factor, if the politician has good policies and is going to be stubborn about them then he'll be strong.

the groutch

Liam Byrne wrote: »

Does it seriously cost €100,000 ?

it does when FF are involved

Liam Byrne

the groutch wrote: »

it does when FF are involved

Do they make brown envelopes that big ???? :eek:

Nijmegen

Liam Byrne wrote: »

Does it seriously cost €100,000 ?

Because the more crap I see being done (and it seems there's a new, massive sickening revelation daily these days) the more tempted I am to go for it.

I used to think it was pointless because of all the corruption and those who'd want to protect the status quo, but if enough new blood ran and got in then maybe there wouldn't be a majority of self-serving pricks.

But if it costs €100,00 then I haven't a hope.

I've done some study on this, and yes, that's about right. But the political parties get subvention from the state - via direct payments, the €13.8m last year, and the allowances that TD's get - so they really only have to cover the smaller portion of that... Of which they have their positions to help them raise money.

Goodness forgive if, for example, a Dail letter was sent to impress someone who later became a contributor. Or a senior supporter meets you over a policy formulation lunch that's paid for by the state. Etc.

€90k for 'media training' from FG, will that help them formulate policy or get elected?

FF were much more opaque about what they spent where, but you see the picture.

To run you need everything from signs - probably €10,000 - €15,000 and candidates running in the past only need to bring out their old ones and declare a portion of that money against their final 3 week spending - to direct mail leafleting (probably around €60 per thousand for printing, design and distribution, maybe more if you're in a rural area) on a regular basis to build your name, you need to build a well organised volunteer operation (costs money to run it properly), pay for polling if you're smart and want to track your message and target it, probably pay for designers and all that lark up front for a website, a campaign design theme - just getting a logo from a decent designer is €600+

You need to spend money to make money from donations - go to events, meet people, slap a brochure in their hand, etc etc.

A political campaign is a marketing campaign, and it costs.

If you go out with no design, you send the barest of crappy looking leaflets and so on and so forth, you will poll about the same amount as you have relatives and friends in the constituency.

Amhran Nua

Nijmegen wrote: »

To run you need everything from signs - probably €10,000 - €15,000 and candidates running in the past only need to bring out their old ones and declare a portion of that money against their final 3 week spending - to direct mail leafleting (probably around €60 per thousand for printing, design and distribution, maybe more if you're in a rural area) on a regular basis to build your name, you need to build a well organised volunteer operation (costs money to run it properly), pay for polling if you're smart and want to track your message and target it, probably pay for designers and all that lark up front for a website, a campaign design theme - just getting a logo from a decent designer is €600+

You're missing the point though, even with all of the above unless you've spent the last ten years doing small favours for big families, you're wasting your money. This is a result of the single transferable vote system; most TDs only need the posters to remind people of favours done.

the groutch

Amhran Nua wrote: »

You're missing the point though, even with all of the above unless you've spent the last ten years doing small favours for big families, you're wasting your money. This is a result of the single transferable vote system; most TDs only need the posters to remind people of favours done.

i thought it was more of an issue that he was considering running in the 2nd toughest constituency in the country to get a seat in

Nijmegen

Amhran Nua wrote: »

You're missing the point though, even with all of the above unless you've spent the last ten years doing small favours for big families, you're wasting your money. This is a result of the single transferable vote system; most TDs only need the posters to remind people of favours done.

This I obviously haven't had recourse to research, not being a candidate. But I'd say that depending on your constituency, you could do it. Better to try than to sit down and whinge about not being able to do it...

Aren't you part of a party that wants to make a difference...? Not with a sit down and die attitude like that.

ninty9er

First of all, regardless of politics it's good to see people take an interest. Beware that you're more likely to get a positive response on here than aongst the general population.

Also beware that doorstep politeness means that every Tom, Dick and Harry you meet will tell you they're going to vote for you, but very few of them actually will give you a No. 1, as they've told this to almost every other candidate at the door.

Nijmegen wrote: »

Also, money, fundraising? The deck is stacked against you here, as the parties all get state funding (€83,000 a TD each year, based on last years €13.8m handout) as well as all the money they spend from their own pockets, allowances and expenses, and the fundraising machine they've got going.

The state subvention cannot be used for electoral purposes. If it could then parties wouldn't bother fundraising. After 2 Lisbon campaigns, local and european elections the cost of the next general election will lie squarly at the door of each candidate regardless of party, the only costs funded by party HQ will be the generic national ones such as pictures of Cowen, Kenny and Gilmore.

Nijmegen wrote: »

The final 3 weeks alone you'll burn through €30-€40,000 and the total cost of electing a TD is north of €100,000 when all is said and done, unless you've got some instant pulling power, like you saved some kids from mad knife weilding maniacs in the local area and everyone knows you.

€100k is on the high side, but I'd say that €50k wouldn't be far off it. I know of one TD up the country who still has a 5 figure overdraft as well as a personal loan from the 2007 election, so it's a lot to pay up front with no guarantee of taking a seat.

jcollery wrote: »

Rather than setting up a political party where members must sign up to all the policies, why not have a group of independents (not previously TD's) who have a core agenda, getting the economy sorted and amending the electoral system to make ministers accountable to the country, not constituencies. Enlist the help of noted economists such as McCarthy, Whelan, Lacey, McWilliams, Gurdgiev etc. Have them run also. You would need one candidate in each constituency and the plan would be to hold the balance of power. As the grouping has no specific policies on health, education etc, members of the other parties would be enlisted as minsters for these portfolios.

Assuming the grouping goes into government, it would take the Taoiseach and mister for finance roles only, the other ministries would be divided between the traditional political parties. The grouping would work with each minister and identify where savings can be made in each department and to assist in implementing the measures needed to get the country back on its feet.

:D:D

Nijmegen wrote: »

Have you got €4.3m handy?

Like I keep saying, the deck is stacked.

Nijmegen wrote: »

You need to spend money to make money from donations - go to events, meet people, slap a brochure in their hand, etc etc.

A political campaign is a marketing campaign, and it costs.

Even local elections would cost approx €10k on an absolute shoestring for an effective campaign, and most local electoral areas have less than 20,000 people and no more than 10,000 voter turnout.

Amhran Nua

Nijmegen wrote: »

This I obviously haven't had recourse to research, not being a candidate. But I'd say that depending on your constituency, you could do it.

No, you couldn't.

Nijmegen wrote: »

Better to try than to sit down and whinge about not being able to do it...

We have yet to hear a single detail about what our putative candidate wants to actually do. It might be better if that's all he did, without more information.

Nijmegen wrote: »

Aren't you part of a party that wants to make a difference...? Not with a sit down and die attitude like that.

Interesting how many people think that a frank explanation of the facts indicates a unwillingness to change those facts. Before you approach a problem you intend to fix, you need to understand the full causes of the problem and its ramifications.

We have indeed run up against this wall more than once, but with the passing of the next budget the population as a whole is going to be hit hard in the pocket, which should hopefully be enough to make people look up from the parish pump, so we're gearing up now to take advantage of that potential.

Sparks43

Thank you to all for the support and encouragement i will decide by the end of the month if,where and why i will run for the Dail.

My heart is still with Dublin central though.


My head has been spinning with so many different thoughts.


I know i have support where i work,
I know i can make a difference
I know i will provide an alternative as an independent
I know i will do my best.

ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.
John F. Kennedy - January 20th 1961

alang184

Sparks33 - I think it's fantastic that people like yourself (must be many others) feel so compelled to get into politics for the sake of the country. One of the great pollutants in Irish politics, in my opinion, is this "family tradition" thing, whereby people are supporting parties (primarily the civil war parties) due to family involvement. Every individual has their own values and principles, and I believe it's very important for individuals to stick by them. Yet for most of these FF/FG politicians, this individuality is completely suppressed, and we're left with the usual spin, lies, dishonesty etc. which effectively leads to "party before people".

Don't be too hopeful to get elected in the next general election. It's seriously tough going to take on Dublin Central (or any constituency for that matter) and win a seat as an independent.

However, you are still young. You should be thinking long term; future elections over many years to come. Keeping this in mind will help you overcome any short term disappointments, knowing you always have something to aim for in the future. It also means you can gain some momentum and build a profile over time.

I don't think there has ever been a better time for an independent to go on a campaign. FF's reputation is stuffed, a lot of the public seem to be fed up with both civil war parties, and indeed many people (including myself) are fed up with the way the whole party political system manifests itself in this state.

Revolution9

Amhran Nua wrote: »

Can I ask you, what would you do upon getting elected? What policies would you support or otherwise?

Sparks43 wrote: »

I would support what is right

Typical vague politician answer. He's a quick learner!

Revolution9

Sparks - If I was you I'd get on the phone to a few Independents, ask them a few questions, get their advice. Arrange a meeting, have a chat. The likes of Finian McGrath. Surely someone like him would have the best advice for you. And it would be good to get on speaking terms with a tried and trained politician.

sonic.trip

Liam Byrne wrote: »

Does it seriously cost €100,000 ?

Because the more crap I see being done (and it seems there's a new, massive sickening revelation daily these days) the more tempted I am to go for it.

I used to think it was pointless because of all the corruption and those who'd want to protect the status quo, but if enough new blood ran and got in then maybe there wouldn't be a majority of self-serving pricks.

But if it costs €100,00 then I haven't a hope.

my two cents, if you are seriously thinking of this, be sensible-it may cost you nothing but time.....there is something a lot more powerful than money, and at the moment its facebook. If you can think up a reallly good campaign, resasons, dislikes of the current government etc etc, put it on facebook then this could save you a small fortune, put in the time and it jsut may do that for you.

good luck

Revolution9

Probably want to delete your Boards account Sparky, if you do decide to run.
I see you were previously banned from the Soccer forum. Could have a major political scandal on our hands if the big parties dig this up!

jonnybravo

Fair play for thinking about running but seriously you'd have to think about what kind of difference you could make as an independent? If you look at the current independents your hoping that the Dail majority will depend on your vote so that you can negotiate a few favours for your locality. They can do nothing to dictate the future direction of the government or economy.

And if there's a majority without your vote then what difference can you make sitting on the opposition benches for 5 years as an independent?

Think you'd probably have more of an impact at local levels. Maybe use the General Election as a platform for getting your message / name out there.

alang184

sonic.trip wrote: »

...there is something a lot more powerful than money, and at the moment its facebook. If you can think up a reallly good campaign, resasons, dislikes of the current government etc etc, put it on facebook then this could save you a small fortune, put in the time and it jsut may do that for you.

Absolutely. For trying to build an election profile, Facebook is pure gold. The big point is that nobody else seems to be doing it much. Sure, there are lots of politicians who have accounts, but I haven't come across any who are very active on it, trying to link with people and spreading the message of their policies.

Nijmegen

The state subvention cannot be used for electoral purposes. If it could then parties wouldn't bother fundraising. After 2 Lisbon campaigns, local and european elections the cost of the next general election will lie squarly at the door of each candidate regardless of party, the only costs funded by party HQ will be the generic national ones such as pictures of Cowen, Kenny and Gilmore.

No it can't be used directly, but so much indirect work goes into any campaign. For example, the costs that somebody or a new party would have to fund from their own pockets that existing parties and politicians get a big leg up on:

• Fundraising - it's networking, and networking is easier when you travel to events day in day out paid by the taxpayer, can send official Dail letters to impress, etc, vs someone in a full time job paying out of their own pocket for every coffee
• Media consulting - €90k for FG, won't help them get re-elected...?
• Constituency office support - again, helps them to keep their constituents greased, they don't even have to pay for the petrol to drive to a constituency event
• High-level marketing, Eg. Design work for their 'brand' - just getting a professional designer to do you a logo is the guts of a grand

I do agree with removing special interests from political funding, but my gripe is that a new candidate, or party, etc, is entitled to roughly €8k after the fact depending on their portion of the quota attained.

This is why I say, the deck is stacked.

€100k is on the high side, but I'd say that €50k wouldn't be far off it. I know of one TD up the country who still has a 5 figure overdraft as well as a personal loan from the 2007 election, so it's a lot to pay up front with no guarantee of taking a seat.

It varies from constituency to constituency. For newcomers that's about the cost in real terms, for the likes of campaigns for FG's newcomers last time.

Interesting how many people think that a frank explanation of the facts indicates a unwillingness to change those facts. Before you approach a problem you intend to fix, you need to understand the full causes of the problem and its ramifications.

We have indeed run up against this wall more than once, but with the passing of the next budget the population as a whole is going to be hit hard in the pocket, which should hopefully be enough to make people look up from the parish pump, so we're gearing up now to take advantage of that potential.

I genuinely hope you're right.

Sparks, you gotta dig in for the long run. I don't think you'd have a chance in the next election because it's so close. But local 2014 and next general is in 2016.

Sparks43

Revolution9 wrote: »

Probably want to delete your Boards account Sparky, if you do decide to run.
I see you were previously banned from the Soccer forum. Could have a major political scandal on our hands if the big parties dig this up!