Gerry Adams is the most popular candidate in Ireland

paky · 18-01-2011 6:41pm #1

Martin McGuinness claimed last Friday night that Gerry Adams is the most popular candidate in Ireland in terms of votes. Is this true and if so, is this why Gerry Adams is so disliked by politicians in the south of Ireland?

http://www.rte.ie/player/#v=1089059

Wolfe Tone · 18-01-2011 6:43pm

paky wrote: »

Martin McGuinness claimed last Friday night that Gerry Adams is the most popular candidate in Ireland in terms of votes. Is this true and if so, is this why Gerry Adams is so disliked by politicians in the south of Ireland?

http://www.rte.ie/player/#v=1089059

I have to say I have been surprised by the level of popularity he has in louth. Sky high.

kev9100 · 18-01-2011 6:43pm

Gilmore is the most popular leader according to the polls. Adams is just an economic illiterate.

Biggins · 18-01-2011 6:45pm

paky wrote: »

Martin McGuinness claimed last Friday night that Gerry Adams is the most popular candidate in Ireland in terms of votes. Is this true and if so, is this why Gerry Adams is so disliked by politicians in the south of Ireland?

http://www.rte.ie/player/#v=1089059

Because maybe partly he perhaps refuses to let himself with his org' to get into the games of political cronyism, underhanded abuse of perks, expenses and bowing to corporate interests as they try to wine and dine (and they do successfully!) other mainstream political parties (possibly for future favours)?

paky · 18-01-2011 6:45pm

MUSSOLINI wrote: »

I have to say I have been surprised by the level of popularity he has in louth. Sky high.

im not debating his popularity with the public which im sure he has a lot of but its the politicians who refuse to do business with him for no valid reason? perhaps its jealousy?

mikemac · 18-01-2011 6:46pm

For votes and exceeding the surplus I thought it was Willie O'Dea

Not now anymore of course but he topped the polls when it mattered

chucken1 · 18-01-2011 6:51pm

MUSSOLINI wrote: »

I have to say I have been surprised by the level of popularity he has in louth. Sky high.

Is it true now that hes not running in Louth?

Biggins · 18-01-2011 6:54pm

paky wrote: »

im not debating his popularity with the public which im sure he has a lot of but its the politicians who refuse to do business with him for no valid reason? perhaps its jealousy?

Maybe they don't like the fact that he visits the White House more often, engages with the English government, goes to places like the Lebanon and Israel, talking to one side then the other in negotiations of peace along with Tony Blair who then switch places in tandem, trying to bring peace to that region alone.
Maybe they don't like that he is more recognised for being a major factor in the monumental shift of bringing a warring army to the peace table and then consolidating that peace?
Maybe they don't like him as he has met at home and travelled elsewhere to meet greater numbers world political heads on the world stage?

I don't agree with his org's political ideology but I respect the man for the good things his efforts have brought about and for the things he's still trying to do.

...As for some of the begruggers ...well sadly thats part of the past in people that just refuse to move on and see just what they want to see.

Het-Field · 18-01-2011 6:54pm

When your Party contains an array of ex-cons, gun runners, and murderer apologists one is probably prone to inventing a few facts ! In fact, I would think it is incumbent upon such an individual to do so.

PenelopeT · 18-01-2011 6:54pm

He's disliked because when he announced he was running for the election in Louth he basically said that he was going to solve the economic crisis in a matter of no time and crtisised the rest (i.e. every political party in Ireland) for not being able to do it sooner :rolleyes: I'm wary of Mr Adams being elected. And I'm very scared of his crazy SF economics.. :eek:

paky · 18-01-2011 6:54pm

kev9100 wrote: »

Gilmore is the most popular leader according to the polls. Adams is just an economic illiterate.

according to the last election eamon gilmore got 8000+ votes
http://electionsireland.org/result.cfm?election=2002&cons=113

gerry adams got 22000+
http://www.ark.ac.uk/elections/awb.htm

doesnt that make gerry adams more popular than eamonn gilmore?

danbohan · 18-01-2011 6:56pm

Het-Field wrote: »

When your Party contains an array of ex-cons, gun runners, and murderer apologists one is probably prone to inventing a few facts ! In fact, I would think it is incumbent upon such an individual to do so.

talking about fianna fail are we ?

Het-Field · 18-01-2011 6:57pm

danbohan wrote: »

talking about fianna fail are we ?

No.

Mainly Martin Ferris.

KeithAFC · 18-01-2011 7:02pm

Would not surprise me. Gerry is famous for telling the masses bull**** and hiding facts.

Wolfe Tone · 18-01-2011 7:03pm

chucken1 wrote: »

Is it true now that hes not running in Louth?

Where you hear that? Last I heard he got the nomination and is buying a house.

chucken1 · 18-01-2011 7:07pm

MUSSOLINI wrote: »

Where you hear that? Last I heard he got the nomination and is buying a house.

http://www.sinnfein.ie/the-candidates

Biggins · 18-01-2011 7:11pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

Would not surprise me. Gerry is famous for telling the masses bull**** and hiding facts.

If that is the case, sounds like he would fit right in with a good lot of those currently in the Dail to be honest!

KeithAFC · 18-01-2011 7:13pm

Biggins wrote: »

If that is the case, sounds like he would fit right in with a good lot of those currently in the Dail to be honest!

To be fair, the republic a mess. Last thing your country needs is Gerry Adams coming in.

Wolfe Tone · 18-01-2011 7:15pm

chucken1 wrote: »

http://www.sinnfein.ie/the-candidates

Ah, seems they are still making that part of the site. As far as I know they have someone in near every constituency.

Biggins · 18-01-2011 7:15pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

To be fair, the republic a mess. Last thing your country needs is Gerry Adams coming in.

Certainly a debatable point but he would certainly stand less for the bullschite that currently goes on in the Dail I suspect.
...Which is also what we need to be honest.

KeithAFC · 18-01-2011 7:18pm

Biggins wrote: »

Certainly a debatable point but he would certainly stand less for the bullschite that currently goes on in the Dail I suspect.
...Which is also what we need to be honest.

Would he really not stand for bullsh*t?

There is always this myth that SF do a lot for West belfast but West belfast still has a lot of problems. Its not as great as people make out. What could he bring to the republic?

chucken1 · 18-01-2011 7:18pm

MUSSOLINI wrote: »

Ah, seems they are still making that part of the site. As far as I know they have someone in near every constituency.

Dont think so...not in Clare anyway going on what I hear

Eliot Rosewater · 18-01-2011 7:21pm

Biggins wrote: »

Because maybe partly he perhaps refuses to let himself with his org' to get into the games of political cronyism, underhanded abuse of perks, expenses and bowing to corporate interests as they try to wine and dine (and they do successfully!) other mainstream political parties (possibly for future favours)?

Perhaps you might reconcile that statement with the fact that Mr Adams used claim Westminster expenses (for a house in London for instance) even though he refused to take his seat in the House of Commons?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5301510/MPs-expenses-Sinn-Fein-claimed-500000-for-second-homes.html

lugha · 18-01-2011 7:21pm

Biggins wrote: »

Because maybe partly he perhaps refuses to let himself with his org' to get into the games of political cronyism, underhanded abuse of perks, expenses and bowing to corporate interests as they try to wine and dine (and they do successfully!) other mainstream political parties (possibly for future favours)?

Hurlers on the ditch. I don't think you can judge any party until they have a stint in power. The greens were the great white hope, once upon a time, when they were still virgins. When they play the senior game for a while we get to see what they are made of.

Wolfe Tone · 18-01-2011 7:23pm

Eliot Rosewater wrote: »

Perhaps you might reconcile that statement with the fact that Mr Adams used claim Westminster expenses (for a house in London for instance) even though he refused to take his seat in the House of Commons?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5301510/MPs-expenses-Sinn-Fein-claimed-500000-for-second-homes.html

They still went regularly to London.

lugha · 18-01-2011 7:24pm

paky wrote: »

according to the last election eamon gilmore got 8000+ votes
http://electionsireland.org/result.cfm?election=2002&cons=113

gerry adams got 22000+
http://www.ark.ac.uk/elections/awb.htm

doesnt that make gerry adams more popular than eamonn gilmore?

British constituencies are bigger so I don't think you can compare directly.
Anyway, I thought big Ian was the main man in Ireland? :pac: Or has he lost his crown?

Biggins · 18-01-2011 7:27pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

Would he really not stand for bullsh*t?

I and others would say "Yes", other might disagree.

KeithAFC wrote: »

There is always this myth that SF do a lot for West belfast but West belfast still has a lot of problems. Its not as great as people make out. What could he bring to the republic?

Well the question is about Ireland, not Belfast.
What would he bring to the republic?
As I have hinted, possibly less tolerance for the shenanigans and wastage that is going on between politicians, quangos, semi-state bodies etc?

Eliot Rosewater · 18-01-2011 7:31pm

MUSSOLINI wrote: »

They still went regularly to London.

The expense referred to exists to assist Members of Parliament in attending the House of Commons. Sinn Fein don't attend the House of Commons yet they still claim the expense.

Sinn Fein members try to spin it, but it's still an abuse. In particular, their costs in attending London for peace talks etc. were/are covered separately. More than the 5 Sinn Fein MPs go over for these peace talks, after all.

paky · 18-01-2011 7:32pm

sinn fein could pull a major coup if they sent their most popular candidates in the north to run in the south e.g. martin mcguinness, gerry adams and gerry kelly.
its unlikely sinn fein voters up north are gona vote dup in their absence.

Biggins · 18-01-2011 7:33pm

Eliot Rosewater wrote: »

The expense referred to exists to assist Members of Parliament in attending the House of Commons. Sinn Fein don't attend the House of Commons yet they still claim the expense.

Sinn Fein members try to spin it, but it's still an abuse. In particular, their costs in attending London for peace talks etc. were/are covered separately. More than the 5 Sinn Fein MPs go over for these peace talks, after all.

Its certainly a point of contention. I would have also tried to say that MP's get their money to assist them in representing their electorate - not just for attending a particular building?
If that was just the case as you propose, Bertie should be getting right now bugger all - as he is the least attending TD we have this side of the border!

Het-Field · 18-01-2011 7:35pm

MUSSOLINI wrote: »

They still went regularly to London.

To do what ?

Certainly didnt sit in the House of Commons and represent their constituents views.

OhNoYouDidn't · 18-01-2011 7:35pm

Eliot Rosewater wrote: »

Perhaps you might reconcile that statement with the fact that Mr Adams used claim Westminster expenses (for a house in London for instance) even though he refused to take his seat in the House of Commons?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5301510/MPs-expenses-Sinn-Fein-claimed-500000-for-second-homes.html

Because they were doing constituency related work.

They were voted in on an abstentionist ticket after all.

Biggins · 18-01-2011 7:37pm

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

Because they were doing constituency related work.
They were voted in on an abstentionist ticket after all.

Exactly, those that voted them in, by their vote - be it a protest vote or whatever - did so and gave then that legal mandate to do so.
He continues to assist them by more local representation rather than just attending a building alone in order to qualify for his expenses.
If there is a legal law that actually state he has to attend in order to qualify for expenses, I'm sure he would not want to be seen breaking it and I'd like to see where that parliament rule is stated

Eliot Rosewater · 18-01-2011 7:40pm

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

Because they were doing constituency related work.

Such as? As I already said, the costs they incurred in attending peace talks were already covered - otherwise non-MP Sinn Fein members couldn't have attended, which is obviously not the case.

The expense is clearly to help MPs attend the House of Commons.

phantom_lord · 18-01-2011 7:42pm

Biggins wrote: »

Because maybe partly he perhaps refuses to let himself with his org' to get into the games of political cronyism, underhanded abuse of perks, expenses and bowing to corporate interests as they try to wine and dine (and they do successfully!) other mainstream political parties (possibly for future favours)?

They just haven't had the opportunity to do that in Ireland yet, they seemed quite content to ride the gravy train when they got the chance in Westminster though.

Biggins · 18-01-2011 7:49pm

phantom_lord wrote: »

They just haven't had the opportunity to do that in Ireland yet, they seemed quite content to ride the gravy train when they got the chance in Westminster though.

You could be right but then as in my other posts, especially 33 where I put a supposition, it might not be.

OhNoYouDidn't · 18-01-2011 7:54pm

Eliot Rosewater wrote: »

Such as? As I already said, the costs they incurred in attending peace talks were already covered - otherwise non-MP Sinn Fein members couldn't have attended, which is obviously not the case.

The expense is clearly to help MPs attend the House of Commons.

They attended the offices there where they did normal constituency work, research to help them and lobbied

They broke no laws or house rules.

lugha · 18-01-2011 7:58pm

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

They attended the offices there where they did normal constituency work, research to help them and lobbied

They broke no laws or house rules.

Isn't that what John O'Donoghue and Ivor Callely say?

Biggins · 18-01-2011 8:01pm

lugha wrote: »

Isn't that what John O'Donoghue and Ivor Callely say?

True but then for the light punishment - if any - they got, they at least were caught and pulled up on it.
In the last lot or ANY lot of expense scandals that was exposed in the English Parliament, where was Mr Adams name mentioned and in relation to what exactly?

Biggins · 18-01-2011 8:10pm

MUSSOLINI wrote: »

I have to say I have been surprised by the level of popularity he has in louth. Sky high.

Returning back to the original contention of the thread (for we have side-tracked and I could be partly to blame), I wonder if Mr Adams stood in any other county, would he indeed be as popular in those actual others?

Its just a thought and one I'd like to hear others thoughts on?

I have a feeling that some people would vote for him, if only for the reason that he might be (they hope) a bit of fresh air where a ruddy good gale is much needed!

femur61 · 18-01-2011 8:34pm

paky wrote: »

Martin McGuinness claimed last Friday night that Gerry Adams is the most popular candidate in Ireland in terms of votes. Is this true and if so, is this why Gerry Adams is so disliked by politicians in the south of Ireland?

No, Gerry mcCabe, Enniskilan, gunrunning, lies. I doubt if a lot people voting for SF know their history of terriorism.

mikemac · 18-01-2011 8:42pm

Biggins wrote: »

Returning back to the original contention of the thread (for we have side-tracked and I could be partly to blame), I wonder if Mr Adams stood in any other county, would he indeed be as popular in those actual others?

Its just a thought and one I'd like to hear others thoughts on?

I've a real thing against parachute candidates. And for candidates from all parties and independents too who get involved in this. I've too many examples to list who did this in the last general election.

When I first heard the news I assumed parachute candidate but it seems he has a profile in Louth and is often in the area and soon to be a houseowner.
This counts for a lot.

If he identified a vulnerable seat like maybe Tipperary North or Waterford or Dublin South or anywhere after doing some analysis and ran he'd be defeated. As that's pure opportunism.
But he has connections and contacts and work done in Louth, it matters a lot.
Maybe it shouldn't for candidates going to for national elections but it does. Politics is local

OhNoYouDidn't · 18-01-2011 8:49pm

femur61 wrote: »

No, Gerry mcCabe, Enniskilan, gunrunning, lies. I doubt if a lot people voting for SF know their history of terriorism.

No, its a big secret. If only the newspapers would mention it....

What a patronising post

amacachi · 18-01-2011 9:12pm

Remember he'll be 1st on the ballot because of his surname so remember to take off about a thousand votes to work out how popular he usually is. I think that's why Dermot Ahern is stepping down at this election, he wouldn't get the sequential votes he usually does.

amacachi · 18-01-2011 9:13pm

feelingstressed wrote: »

When I first heard the news I assumed parachute candidate but it seems he has a profile in Louth and is often in the area and soon to be a houseowner.
This counts for a lot.

He could be living in London and he'd still get elected if he stood in this constituency.

Monty Burnz · 18-01-2011 9:16pm

paky wrote: »

im not debating his popularity with the public which im sure he has a lot of but its the politicians who refuse to do business with him for no valid reason? perhaps its jealousy?

Or the blood on his hands. Hard to say which.

sligopark · 18-01-2011 9:57pm

MUSSOLINI wrote: »

Last I heard he got the nomination and is buying a house.

I'd love to see that mortgage application.

Wolfe Tone · 18-01-2011 10:00pm

amacachi wrote: »

He could be living in London and he'd still get elected if he stood in this constituency.

He really is that popular.

KeithAFC · 18-01-2011 10:08pm

femur61 wrote: »

No, Gerry mcCabe, Enniskilan, gunrunning, lies. I doubt if a lot people voting for SF know their history of terriorism.

Good point. Gerry is a liar and should owe up to his deeds.

sligopark · 18-01-2011 10:25pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

Good point. Gerry is a liar and should owe up to his deeds.

including burying Jean McConville in Louth?

imme · 18-01-2011 10:27pm

the south of Ireland?
anyway.

do we really need to go through all this again.:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Martin McGuinness said so, so it must be true, why does this follow.

People the length and breadth of Ireland have an opinion of Gerry Adams. I've met people from abroad who've heard of him and have an opinion on him as well.

Some people in Ireland think the man is a great leader, Dear Leader, if you will.
Others think he prolonged the saga of murder and terrorism in Ireland.

C'est la vie, c'est le guerre.

Gerry Adams is the most popular candidate in Ireland

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