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GE11 - Ask the Candidate - Justin Collery
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09-02-2011 8:56am#1
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Join Date:Posts: 26454
Justin , since I won't be voting in Waterford I won't be asking you any questions.
However I will say that atleast your hosting your website in Ireland with an Irish company (Blacknight.com), nice to see this considering last time I checked no party except swp.ie was hosting in Ireland, see - http://cabaal.org/blog/?p=224
Mind you I also note you registered the domain a few days ago so you likely kept this in mind given the recent media coverage about locations of political websites
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Dr. Baltar wrote: »Hi Justin,
Judging by the latest opinion polls it is most likely that the next government is going to be a FG/Lab Coalition.
How as an independent do you think you can have the voice of Waterford heard best as an independent, most likely in opposition?
- Even though I am running as an independent I am not alone. I am already working with other high profile independents. Should I get elected I will not be a lone voice. It is possible we could hold the balance of power.
- If I get more no 1's than any other candidate that will send a clear message to our local TD's, and to Europe. Stop the bailout, stop cronyism, fix this country! It's a powerful message, but will only be heard if I get lots of votes.
- We need an outsider on the inside. I'll come out of the dail every week and let everybody know whats really happened, we need that, we need fresh eyes in there to be shocked at what is going on. Those in the system become desensitised by it. We need a new breed of TD.However I will say that atleast your hosting your website in Ireland with an Irish company (Blacknight.com), nice to see this considering last time I checked no party except swp.ie was hosting in Ireland, see - http://cabaal.org/blog/?p=224
Mind you I also note you registered the domain a few days ago so you likely kept this in mind given the recent media coverage about locations of political websites
Check out my business domain wi-pipe.com, it has been with Blacknight since 2004, they're great! I am also getting all my election posters and leaflets printed locally in Waterford.Hi Justin,
I was at the debate last night and to be honest I feared for you before the debate as I hadn't come across your name, but I was genuinely impressed. the agreeing with SF dig was excellent and really made me laugh.
My question: if you were belonging to a party to be honest i think you'd be with a good chance of my vote but the point has been made that an independent will have no real influence if elected. How would you respond to that?
And thanks for using the fourm here.
It's a good question and needs to be answered. I think the top answer says enough. If you need more, poke me again!Hi Justin,
decent performance last night and well done on that.
Do you support Focus Ireland’s call for a new government to end long-term homelessness within two years of taking office?
Thanks
Of course I would, but the fact is that the next 3 years are going to be very bad for the poor in Ireland. This is what makes me so angry. Things are bad enough without giving away €200bn+ on bank debts that are not ours. Homelessness is a failure of society that needs to be fixed. Other parties may say they have policies to fix this, but the fact is that with the bank bailout there will be more homelessness, not less in 3 years time. I'm working for a solution to that.
Thanks all, keep the questions coming, I'm off canvasing for the day so will check in this evening.
JC0 -
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Justin Collery wrote: »Check out my business domain wi-pipe.com, it has been with Blacknight since 2004, they're great! I am also getting all my election posters and leaflets printed locally in Waterford.
Ah now I know you,
I actually bought a directional attena off you in Portlaw a good few years ago,
I'll give you one thing atleast you'll be excellent when it comes to infrusture and communications
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It's more out of interest but let's say you got the required number of votes and topped the results and you had to pick another three candidates to follow you, who would you pick?
From the debate last night I thought Paudie was good. Having said that, government is about making the right decisions, not just debating. There are many in FG that are untested in this respect. The vital decisions and debating over the next 12 months will be with bankers. That’s why I am supporting Sommervile and Donnelly.Finally, do you have a short term plan to create employment in the City/County?
People create jobs, not governments.
1 - Reduce all government controlled charges by 30%. Rates, water, ESB etc. This will save jobs currently on the brink and allow companies to compete internationally.
2 - Use NAMA properties as incubation centers. I've been through the HPSU (high potential start-up) system. I found the greatest benefit was the free office space and being surrounded by other start-ups. Lets replicate that.
3 - Simplify the tax code and other red tape. Armies of lawyers and accounts are not productive, they are costs. The government must be aggressive in reducing costs for business. This will lead directly to jobs. Moreover the jobs will be sustainable and Irish business will be more competitive. We are fixated [correctly] on the corporation tax issue, but there are lots of costs that feed into doing business in Ireland.Waterford doesn't need a 'college', but a university.
Acknowledged. My bad, realised too late when talking to change. I hope the thrust was not lost (the importance of free education, R&D and the role educational institutions can play in our recovery).Thought you were spot on on the economic side of things... What are your thoughts on the way Iceland did things? Their 10yr bond yields have been declining since the crises and are now around 6.3%, plus I believe they still have a line of credit from the IMF.
The Iceland route is obviously correct, except that they are not in a currency union. This means our solutions must be European solutions. I think federalising the debt is the only solution, but we must threaten default to achieve that. We must also be ready to follow through. I'm not ignorant of the consequences, but neither are France, Germany, Portugal, Spain or Italy.If you do end up in a position of power (swing vote etc) will you be willing to make the hard choices and put Country before County ?
It is one of the reasons I am running. I am tired of parish pump politics. By definition that means voting in the national interest. That does not mean I will not fight for Waterford, but it takes a maturity which I think has been lacking in politics (Lowrey, Healy-Rae) to know when to do what.newportwex wrote: »Mr. Collery,
Your campaign seems to have the momentum of a runaway freight train.
Why are you so popular?
This made me laugh, sorry you got banned.
1. Would you be in favour of making Irish a Optional subject in the leaving cert and junior certs ?? could it improve students with other subjects
I have two young kids so I am deeply interested in this. In short yes. Irish is important, but students should be allowed to concentrate on other subjects should they so wish. Personally I was better at maths than at languages. I would have preferred to take another technical subject. I'm not fluent in Irish now, but that does not make me any less Irish and proud to be so.2. Would you be favour of making students who do foundation maths in the leaving cert acceptable into a lot more third level courses in collleges.???
Depends on the course. Colleges need to be able to define their own entry requirements to ensure students will be able for the course and uphold the value of our qualifications. That begs the question whether there enough courses for those with foundation level subjects.Justin what would happen if Independent candidates won for argument sake 60 seats, or enough seats to form a coalition. How would you decide who would be a Minister or wouldn't be. Or even who would be Taoiseach or Tanaiste. Or what exactly would happen in that situation as although your Independents your policies might be miles apart and you mighten agree with each others views on anything.
I think it would reflect the wishes of the people much more clearly. Think of how long the last government would have lasted if it had been FF - 60 seats, Independents - 60 seats. In such a parliament the government would not be beholden to independents with only local interests at heart (Lowrey, Healy-Rae) and so would not have to pander to their every whim. I think it would result in better law. This is extreme and unlikely, but I think the existing way of doing politics has clearly failed and we need to contemplate new ways.Also Justin are you unique in running as an Independent Canidate without a local issue like a hospital or a new road etc.. and do you feel without the hard core support of that local issue you might not get elected.
This is a time of national crisis and I felt compelled to run. It is much more important than a hospital or a road. It is not unique in this election (Donnelly, Sommerville). I don't just want to get elected, I want to top the poll. Will it happen? We have two weeks to go, I'm an outsider but it's part of my make up to feel confident!Richie Cranium wrote: »I've a a few questions for you,as someone who has recently become unemployed and joined the 14,000 other people here on the dole queue id like to know what are you going to, or what can you do to bring more jobs into Waterford?
I'm sorry to hear that and I hope you find something new soon. I have laid out 3 points above. In short, we need to make it easier for companies to operate, easier for people to employ themselves, and then employ others (some people do not like being self employed). If you want more detail, just ask.Richie Cranium wrote: »Also on social welfare at present the wait time in Waterford is up to 12 weeks for new signings,which i think you would agree is ridiculous,what can be done to reduce that wait?
That is shocking. I'd like to see finger print technology introduced into systems such as this. The efficiencies to be gained would be huge. As I said last night, I also think the senior managers in Waterford need to be held to account as to why this is the case. They need to be empowered, and then held to account. 12 week waits for such a vital and basic services is not acceptable.Richie Cranium wrote: »Another thing is illegal parking in Waterford,now this might not be a big issue but when people decide that they can park where ever they want it isn't right,as far as i know there is only 3 traffic wardens in Waterford,how would go about employing more wardens?
This is important for business in the town, but these are local issues. This should be dealt with by the council. I'd like to see a clearer divide between national and local issues.Richie Cranium wrote: »Now something close to home,and again might not be a big issue to many,but at present if i wanted a meteor mobile phone and i live in Portlaw or surrounding villages,its not possible as they don't cover them areas,now i don't see any reason why they should be left out when the company say they have 99% coverage,how would you go about getting the coverage in theses areas?
Drives me crazy. I live in Portlaw, I had O2 and it was terrible. After loads of calls I just switched to Vodafone and the service is great! I would suggest moving operator. In general we have a choice with regards to voice, and we should use it. Ask me about broadband on the other hand and I would have a very different solution and attitude. There are many cases where we do not have a choice with regards to broadband provider. I think there should be a bounty attached to customers that broadband companies can claim after providing adaquate service for a set period of time.As an Independent, are there any parties you would rule out supporting to help them form a government?
Definite no to Sinn Fein.
I would support Labour as long as they were nowhere near finance (any money raising) and given strict limits to how much they could spend.*
I really think FG and FF are the almost the same and could not rule out supporting either.*
* I would be seeking to change their position on the bank bailout, government costs to business, political expenses / pensions and the deficit. These would be deal breakers. In the final analysis I don't want to be an independent in the new Dail, I want to form a new party based on new principles.
I'd like to say something more. There was a big wooha and while ago about Paul Gogerty answering questions here on boards. If I get elected I intend to continue to take and answer questions in forums such as this, and also on local radio and other avenues. I'd like to see democracy a little more democtatic. That doesn't mean pandering to local issues, but rather keeping people informed as to why certain decisions were taken. There is a great distrust of politicians right now and I believe it is due to lack of communication. I'd like to move politics in Ireland into 2011!
Keep the questions coming.
Thanks,
JC0 -
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Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional South East Moderators Posts: 24,056 Mod ✭✭✭✭
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A few questions for you Justin...
Firstly, are you planning on canvassing much in the remaining weeks? I just spotted one of your leaflets come in the door by a Leaflet Delivery Company and was wondering were you going to canvass much?
Secondly, if you were elected much like the current shower of Independents - would you sit back and hold the country to ransom just like they did? The people clearly wanted change, they clearly wanted Fianna Fail out and the Independents who often canvass along the same lines as you do - they held the government up.
Thirdly, you seem to think we are doomed if Fine Gael, Labour or any other party gets re-elected and into Government. So you must feel our choices are poor, and they will all carry on the same way Fianna Fail have done. Its a shame, because none of the other parties were in government for a very long time so it seems a tad unfair to brandish them all as "essentially the same"
Fourthly, for someone who wants to deliver and bring so much change and felt so unhappy with the government and the opposition - why did you declare so late? Where were you until now? Why not throw your hat into the ring for the by-election? Or when the GE looked to be called in January or even when it did?
Finally, when you decided you were going to run - who did you speak with before running (outside of your immediate family) to get an idea if it was worthy to run or not?
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Justin if Elected what would you do about
1.) Childcare costs - Monthly private Childcare costs for pre-schoolers at €700+ per child is extorinate and a real barrier to employment
I have 2 kids, 1 1/2 and 3 1/2 so I am keenly aware of this problem. While there are lots of things that could be done, here are two, one at a national level and the second at a local level.
- Reintroduce tax breaks for children and/or childcare costs. Simple, obvious, not sure why more is not made of this. I'd be keen to see this changed.
- Use schools for after school care. I know that one of the problems is that school finishes long before work does for most people. I'd like to look at using schools for after school care. Different people can do it, just use the same building.2.) Reversing Individulaisation. Is it fair for one household to be penalised because they only have one wage eaner while the house next door is able to earn a much higher income and pay less tax due to two wage earners.
This is an interesting one. This measure was brought in to encourage mainly women back into the workforce. Its a hangover from the celtic tiger days of over employment. It goes to the heart of the type of society we would like to create. Economically speaking, if you have 50% of the workforce not working, and you encourage them to do so, this is an economic good which benefits all society. But from a social point of view surely we would like our children to be raised by our family (mothers or fathers), certainly I would. So when it comes to family supports I think in these changed times, more can be done. However, where someone is fit and able to work, and does not have a family I think it is right that the tax code encourages them to work. (thats a more complicated answer than I like in a forum like this, in short, I sort of agree with you, but think the incentive to work should always be there)With reagrds to point 2. If a household was not forced into sending both parents out to work, but could instead have one parent give up work and rare their childern (with almost the same take home pay) - surley this would create extra jobs by having lots of people vacate the workplace in favour of raring their children, looking after eldery relatives etc.
From what I have said above you will see I agree with this statement. We should not sacrifice the closeness of the family for perceived economic gain. In any case I believe it is a false gain as strong families create strong societies with less issues such as crime etc.A few questions for you Justin...
Firstly, are you planning on canvassing much in the remaining weeks? I just spotted one of your leaflets come in the door by a Leaflet Delivery Company and was wondering were you going to canvass much?
This is my life for the next 2 weeks. I was in Superquinn in Waterford and City Square on Saturday and Tramore on Sunday. I'll be out every day for the next too weeks. But team Collery does not have the people power and resources of the big boys so I do rely heavily on word of mouth, social media, traditional media and forums like this to get my message out there.Secondly, if you were elected much like the current shower of Independents - would you sit back and hold the country to ransom just like they did? The people clearly wanted change, they clearly wanted Fianna Fail out and the Independents who often canvass along the same lines as you do - they held the government up.
The Jackie Healy-Rae's of this world disgust me. I am a very different person than they. A point I would like to make strongly is that Waterford only gets to send 4 people to the Dail, so lets make it 4 of the best. Sending a JHR type independent to the Dail will do Waterford no favours. We need people who can represent Waterford with credibility on a national and international stage. I've sold software that was written in Waterford all over the world. I've sold antenna manufactured in Waterford all over the world. Now we need to sell Waterford all over the world. Thats what I want to do. I would also make the point that I am the only true independent in the field, the other independents are independent FG or independent WP etc. We need business people, not politicians in the Dial and those people need to be fighting for Ireland, not just their constituency. We need a new level of maturity in Irish politics, I'm doing my part by standing for election, I now need the electorate help me help them.Thirdly, you seem to think we are doomed if Fine Gael, Labour or any other party gets re-elected and into Government. So you must feel our choices are poor, and they will all carry on the same way Fianna Fail have done. Its a shame, because none of the other parties were in government for a very long time so it seems a tad unfair to brandish them all as "essentially the same"
I could list many reasons why, here are just 2.
The most disastrous decision taken in this state, the one decision which has doomed this country has been the introduction of the bank guarantee (*wait for it*) *WITHOUT* shortly afterwards introducing a banking resolution scheme, a way for banks to go bust that protected the depositors and tax payers. That decision had the potential, and currently is in the process of destroying the country. It was the equivalent of sending the country into a war of folly. If FG were truly different, if they really knew what they were at, they would have been shouting from the roof tops, banging on doors, saying we need a bank resolution scheme. They would have proposed one themselves. They did nothing. Actions speak louder than words, lack of actions speak pretty loudly to me too.
Second reason. The budget. If FG have so may plans ready to go, why did they allow the budget to pass? If they were so keen to get into power to make a difference, why would they facilitate the passing of the budget. FF had no authority to rule by the time the budget came. The only conclusion I could draw from FG's actions was that they were more interested in power than making a difference.
Lastly I would remind you about the by-election here in Waterford. It took SF to push the issue! There is too much of a cosy cartel between the political parties. They are difference shades of the same colour.Fourthly, for someone who wants to deliver and bring so much change and felt so unhappy with the government and the opposition - why did you declare so late? Where were you until now? Why not throw your hat into the ring for the by-election? Or when the GE looked to be called in January or even when it did?
By-Election, what by-election I've been busy raising a family and running a business, neither of which are part time jobs! But we are in a crisis, the time to stand and be counted is now. If there was another truly independent candidate, I would have put as much effort into their campaign as I am putting into mine. But no other candidate declared, and I felt something needed to be done.Finally, when you decided you were going to run - who did you speak with before running (outside of your immediate family) to get an idea if it was worthy to run or not?
In the political sphere I talked and emailed with David McWilliams, Paul Sommerville and Stephen Donnelly. It was important to me that this was not a one shot wonder, that it was a new way in Irish politics, not tainted by the old. I was disappointed that McWilliams, Dunphy etc did not run (I'm not too critical of McWilliams, I don't think he ever said he would or wanted too) but I felt that the likes of Sommerville were being left out to dry. I felt that if there was not a critical mass of TD's around those people it would be very difficult for them to bring about change.
As to whether it was worthy or not, I believe that's a personal decision, and I do believe this is a worthy cause. I'm in this because I believe the country is in a crisis, that the main parties do not have the right solutions, and that the consequences will be disastrous, what more worthy cause is there than that?Hi Justin.
Just wondering how many first preference votes do you think you'd need in the election to get elected. Obviously that's your aim but let's say you don't make it, do you intend to continue in politics or is this a one-time deal? In my personal opinion, I think it's very unlikely that you will be in the shake-up for the last seat so that's why I'm asking. Would you consider running in the next local elections, for example, to build your political profile?
Thanks.
My ambition is to top the poll. Would you prefer to have someone represent you who's ambition it was to scrape home in fourth place, or to come out on top? We need winners. I have already sold software made in Waterford across the world, I have sold antenna manufactured in Waterford across the world in a private capacity and am now prepared to do what needs to be done in a public capacity. We have a real opportunity to move Waterford, and Ireland into the 21st century and I am asking the people of Waterford to play their part. Look through the candidates on your ballot paper and ask yourself, when the likes of the EU, the IMF, other TD's such as Paul Sommerville etc. are making the real decisions, who are they likely to have most respect for, who is liekly to get the best deal? Ask yourself that question for all the candidates on the paper, and I hope you will agree we need people who have walked the walk in business representing us, both in Ireland, and across the world. For those reasons I believe I should top of the poll and I am working very hard towards that.
Thanks,
It's my birthday today, so no hard questions! :P
JC0 -
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sparkling sea wrote: »Appreciate the detailed reply
Just one other thing, what is your position in relation to a reflective representative Dail and gender parity or more so gender quotas within the Oireachtas?
I don't believe in gender quota's. I don't believe that candidates should make an issue of what sex they are (and some are!). The best person should get the job, regardless of sex. It's time to move into the 21st century where it's your ability that counts.sparkling sea wrote: »And another one do you favour the abolition of the Seand or would you be in favour of Seand reform?
The Seanad clearly isn't performing any useful roll presently. I would be slow to completely abolish it though. I think there are many useful purposes it could serve, such as scrutinising political appointees etc.sparkling sea wrote: »Oh and do you feel that prisons in Ireland meet a high enough standard?
As the country is rapidly running out of money, I'd prefer to spend my money on education and hospitals than new prisons.With respect, you managed to not answer either of my two questions in all that text - you're taking to this politician thing pretty well!!! Jeasus, I'll try again.So, again, how many first preference votes so you think you'd need to get elected. And if you're not elected this time out, will you continue in public life and run for election again or leave it at that?
Happy Birthday.
It would seem about 5.5k+ first preferences are required. I should be reasonably transfer friendly. With the demolishing of the FF vote, and Martin Cullen not running I see that as an attainable number.
If I do not get elected I have already said to some of the other independent candidates that I would be happy to assist their programs after their election. I will continue to try and fix what I see as broken, how public that will be I am not sure. There is lots that each of us can do to make a difference and I am ready and willing to play my part.Hi Justin,
Firstly, best of luck with the campaign.
Thanks, it's going very well.1) What is your view on Fine Gael's date-based mortgage interest relief? Is it fair to offer relief for those who bought between 2004-2008 - Or do you think it would be fairer to assess buyers based on their ability to pay?
I think that it is tinkering with the problem. Interest rates will surely rise over the coming years. Why continue to put someone through the mill. Tackle the problem head on! Allow the person to default on the loan. Allow them to get back on their feet in 2 years or less. Put in place a mechanism whereby if it is a modest house they can continue to live in it (the council will have to put them up anyway, why not in the same house). Our politicians seem to have a fixation with interest rates when the reality is that it's the principle that is the real problem. Until you define the problem correctly you will never get to the correct solution.2) I'm obligated as an Irish language activist to ask you if you support the Irish language remaining as a core subject for the leaving cert, which is currently constitutionally protected as our first language? Or are you in favour of Fine Gael's proposals to drop it as a core subject?
I'm not a fluent Irish speaker. I was never great at languages, always much better at the maths and technical subjects. This does not make me any less Irish or proud to be so. I think Irish should be an optional subject. I also believe thats its standing will increase by doing so, and those that learn it will actually love the language.3) Which bonds should be burnt (if any?) - And do you agree or disagree with defaulting on non-sovereign debt?
I'm advocating defaulting on non-sovereign debt. I'm saying it is going to happen anyway, so lets do it now in an orderly fashion rather than 3 years in a more chaotic fashion. I'd rather burn bond holders than bus drivers. Our government should be representing us, not the bond holders. If we do not do this now our country will turn into a wasteland as jobs are lost, businesses close and people emigrate. It's my central reason for running, thats how strongly I feel about it.4) Do you ever purchase Fair-Trade goods?
Like everybody else I am on a budget these days more than a couple of years ago. I buy Irish first, then organic.
To address the question directly, I strongly believe that the solution to 3rd world poverty is trade, not aid. Trade between nations is mutually beneficial.5) Do you support mandated health insurance, or a reform of the HSE with wastage and overlap made more efficient, with universal access to healthcare? (Or Other, please specify)
I am supportive of universal health care. Every citizen should be entitled to basic health care. I believe that private health care has a role to play in this. I believe that the money should follow the patient. I believe effecient hospitals should be rewarded. I am worried that FG plans for mandatory health insurance are actually another way of saying another tax. We keep paying the same tax as before (which used to pay for our health) and now we are paying an extra tax called mandatory health insurance. I'll be keeping a very close eye on that.
Thanks again for all the questions, keep them coming. As always, if you feel I have not answered your questions properly, just let me know.
Thanks and regards,
Justin0 -
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