Higgins wins Labour nomination

Corsendonk

RTE are reporting that Michael D Higgins has won the Labour nomination at todays convention. I don't think myself he is a good selection, from listening to him recently he seems to think its his divine right for all his good work over the years. What does everyone think?

Johnboy1951

I'll probably vote for him

Duffy the Vampire Slayer

Michael D is a highly respected individual, and I feel he has a good track record in the Dail and in his constituency. He'd make a good president although I feel it would be a waste for such a man to have to keep his views to himself in the position.

Killer Pigeon

I've grown an uncomfortable disposition regarding the Labour Party lately but I do respect Higgins. He would be an excellent representative for Ireland both here and abroad. I will disregard his association with Labour this time around and I will vote for him based on his merit, character and achievements in politics and society in general to date.

Callan57

I would be very proud to have Michael D as President

Manach

Based on his wikipedia page, his achievements are setting up TnG and campaigning for third world causes?

Killer Pigeon

Manach wrote: »

Based on his wikipedia page, his achievements are setting up TnG and campaigning for third world causes?

Wikipedia ... :rolleyes:

Unregistered.

Killer Pigeon wrote: »

Wikipedia ... :rolleyes:

Care to elaborate on his achievements?

ArtSmart

Yeah, Mickey the best of an average lot.

save to put the house on I reckon.

Lapin

He has my vote.

charlemont

Hmm, He is a bit too diddly I diddly do, But him and Norris should run a good campaign, Its quite possible ill end up voting for him if I don't vote for Norris, I just think Higgins wont rock the boat as president whereas Norris will.

mikemac

I'll be voting Michael D
Met him often around Galway and was always impressed

I know very little about civil unions and I had zero interest in politics in 2006 but this is a damn impressive speech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9cSSH6imyM

His last speech, so many empty seats, a shame

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJJ5q1_5jX8

mikemac

A few videos of him on youtube with Gift Grub and joining as they laugh at him and Galway United

So not old and stuffy, he can laugh at himself and certainly be funny and welcoming to any visitors

Permabear

This post has been deleted.

anymore

Unregistered. wrote: »

Care to elaborate on his achievements?

Yes he has clocked up three public sector pesions by now - one as Professor and one as TD -.and one as Minister.
So my question is why doess he need a Presidential salary and then a Presidential Pension ?
(The same question can also be applied to any other politician who is contesting the race.)

loldog

Best candidate by far.

.

mgmt

anymore wrote: »

Yes he has clocked up three public sector pesions by now - one as Professor and one as TD -.and one as Minister.
So my question is why doess he need a Presidential salary and then a Presidential Pension ?
(The same question can also be applied to any other politician who is contesting the race.)

If we go down that road then only the wealthy and elite can/want to become President. People should be paid for their service. End of discussion.

smcgiff

loldog wrote: »

Best candidate by far.

.

Not that great an achievment when you consider he's the only one in the race so far.

Michael Dwee not for me.

joolsveer

I don't think that Michael D will get my vote. I would have preferred Fergus Finlay as the Labour candidate.

PatsytheNazi

Glad to see Micheal D get the nomination, sorry I didn't back him on PaddyPower.com a few weeks ago. Will give him the vote.

delos

mgmt wrote: »

If we go down that road then only the wealthy and elite can/want to become President. People should be paid for their service. End of discussion.

Surely the multiple pensions could be suspended while they are being paid to be the President? At the very least a hefty donation to charity if this is somehow not possible on legal grounds?

Wolfe Tone

I think I will vote for him, glad he got the nomination. I

Richard Hillman

Im sure he do all his presidential duties well but i dont think he is the man for visiting other countries and forging new relationships in terms of trade etc. Not the man for me.

mike65

They picked the wrong man and if he wins he'll be as annoying as Mary Robinson and all her patented BS.

PatsytheNazi

mike65 wrote: »

They picked the wrong man and if he wins he'll be as annoying as Mary Robinson and all her patented BS.

So who would you rather, John ' Unionist ' Bruton ?

mike65

:rolleyes:

Fergus Finlay actually.

Higgins is a poetry quoting wind bag who will turn the job into the Michael D Higgins Show. Whereas I suspect Finlay would have been a solid secure President (mind you it would also be a waste of his talent and energy with regard to Barnados so probably the right result in that respect).

anymore

mgmt wrote: »

If we go down that road then only the wealthy and elite can/want to become President. People should be paid for their service. End of discussion.

I disagree, it seems to me that people like these who to want to accumulate these multiple extravagant Public Sector Pensions are motivated primarily by the insatiable desire to be amongst the wealthy and eilte. To add insult to unjury they will go ad in finitum about what an enermous privilege it would be to be president and how honoured they would be. Poppycock !

bleg

I'd be equally happy with Finlay as a nominee but Michael D is great!

Pride Fighter

Unregistered. wrote: »

This post had been deleted.

David Norris is not the only one to campaign for LGBT rights, Michael D has as well and for decades. He has always campaigned for equal rights in general, for all people, particularly women, a self-confessed feminist he has campaigned for equal pay and equal rights for women. He also believes in free speech as evidenced by his abolition of section 31 of the broadcasting act. He re-established the Irish Film Board as minister, bringing in prestigious projects such as Braveheart and Saving Private Ryan, both of which were filmed here during his tenure as minister. He also set up TG4, which has proven to be an overwhelming success. Anyone just has to watch it now to see the level of independence and impartiality it has over other broadcasters. As a Minister for the Arts, Culture and Gaeltacht he showed extreme competence in executing one of the more less known ministries, enriching the arts and culture generally as a result.

Since no longer being a minister, over 14 years ago, he has written about his principles. These principles would be in accordance with Orthodox French Republicanism based on the 3 pillars of Equality, Liberty and Fraternity. He argues that Ireland has never been a state based on these principles and that it should be. In this state, he proposes that the people are the true arbiters, and that all citizens play their role. In this form of republicanism, he espouses an active citizenship. This means that the people take control of their own affairs, scrutinise political affairs, and ensure a just society. It is this version of a society that helps each other that really sets him apart. It also defeats the charges the far right level at him that he is a 'looney left' candidate. Granted he is left wing, but not in the statist way people in the far right seem to think.

Permabear wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Regardless of what you think of Castro, he made Cuba better. Batista was an even bigger butcher and slaughterer of his own people. I also believe you would be selective quoting and talking nonsense due to an ideological aversion to Michael D.

anymore wrote: »

Yes he has clocked up three public sector pesions by now - one as Professor and one as TD -.and one as Minister.
So my question is why doess he need a Presidential salary and then a Presidential Pension ?
(The same question can also be applied to any other politician who is contesting the race.)

What about David Norris?? Michael D could have ran at the last election but did not. If Norris loses the election he has the back up of being a senator for another 4 and a half years, Michael D wont. Also the likes of Pat Cox and Gay Mitchell would have as many pensions as Michael D, if not more due to their MEP status.

Also if you knew Michael D, you'd know he is in public service for the right reasons. That reason being public service. His definition of active citizenship as I described above is also why he is in public service. He practices what he preaches.

Richard Hillman wrote: »

Im sure he do all his presidential duties well but i dont think he is the man for visiting other countries and forging new relationships in terms of trade etc. Not the man for me.

President's do not do that. None of the last 2 Mary's did that. Granted they were there when the contracts are signed but the department of foreign affairs send trade delegations with the missions that do all the work. The president just rubber stamps their hard work.

anymore wrote: »

I disagree, it seems to me that people like these who to want to accumulate these multiple extravagant Public Sector Pensions are motivated primarily by the insatiable desire to be amongst the wealthy and eilte. To add insult to unjury they will go ad in finitum about what an enermous privilege it would be to be president and how honoured they would be. Poppycock !

Michael D would be getting less of a pension than the likes of Gay Mitchell or Pat Cox if they were on the ticket. Also Michael D does not have the back up of additional public service if not elected that both Gay Mitchell, Mairead McGuinness or David Norris had. He put his money where his mouth is in standing down from the Dail, even though he could have ran again.

mike65 wrote: »

:rolleyes:

Fergus Finlay actually.

Higgins is a poetry quoting wind bag who will turn the job into the Michael D Higgins Show. Whereas I suspect Finlay would have been a solid secure President (mind you it would also be a waste of his talent and energy with regard to Barnados so probably the right result in that respect).

I agree and disagree. I agree Finlay not being on the ticket is to Barnardos' gain. I disagree he is a better candidate than Michael D, although he would be an excellent addition on the ticket. I can also guarantee Michael D would perform his role of president without fuss, a charge levelled at him by many. Michael D would do his public duty, as he believes in public duty. He is not some prima donna people make him out to be.

Valmont

Pride Fighter wrote: »

Regardless of what you think of Castro, he made Cuba better. Batista was an even bigger butcher and slaughterer of his own people. I also believe you would be selective quoting and talking nonsense due to an ideological aversion to Michael D.

So you admit that Castro is a butcher and Slaughterer of his own people? That was easy. I find it worrying that your zealous support for Marxism has you rooting for somebody who supports this butcher and others like him. Also, I have to chuckle when the only way people can make Castro look even remotely good is by comparing him to Batista. It's like saying Hitler wasn't that bad compared to Mao.

anymore

[QUOTE=[HTML]

Pride Fighter;72878622]David Norris is not the only one to campaign for LGBT rights, Michael D has as well and for decades. He has always campaigned for equal rights in general, for all people, particularly women, a self-confessed feminist he has campaigned for equal pay and equal rights for women. He also believes in free speech as evidenced by his abolition of section 31 of the broadcasting act. He re-established the Irish Film Board as minister, bringing in prestigious projects such as Braveheart and Saving Private Ryan, both of which were filmed here during his tenure as minister. He also set up TG4, which has proven to be an overwhelming success. Anyone just has to watch it now to see the level of independence and impartiality it has over other broadcasters. As a Minister for the Arts, Culture and Gaeltacht he showed extreme competence in executing one of the more less known ministries, enriching the arts and culture generally as a result

.
.

[/

HTML]Since no longer being a minister, over 14 years ago, he has written about his principles. These principles would be in accordance with Orthodox French Republicanism based on the 3 pillars of Equality, Liberty and Fraternity. He argues that Ireland has never been a state based on these principles and that it should be. In this state, he proposes that the people are the true arbiters, and that all citizens play their role. In this form of republicanism, he espouses an active citizenship. This means that the people take control of their own affairs, scrutinise political affairs, and ensure a just society. It is this version of a society that helps each other that really sets him apart. It also defeats the charges the far right level at him that he is a 'looney left' candidate. Granted he is left wing, but not in the statist way people in the far right seem to think.

.Regardless of what you think of Castro, he made Cuba better. Batista was an even bigger butcher and slaughterer of his own people. I also believe you would be selective quoting and talking nonsense due to an ideological aversion to Michael D.

[/QUOTE]

What about David Norris?? Michael D could have ran at the last election but did not. If Norris loses the election he has the back up of being a senator for another 4 and a half years, Michael D wont. Also the likes of Pat Cox and Gay Mitchell would have as many pensions as Michael D, if not more due to their MEP status

.

Also if you knew Michael D, you'd know he is in public service for the right reasons. That reason being public service. His definition of active citizenship as I described above is also why he is in public service. He practices what he preaches.

.
President's do not do that. None of the last 2 Mary's did that. Granted they were there when the contracts are signed but the department of foreign affairs send trade delegations with the missions that do all the work. The president just rubber stamps their hard work.

Michael D would be getting less of a pension than the likes of Gay Mitchell or Pat Cox if they were on the ticket. Also Michael D does not have the back up of additional public service if not elected that both Gay Mitchell, Mairead McGuinness or David Norris had. He put his money where his mouth is in standing down from the Dail, even though he could have ran again.




I agree and disagree. I agree Finlay not being on the ticket is to Barnardos' gain. I disagree he is a better candidate than Michael D, although he would be an excellent addition on the ticket. I can also guarantee Michael D would perform his role of president without fuss, a charge levelled at him by many. Michael D would do his public duty, as he believes in public duty. He is not some prima donna people make him out to be.

[/QUOTE]

1. Just as construction was seen to be FF's particular constituency, the arts is seen to be Higgin'd particular constituency so taking care of the arts is hardly a great recommendation is it when it is other people's tax money that is being used
2. So if he cares so much about Equality and fraternity, tell why does he expect me and other tax payers to subsidise artists and writers to the extent of allowing a € 100,000 tax free allowance each year ? That is apart from all the other subsidies, grants etc thrown at the Arts and Culuture sector ? Again, from my point of view, this is just Fianna Failism !
3. As far as I know Cuban dissidents are thrown in jail now just as they were in Batista's day. But left wing luvies dont talk about that now do they ? And poverty in Cuba has forced young women to work as prostitutes now as it did in Batistas day.
4. "I hope to build on a lifetime of service at home and abroad, experience as a courageous public representative " This is a quote from Mr Higgin's website where he describes himself as " a courageous representative " Please, please, this is embarassing ! Enough said.

the realpigiron

Michael D Higgins will make a great President. I hope he wins and will certainly be voting for him.

Bottle_of_Smoke

Looks like a cross between a mad scientist and a farmer.

To superficiality aside he seems a decent skin

PomBear

I'll be voting for him, his record on Human Rights in miles ahead of other candidates, even Norris and has extensive Oireachtas experience.

Having met him and chatted with him, I found him to be polite, humble and very attentive to what anyone was saying to him (wouldn't regard this highly for politicians but as a Head of State, i'm sure he'll give a great impression of Ireland in other countries)

later12

Permabear wrote: »

This post had been deleted.

Michael D Higgins did not support Sandinista communism in itself as far as I can see. He might have celebrated some of the undoubted improvements that the Sandinistas did bring to Nicaragua in the 1980s, and as part of the international delegation visiting Nicaragua with Senator Shane Ross, Higgins certainly did very vehemently support the democratic legitimacy of the Ortega Presidency and the FLSN electoral victory - as did the Irish Government when we received Ortega and his vice President on occasions during the 1980s.

So it is not so much correct to say that Higgins supported all of the FSLN policies, as that he recognised that the FSLN were a good start in an emerging democracy and he opposed the attempts to destabilise Nicaragua particularly after its 1984 election. Certainly he lamented the demonisation of Nicaragua and the its resort to doing business with the likes of Iran. I would see Higgins's view of the Nicaraguan situation as a particularly well thought out position. I would hope that any fair minded individual who is in favour of democracy would have shared Higgins's concerns with regard to the Reagan administration and the Contras, and the attempts to destabilise the authentic Nicaraguan FLSN government after its elections.

In response to the OP, yes I would favour Michael D Higgins as the next President over all other likely candidates. I think he has done a tremendous amount of work as an ambassador for human rights, and even though I do not agree with his economic politics, I would be more than happy to see him in an a-political executive role like that of the Presidency. I would also be quite confident that in his wife Sabina, and in Michael D himself we would have the fortune of having two eminently capable, articulate and intellgent ambassadors both for Ireland and for its rich cultural heritage, and indeed for human rights, for the price of one.

Lockstep

Delighted to see him get the nomination. Have met him a few times and he;s impressed me every single time.

Has my vote for sure.

Duffy the Vampire Slayer

Valmont wrote: »

So you admit that Castro is a butcher and Slaughterer of his own people? That was easy. I find it worrying that your zealous support for Marxism has you rooting for somebody who supports this butcher and others like him. Also, I have to chuckle when the only way people can make Castro look even remotely good is by comparing him to Batista. It's like saying Hitler wasn't that bad compared to Mao.

I'm not sure how Pride Fighter is a zealous supporter of Marxism, from what I can gather hes a social democrat. Also nobody is trying to make Castro look good, many just acknowledge that some of his changes in Cuba were good ones. For example Joe Higgins has visited Cuba and although supportive of some aspects of Cuban government and society, he is mostly critical of Castro's repressive regime.