Michael D. Higgins is now the favourite to win the Presidency

hotmail.com

With Norris dropping out, I would imagine that a large section of his support will transfer to Michael D. That puts Michael D. in the unenviable position of being the front runner.

Provided there's no new entrants into the race (FF are still undecided), Labour could win the presidency for a second time.

This will mean a greater scrutiny of Michael D.? Does he have any skeletons that will come out over the next few weeks?

Bullseye1

God help us having to listen to that whiny old one for another 7 years.

meditraitor

hotmail.com wrote: »

This will mean a greater scrutiny of Michael D.? Does he have any skeletons that will come out over the next few weeks?

well I hope he doesn't cause Karma is a biatch, and since it was someone in his camp that put the Irish Zionist dude in London onto Norris..............

mike65

If we are unlucky he might want to read us some of his poetry.

hotmail.com

The irony is that Michael D. is a lot more liberal on social issues and a lot more left wing economic matters than Norris is.

Bullseye1

But the voice!

mikemac

He is also President of Galway United

I hope Ireland has a brighter future then them :pac:

Judgement Day

I'm sure that he has plenty of skeletons but sadly nothing bad enough to stop his canter to the finishing line. Still I have him at 5/6 on with PP, so get in there before the odds narrow.

Michael D was very partial to dispersing National Lottery funds at his personal whim back in the mid-1990s when he was Minister for Arts, Culture & the Gaeltacht. First priority was his own Galway constituency, followed by any high profile arty/farty project where he could recite a few of his poems at the grand opening, followed by anything in a Labour held area. The ill fated Jeanie Johnston famine ship in Tralee (Dick Spring's stomping ground) was on the receiving end of plenty of Michael D's Lottery money. The only thing worse that seeing Michael D in the Park would be the sight of that Eamon O'Cuiv there instead. Anyway, I've decided that a vote for Michael D is a vote for my bet with PP, so it's vote early and often for the man from the Wesht.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmi9L1s6wwI

du Maurier

Judgement Day wrote: »

I'm sure that he has plenty of skeletons but sadly nothing bad enough to stop his canter to the finishing line. Still I have him at 5/6 on with PP, so get in there before the odds narrow.

Michael D was very partial to dispersing National Lottery funds at his personal whim back in the mid-1990s when he was Minister for Arts, Culture & the Gaeltacht. First priority was his own Galway constituency, followed by any high profile arty/farty project where he could recite a few of his poems at the grand opening, followed by anything in a Labour held area. The ill fated Jeanie Johnston famine ship in Tralee (Dick Spring's stomping ground) was on the receiving end of plenty of Michael D's Lottery money. The only thing worse that seeing Michael D in the Park would be the sight of that Eamon O'Cuiv there instead. Anyway, I've decided that a vote for Michael D is a vote for my bet with PP, so it's vote early and often for the man from the Wesht.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmi9L1s6wwI

Got a ring of a festival about it, doesn't it? :pac: Surely some kind of copyright infringement there!

nuac

We rely a lot on Us investment. Michael D likely to discourage this.

Fulton Crown

Oh Lord spare us from this pompous ,fey leprechaun.

Switch from Gay Norris to Gay Mitchell !

GSF

Cant see Higgins lasting 7 years. What age is he now? 70?

Judgement Day

Gay Mitchell's cousin is the notorious George "Penguin" Mitchell of Gotham City http://www.politicalworld.org/showthread.php?t=8885



and is late brother was that anti-railway charlatan Jim Mitchell.



Two good reasons for not letting him near the Aras.

Much better to support the main man here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michael-D-Higgins-for-President-of-Ireland-2011-2018/111465935610845?sk=info

tonedef

nuac wrote: »

We rely a lot on Us investment. Michael D likely to discourage this.

Ah, what's your logic behind this statement?

Judgement Day

Michael D's plain speaking on Newstalk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOxKnsT-XZg

Paddy De Plasterer

The fact that Connolly who spilt the beans on Norris is a labour activist,and got his info from a trade union person will tell against Higgins. Who would have ever thought that Labout could play dirty like this ? Revenge , Revenge /

Paddy De Plasterer

The fact that Connolly who spilt the beans on Norris is a labour activist,and got his info from a trade union person will tell against Higgins. Who would have ever thought that Labour could play dirty like this ? Revenge , Revenge /

thebman

Maybe we should just not break with tradition and vote Mary in :pac:

goalscoringhero

Paddy De Plasterer wrote: »

The fact that Connolly who spilt the beans on Norris is a labour activist,and got his info from a trade union person will tell against Higgins. Who would have ever thought that Labour could play dirty like this ? Revenge , Revenge /

Thankfully, nobody on the internet knows he's also a dog...

Annasopra

Paddy De Plasterer wrote: »

The fact that Connolly who spilt the beans on Norris is a labour activist,and got his info from a trade union person will tell against Higgins. Who would have ever thought that Labout could play dirty like this ? Revenge , Revenge /

You just made that stuff up about Connolly being a labour activist. He's a zionist who didn't like Norris - of course he's going to dislike Michael D. - David Norris and Michael D Higgins are close friends and have worked together politically on many issues such as setting up the oireachtas foreign affairs committee.'Stories' that Higgins or labour are behind this campaign are complete and utter rubbish. In fact labour councillors across the country were facilitating Norriss nomination.

sarkozy

Got to agree with this.

pragmatic1

He'll be getting my vote anyway.

meditraitor

mango salsa wrote: »

You just made that stuff up about Connolly being a labour activist. He's a zionist who didn't like Norris - of course he's going to dislike Michael D. - David Norris and Michael D Higgins are close friends and have worked together politically on many issues such as setting up the oireachtas foreign affairs committee.'Stories' that Higgins or labour are behind this campaign are complete and utter rubbish. In fact labour councillors across the country were facilitating Norriss nomination.

I wouldnt agree with this point? Only one council was willing to look at Norris, and that was fingal....... and labour only have 9 of the 24 seats there.

I do agree on one important point you made though, Connolly is nothing whatsoever got to do with the labour party(thank superman), and I would hazard a guess that he has little time for Higgins as well, so the posibilty that he planted the story as a "Labour/Union source" is highly likely.


One of many condemnations of isreali actions Higgins has released.....

On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish to condemn in the strongest possible terms today's Israeli attacks on targets in Gaza which have left more than 200 people dead

Such a disproportionate response to Hamas rocket attacks on Israel is contrary to all of the principles of international law and should be condemned by all democratic countries.

These attacks have resulted in a shocking loss of life among Palestinians and add to the misery and suffering created by the prolonged Israel blockade of Gaza.

The Labour Party has consistently condemned attacks on civilian targets in Israel, but it has to be acknowledged that Hamas is the democratically elected administration in Gaza.

I hope that both sides will refrain from further violence and that the election of a new administration in the United States will lead to renewed efforts to find a political solution to the problems of the region.

Annasopra

meditraitor wrote: »

I wouldnt agree with this point? Only one council was willing to look at Norris, and that was fingal....... and labour only have 9 of the 24 seats there.

Yes but he was getting a lot of the labour votes in other councils, it was just bizzarely that his campaign chose to target a lot of rural councils where FG dominate. They were whipping to block him. Other councils such as Dublin city council may have easily enough nominated him

meditraitor

mango salsa wrote: »

Yes but he was getting a lot of the labour votes in other councils, it was just bizzarely that his campaign chose to target a lot of rural councils where FG dominate. They were whipping to block him. Other councils such as Dublin city council may have easily enough nominated him

I think he knew that the councils were waiting to see the way the wind blew before they jumped in with him.......

I am just a bit dissapointed that labour didn't push a different candidate, Higgins is a bit diddery and in all likelyhood he will be made to look even more so when the real dirt starts to fly, the fine gael dirt slinging machine will be in full force in a few weeks.
Wait till you see the threads on here;)

Annasopra

meditraitor wrote: »

I think he knew that the councils were waiting to see the way the wind blew before they jumped in with him.......

I am just a bit dissapointed that labour didn't push a different candidate, Higgins is a bit diddery and in all likelyhood he will be made to look even more so when the real dirt starts to fly, the fine gael dirt slinging machine will be in full force in a few weeks.
Wait till you see the threads on here;)

Diddery? :rolleyes:

I don't think he's diddery at all - he is incredibly sharp and clued into what is going on - even the way he decisively beat Fergus Finlay shows an ability to beat opposing spin doctors at an early campaign stage.

anymore

Judgement Day wrote: »

Michael D's plain speaking on Newstalk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOxKnsT-XZg

Did he actually use a ' w' word in the dail or is it my poor hearing ?:eek:

mikemac

It's not your hearing, it's your reading.
Go see the youtube comment description

That's not the Dáil, that's Newstalk Radio, live broadcast from Galway

Pride Fighter

meditraitor wrote: »

I wouldnt agree with this point? Only one council was willing to look at Norris, and that was fingal....... and labour only have 9 of the 24 seats there.

Labour and the Socialist Party are in control of Fingal CC, they and one or 2 others supported him. He would have gotten Dublin CC and South Dublin CC to back him as they are Labour controlled (with independents and others backing both). Make no mistake, most if not all Labour public reps are supporting Michael D, but are democrats and wanted Norris to go forward.

Magic Beans

Two women followed nearly followed by a gay then an oul wan takes up the running for Presidency. Are there any men left in Ireland?

meditraitor

Pride Fighter wrote: »

Labour and the Socialist Party are in control of Fingal CC, they and one or 2 others supported him. He would have gotten Dublin CC and South Dublin CC to back him as they are Labour controlled (with independents and others backing both). Make no mistake, most if not all Labour public reps are supporting Michael D, but are democrats and wanted Norris to go forward.

I disagree with this analysis, it is naive to think that these councils would have voted for Norris if he was still in the running come September....... Why would they vote to put a more favorable candidate ahead of their party president?

anymore

mikemac wrote: »

It's not your hearing, it's your reading.
Go see the youtube comment description

That's not the Dáil, that's Newstalk Radio, live broadcast from Galway

Thanks for clarification - guess I need glasses but my hearing is ok.
Unbelievable stuff ! And this man is a Professor !

Judgement Day

Magic Beans wrote: »

Two women followed nearly followed by a gay then an oul wan takes up the running for Presidency. Are there any men left in Ireland?

Sadly there are no Clint Eastwood types in Ireland - he was Mayor of Carmel in California back in 1986 - but at 5/6 Michael D is the man! If you feel lucky (?) then go for Eamon O'Cuiv who is 20/1 - Well..... do ya?

Liam Byrne

As with the General Election it's a case of "best of a bad lot" ?

The Volt

GSF wrote: »

Cant see Higgins lasting 7 years. What age is he now? 70?

Is Ageism going to be the order of the day now?

Annasopra

Voltwad wrote: »

Is Ageism going to be the order of the day now?

As Ive pointed out already Michael D is only 3 years older than Norris.

PeterIanStaker

I reckon the likes of Harris, Myers, Deadly - Edwards, etc will attempt to smear Michael D, seeing as he as Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, scrapped their beloved Section 31.

Lockstep

I'll be proud to vote for Michael D. Disappointed that Norris won't be running though. He would have gotten my number 2 for sure.

I don't get why people would have voted for Norris but not Higgins based purely on age though. Higgins is 3 years older than Norris.

nesf

Lockstep wrote: »

I'll be proud to vote for Michael D. Disappointed that Norris won't be running though. He would have gotten my number 2 for sure.

I don't get why people would have voted for Norris but not Higgins based purely on age though. Higgins is 3 years older than Norris.

Probably because Norris looks 15 years younger than Micheal D.

anymore

PeterIanStaker wrote: »

I reckon the likes of Harris, Myers, Deadly - Edwards, etc will attempt to smear Michael D, seeing as he as Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, scrapped their beloved Section 31.

The only real question I have for candidates like MR Higgins who claim the Arts and Cutlture Section as an area of sepcial interest, is how in a republic they can justify allowing artists and writers an annual tax expemtion of 100,000 each year - and this is in addition to the many millions given in grants each year to this sector.
The fact that he already has at least 2 public sector pensions and is 70 is a concern as well. It reminds of the geriatric De Valera.

Lockstep

nesf wrote: »

Probably because Norris looks 15 years younger than Micheal D.

Indeed so it's appearance and not age.

monara

No. Michael D will not win the presidential race; he has been far too outspoken in the past. What we need is a president who can keep his/her head down and mouth shut.:)

Judgement Day

I'm more than a little concerned by certain shocking facts revealed by Declan Varley writing in this week's Galway Advertiser. Amongst the revelations in the piece are the following - 'he must probably have killed a donkey and eaten it with his bare hands', 'Did Michael D kill Bambi?' and most worryingly 'Michael D's poetry - if you record it, transfer it to vinyl and then play it backwards, the words actually make sense. They contain bomb making instructions, plans to take over the world and satanic ravings.'

By the way, as I predicted the odds with PP have now narrowed and Michael D is at 8/11 on to become the next President. Still worth a punt despite a possible last minute intervention from Dana.

thebman

Lockstep wrote: »

Indeed so it's appearance and not age.

Well yes but everybody doesn't live to the same age. Michael D Higgins looks more unhealthy than Senator Norris.

Lockstep

thebman wrote: »

Well yes but everybody doesn't live to the same age. Michael D Higgins looks more unhealthy than Senator Norris.

Ever meet the guy? He's very spry.

du Maurier

He always reminds me of those little goblins that used to steal potions in the cult classic game, Golden Axe - you had to give them a good boot up the arse to retrieve them back. They too were spry, nimble, robust. I'm now thinking I'd like to give Michael D a kick in the arse - 'takin all our potions!'*waves fist furiously*.

nuac

Tonedef
re your post no 14, MDH's anti american stance worries me. If as President he attacked any aspect of US foreign policy those americans who have invested or are thinking of investing in Ireland may be discouraged from further involvement here.

About his age, while he had some trouble with his knee some years ago, this now seems to be sorted. 70 is not old these days, and he seems to be in good shape.

( sigh --- I wish I was 70 again ! )

MadsL

du Maurier wrote: »

'takin all our potions!'*waves fist furiously*.

Made me think of ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brj2UkUPjCI

Pride Fighter

meditraitor wrote: »

I disagree with this analysis, it is naive to think that these councils would have voted for Norris if he was still in the running come September....... Why would they vote to put a more favorable candidate ahead of their party president?

I disagree. Labour only have large numbers on 3 councils, Fingal (which gave him a nomination), Dublin CC and South Dublin CC. They are ok in a few other areas, but FG/FF dominate there such as Galway CC, Westmeath and Dun Laoighre/Rathdown. Labour is a democratic party, also it would have thought that if Michael D gets ahead of Norris, Norris transfers would put him over the line, and if Michael D was behind Norris, Higgins transfers would put Norris over the line. Most Labour supporters would want Norris to win, if Michael D could not.

Permabear

This post has been deleted.

Lockstep

Pride Fighter wrote: »

I disagree. Labour only have large numbers on 3 councils, Fingal (which gave him a nomination), Dublin CC and South Dublin CC. They are ok in a few other areas, but FG/FF dominate there such as Galway CC, Westmeath and Dun Laoighre/Rathdown. Labour is a democratic party, also it would have thought that if Michael D gets ahead of Norris, Norris transfers would put him over the line, and if Michael D was behind Norris, Higgins transfers would put Norris over the line. Most Labour supporters would want Norris to win, if Michael D could not.

Dunno how Galway was planning on voting to nominate but Norris wanted to speak in front of Galway City Council and 8 councillors supported him coming (all 5 Labour, and two Independents)
FF, FG and 2 independents voted against him coming with the FG mayor using her tie-breaker to vote against.