Carlow TD - Opinions

fruitcow

I'm interested in getting anyone's opinion on the only TD elected from Carlow County in the last election.

Has Pat Deering done anything particularly good for Carlow since the election? I've had a look at his website but most of the postings are fairly generic and nothing hugely impressive IMO.

Basically, did we get what we voted for in this guy?

foggy_lad

fruitcow wrote: »

I'm interested in getting anyone's opinion on the only TD elected from Carlow County in the last election.

Has Pat Deering done anything particularly good for Carlow since the election? I've had a look at his website but most of the postings are fairly generic and nothing hugely impressive IMO.

Basically, did we get what we voted for in this guy?

You would have to find out why the investigation into planning irregularities in Carlow has been shelved by the current Government but my guess is that several Fine Gael members of both the town and County councils would be in very deep water, up to their necks in it!

kwalshe

I've seen him once since he was elected. At the Ballon parade on St. Patricks. He arrived when the parade was finishing up, was up on the truckbed/stage for the pictures and was gone as soon as the pictures were finished.

Owryan

Well at least he s still alive, our last td , well one could never tell !!!!

fruitcow

Owryan wrote: »

Well at least he s still alive, our last td , well one could never tell !!!!

..at least he's still alive,... As performance metrics go it's not really the shining example of leadership and accountability I was looking for. But I guess it could be seen as a positive.

Surely someone has something (genuinely) good to say?

Owryan

fruitcow wrote: »

..at least he's still alive,... As performance metrics go it's not really the shining example of leadership and accountability I was looking for. But I guess it could be seen as a positive.

Surely someone has something (genuinely) good to say?

Havent seen him, heard from him or even know anyone who has.

Saying that , theres not a lot in Carlow for him to shout about. He s a government TD in the same const. as a minister so unless he starts to go against the party line no one will hear anything from/about him.

Ooops, one good thing , his leaflet drops have stopped cluttering my hall floor lol

rua1972

There is a sign for Carlow on the M9 now thanks to pat. In the Nationalist was picture of Pat next to the sign. But to call that a big achievement..

NiThigim

kwalshe

rua1972 wrote: »

There is a sign for Carlow on the M9 now thanks to pat. In the Nationalist was picture of Pat next to the sign. But to call that a big achievement..

and here is the subsequent letter sent into the Nationalist...


Dear Editor,

With reference to the photograph of Pat Deering, TD, on page 3 of last week's edition of the Carlow People, I note that Mr. Deering may be committing an
offence in the name of publicity.
The photograph in question shows Mr. Deering pointing at a sign on the M7
Motorway, just before the exit for the M9. To have the photograph taken Mr. Deering, and his photographer, would either have had to have driven to the location and stopped their vehicle at the side of the motorway - an offence under the Road Traffic Acts, as it was not an emergency, or parked their
vehicle at the nearest motorway exit (Naas South, 4km away) and walked
along the hard shoulder of the motorway - also an offence under the same Acts.
Here was me thinking that our elected representatives had to abide by the same laws that we do.

Name and address
with Editor

byhookorbycrook

kwalshe wrote: »

Here was me thinking that our elected representatives had to abide by the same laws that we do.

I know text speak is frowned on, but rotflmao is the only real answer to that. (Rolling on the floor laughing my ass off)

Owryan

byhookorbycrook wrote: »

I know text speak is frowned on, but rotflmao is the only real answer to that. (Rolling on the floor laughing my ass off)

You would have to assume they have brains too, and there aint a lot of evidence for even 1 braincell amongst them

Villain

kwalshe wrote: »

and here is the subsequent letter sent into the Nationalist...


Dear Editor,

With reference to the photograph of Pat Deering, TD, on page 3 of last week's edition of the Carlow People, I note that Mr. Deering may be committing an
offence in the name of publicity.
The photograph in question shows Mr. Deering pointing at a sign on the M7
Motorway, just before the exit for the M9. To have the photograph taken Mr. Deering, and his photographer, would either have had to have driven to the location and stopped their vehicle at the side of the motorway - an offence under the Road Traffic Acts, as it was not an emergency, or parked their
vehicle at the nearest motorway exit (Naas South, 4km away) and walked
along the hard shoulder of the motorway - also an offence under the same Acts.
Here was me thinking that our elected representatives had to abide by the same laws that we do.

Name and address
with Editor

That letter was in the Carlow People not the Nationalist, Pat seems to like been bold with signs http://www.carlowpeople.ie/news/deering-ordered-to-take-down-posters-2355479.html

Jacques Thelad

It pathetic when a TD who is costing the country about €250,000 a year (see Namawinelake: http://namawinelake.wordpress.com/2012/02/18/how-much-do-irish-politicians-get-paid-part-1-of-2/) has to point at a road sign as his only achievement.

I also see that he's giving clinics about the place: for €250,000 of your hard earned euros he will turn up in your area VERY occasionally (once a year / twice a year?) for half an hour. What a remarkable work ethic.

fruitcow

Comment sent on Pat Deerings website (http://patdeering.ie/about-me/)....

Mr Deering,

Online discussions are are somewhat dismissive of you as an elected TD. It appears you are either incapable of doing anything useful, or simply incapable of showing any evidence of anything you have done. Would you be willing to respond to this thread http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056598753

You can either email myself directly or go online and reply. Your response will be appreciated by many people.

I'll post any response I get here.

Morf

They should have asked him how often he committed offences on motorways while they were at it . . .

Owryan

fruitcow wrote: »

Comment sent on Pat Deerings website (http://patdeering.ie/about-me/)....



I'll post any response I get here.

Be nice if he answers, we are his constituants after all. Maybe he is busy behind the scenes , but he has little or no public profile and have never heard him on any radio talkshows (dont listen to kilkenny carlow radio )

leincar

I gave Pat Deering my first preference at the last election. It was nothing to do with local politics, but nationally to keep as many Fianna Fáil people out.

Having said that he seems to be having as much impact in Leinster House as his Carlow predecessor MJ Nolan.

This is why I have always advocated a list system and a change in the way constituencies are drawn up. With a list system the cream are elected first and the people elected to purely make up numbers(As Deering is) have to have a cogent, intelligent opinion and not just someone who can press a yea or nay button as ordered.

lucylu

Tankardstown crossroads staggered crossroads at N81/ Carlow Hacketstown road is getting a signage (unnecessary) make over which happens to be the first major crossroads nearest to Pat Deering’s home as he actually lives in the Wicklow Constituency - considence much??

TaosHum

As much as I hate to try and make an excuse for him, is the fact that he is in the same constituency as Phil Hogan hampering him from getting anything done in Carlow?

With Hogan being Minister of Environment and a strong supporter of Kenny, would it not mean that if Hogan pushes for something (which is always for Kilkenny) and at the same time Deering is also looking for something, then is it not a fore gone conclusion that Hogan will get his way?

Owryan

TaosHum wrote: »

As much as I hate to try and make an excuse for him, is the fact that he is in the same constituency as Phil Hogan hampering him from getting anything done in Carlow?

With Hogan being Minister of Environment and a strong supporter of Kenny, would it not mean that if Hogan pushes for something (which is always for Kilkenny) and at the same time Deering is also looking for something, then is it not a fore gone conclusion that Hogan will get his way?

But you never even hear him say anything about anything, even so far as "im trying to get this for carlow" He must ve borrowed mj nolans cloak of invisibility

foggy_lad

Owryan wrote: »

But you never even hear him say anything about anything, even so far as "im trying to get this for carlow" He must ve borrowed mj nolans cloak of invisibility

He is keeping his head down till the pension entitlement comes through then he might think about rocking the boat.

Jacques Thelad

Face facts here. Unless the charisma fairy gives him a belt of a wand, he's never going to achieve anything for Carlow. Like the rest of the TDs putting in time, he will make no effort to improve his public speaking, broaden his knowledge of political affairs (beyond expenses claims), or even prepare a meaningful speech that might be reported beyond the boundary of the Dáil chamber. Instead he will spend his spare time down on the farm at our expense.

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.

DMAXMAN

I HAVE TO SAY THAT WHILE PAT DEERING MAY NOT BE SHOUTING FROM THE ROOFTOPS ,HE HAS GOT HOLD OF MY NAME FOR HIS MAILING LIST AND I REGULARLY GET UPDATES OF WHAT IS BEING DONE THAT AFFECTS ME. WE DONT NEED WINDBAGS,WE NEED WORKERS.EMPTY VESSELS ALWAYS MADE MOST NOISE.

Owryan

fruitcow wrote: »

Comment sent on Pat Deerings website (http://patdeering.ie/about-me/)....



I'll post any response I get here.

So after a week with no reply can i assume thats where we stand with him lol?

fruitcow

Owryan wrote: »

So after a week with no reply can i assume thats where we stand with him lol?

I was hoping, although not expecting, for a reply but nothing materialized. I am going to send another email and also a written letter.

When I first started the thread I was just curious as to whether anyone had heard anything about him. Having read all the replies, now I'm just seething inside. As someone stated, 250,000 euro a year for a person who's only claim to fame is that he once pointed to a sign on motorway under possibly illegal conditions.

We're the bigger fools for voting for him I guess. (I mean collectively not as individuals)

CMCR

With respect - what is the OP asking for here? A request for a comment on other comments on a public discussion forum? I would be surprised if there was a response to the OP's email - in fact, some people would say the views expressed are subjective. But that is just my opinion!

The reality, is that this public representive is a first-time backbencher...so they are not at the Cabinet Table, or in a position or make decisions on policy and they are in a constituency with a Government Minister, so media coverage is therefore pointed.

I regularly watch proceedings in the Dail as part of my job and probably on only one occasion in the past 5yrs saw this persons predecessor (that is, the former TD for Carlow) ever speak in the Dail on anything; yet that person was repeatedly voted in at elections! And, might I add, continues to enjoy a TD pension. As do other predecessors of theirs.

I'm not sure what the answer to the OPs question is, but backbenchers really are limited and can only can lobby for different issues, highlight ongoing concerns and so on. Other than that, it is a matter for the Minister and Department concerned (and indeed, the funds available if required).

I might add, Carlow has received funding for a variety of services (including roads, sports facilities and so on) in the last few years....Visual in Carlow is probably just an example - something many other Counties are envious of!:)

CMCR.

kwalshe

CMCR wrote: »

I might add, Carlow has received funding for a variety of services (including roads, sports facilities and so on) in the last few years....Visual in Carlow is probably just an example - something many other Counties are envious of!:)

CMCR.

Genuine question, I agree that the Visual is an amazing facility in Carlow, but what road and sporting facilities are you talking about? The M9 is and inter urban road that happens to pass Carlow and I'm not aware of any proper sports facilities in Carlow apart from Dr. Cullen Pk.

Owryan

I would hope that mr Deering would be only too willing to try and amend peoples opinion of him and his record so far.

Comparing him to mj nolan is hardly a comfort . If he is bringing money/facilities to Carlow then it would be in his best interests to highlight this fact. No one knows when there ll be another GE and he will have plenty of competition to be a Carlow td.

Even with all the furore over the household charge and water metering he is nowhere to be seen or heard pushing the government line. To me that sums him up

CMCR

kwalshe wrote: »

Genuine question, I agree that the Visual is an amazing facility in Carlow, but what road and sporting facilities are you talking about? The M9 is and inter urban road that happens to pass Carlow and I'm not aware of any proper sports facilities in Carlow apart from Dr. Cullen Pk.

Funding for services is not always about the big-ticket items. In February this year a grant of €700,000 was announced for improvements to the southern relief road in Carlow, more than €400,000 was provided for improvements to the swimming pools in Graiguecullen and Bagenalstown last year, €86,000+ was approved last year for outdoor gym equipment in Tullow, Oakpark and Bagenalstown. They're just a few examples of funding from one Department for facilities/services - there are others I am sure too.

Villain

The fact that big Phil is a minister I would have thought he would have been getting Pat in a lot more publicity to make sure they hold the seat next time around but then again given Phil's performance maybe Pat doesn't want to stand too close!

Jacques Thelad

Comparing MJ Nolan to Pat Deering is like comparing a donkey to an ass.

sinsin

Villain wrote: »

The fact that big Phil is a minister I would have thought he would have been getting Pat in a lot more publicity to make sure they hold the seat next time around but then again given Phil's performance maybe Pat doesn't want to stand too close!

Phil will never stand again.
You will never get to shake your fist at his bald head.
He is on his way to Europe,that is the deal......he enforces the diktats and then he is off to Brussels.
Phil was Brutons' bag man he was in on all the Lowry,O'Brien,Desmond machinations.
Ask any older FG member...He is their Ray Burke.

sinsin

CMCR wrote: »

Funding for services is not always about the big-ticket items. In February this year a grant of €700,000 was announced for improvements to the southern relief road in Carlow, more than €400,000 was provided for improvements to the swimming pools in Graiguecullen and Bagenalstown last year, €86,000+ was approved last year for outdoor gym equipment in Tullow, Oakpark and Bagenalstown. They're just a few examples of funding from one Department for facilities/services - there are others I am sure too.

You do realise that the State has collapsed and is completely bankrupt and is only being kept alive until 2013 when Germany has everything in place.
You realise that we cannot ever pay these banking losses and no one will bail us out.Unless you think we have leprechauns.

Sorry for being smart.Irish news is censored keeping the people in LaLa Land.You need to source your financial new from non government MSM sources.If you need some sources,I can give you some blogs which are about 4 months ahead of the Irish News sources.

sinsin

foggy_lad wrote: »

You would have to find out why the investigation into planning irregularities in Carlow has been shelved by the current Government but my guess is that several Fine Gael members of both the town and County councils would be in very deep water, up to their necks in it!

I missed that.
I would have thought that they were too scared with all the Tribunals going on.
I lost track with the jerry built apartments and the cardboard houses.
The big money is in Commercial.
Fair Green???
Doyles blocking Green Lane?
The gutting of the town accompanied by Nazi car parking guidelines.

But I think the culprit has flown:mad:

But they completely wrecked the town,it has regressed 50 years in the past ten.
But you get what you deserve.
Gangsters and Gobdaws are admired.

sinsin

kwalshe wrote: »

Genuine question, I agree that the Visual is an amazing facility in Carlow, but what road and sporting facilities are you talking about? The M9 is and inter urban road that happens to pass Carlow and I'm not aware of any proper sports facilities in Carlow apart from Dr. Cullen Pk.

IT very good.Eire Og,Carlow Town Hurling..I am not up to speed on the Rugby club,the Blues and Graigue...basic I would think?
Laurence O'Toole and the Pres Secondary.

Soccer..St Pats.
Soccer always took the money,no community spirit.

We are well fixed.

sinsin

fruitcow wrote: »

I'm interested in getting anyone's opinion on the only TD elected from Carlow County in the last election.

Has Pat Deering done anything particularly good for Carlow since the election? I've had a look at his website but most of the postings are fairly generic and nothing hugely impressive IMO.

Basically, did we get what we voted for in this guy?

He took the family council seat. Michael was his uncle.
Kilkenny FG always nobble Carlow FG to ensure that a weak moron is elected who will never be a threat in a close contest.
Browne was fed up as some local FG were Big Phil operatives.
Big swing to FG in comes Deering, OK for funerals and GAA but will never be Minister for Anything.
That is politics.
The same constituency rules apply in FF.
That is why Carlow was split not KK.

It has always been so.Tom Nolan and Des Governey held the line for a few years but now it has reverted.

sinsin

Jacques Thelad wrote: »

Comparing MJ Nolan to Pat Deering is like comparing a donkey to an ass.

Agreed but MJ has at least 30 IQ points on him.

Jacques Thelad

sinsin wrote: »

I can give you some blogs which are about 4 months ahead of the Irish News sources.

Please do. And before any moderators jump on us, this IS relevant to Carlow.

tommycahir

Jacques Thelad wrote: »

Please do. And before any moderators jump on us, this IS relevant to Carlow.

Actually I would be interested in those also..

BTW I agree it is relevant to Carlow as to how our elected TD is performing.

CMCR

sinsin wrote: »

You do realise that the State has collapsed and is completely bankrupt and is only being kept alive until 2013 when Germany has everything in place.
You realise that we cannot ever pay these banking losses and no one will bail us out.Unless you think we have leprechauns.

Sorry for being smart.Irish news is censored keeping the people in LaLa Land.You need to source your financial new from non government MSM sources.If you need some sources,I can give you some blogs which are about 4 months ahead of the Irish News sources.

The State has not collapsed but we are in an IMF programme. I don't disute that latter fact. Suggesting the State has collapsed suggests that there is no law and order, no public services, widespread public looting, and so on.

thanks for the advice on blogs, but I have no interest in sourcing my information from unofficial sources and relying instead on some randomers who have an agenda. Finally, the figures I quoted earlier regarding funding for projects in Carlow are accurate and are already in the public domain.

royston_vasey

Perhaps the reason Mr. Deering has been so anonymous is because it takes him all month to lodge his expenses

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AlxJrxiwB44XdGJZcG0tUVI2aWVGZzdkUThWZG1FTHc#gid=0

Original source: http://www.thejournal.ie/one-third-of-tds-return-e210k-in-unused-expenses-for-2011-477434-Jun2012/

Nice to see Big Phil return €11.90 - sharing the pain.