The Healy Raes

riemann

Surely a walking argument against democracy?

I don't think I've ever heard any of them say anything that displayed any kind of education or knowledge on a subject.

The amount of air time they get is scandalous.

dude_abided

riemann wrote: »

Surely a walking argument against democracy?

I don't think I've ever heard any of them say anything that displayed any kind of education or knowledge on a subject.

The amount of air time they get is scandalous.

I thought they actually did quite well by their constituency from the sounds of it (building Kilgarvan road, providing for area etc). Irrespective of if you like them or not, surely that's showing democracy working?

Shane Ross on the other hand....

riemann

dude_abided wrote: »

I thought they actually did quite well by their constituency from the sounds of it (building Kilgarvan road, providing for area etc). Irrespective of if you like them or not, surely that's showing democracy working?

Shane Ross on the other hand....

Yeah I hear they supplied all the plant also, for a small fee of course.

North inner city hoodlum

A great bunch of lads!

Jimmy Dags

Dose of scour when they start raving on about post offices closing considering they have regional sorting office, parish post office, one daughter a post mistress and another daughter post delivery.

Jim Bob Scratcher

Gobsheens of the highest order

Mutant z

At least they aren't from the same county as me that's all i have to say.

freshpopcorn

Well for people who lack an education. They seem to have a lot of respect in their area and they also own several business and are very well off!

pauliebdub

We should count ourselves lucky that not every rural constituency has a Healy Rae because they would do very well indeed. They're good at what they do and generate a lot of publicity with their contrarian views and their us vs Dublin 4 carry on they come out with.

Boscoirl

Don’t forget their government contracts

dok_golf

parish pump politicians. There is hardly an OPW contract in Kerry that danny doesn't get.

vicwatson

riemann wrote: »

Surely a walking argument against democracy?

I don't think I've ever heard any of them say anything that displayed any kind of education or knowledge on a subject.

The amount of air time they get is scandalous.

Well I tell you now it’s like dis

satguy

They work hard for their county. (Kerry) The whole county.

Wasters like Shane Ross only work hard for their D4 constituency, and could care less about the rest of us. HERE

NIMAN

satguy wrote: »

They work hard for their county. (Kerry) The whole county.

Wasters like Shane Ross only work hard for their D4 constituency, and could care less about the rest of us. HERE

I think they are meant to work for the whole country? No?

One eyed Jack

riemann wrote: »

Surely a walking argument against democracy?

I don't think I've ever heard any of them say anything that displayed any kind of education or knowledge on a subject.

The amount of air time they get is scandalous.

They're politicians, not intellectuals, and they're considerably much better at their jobs than most of the shower of shytehawks who are our elected representatives. If anyone were a walking argument against democracy, it's politicians who do sweet fcukall for their constituents, and are taking home the same inflated and unjustifiable salaries as the Healy Raes.

Anthracite

dude_abided wrote: »

I thought they actually did quite well by their constituency from the sounds of it (building Kilgarvan road, providing for area etc). Irrespective of if you like them or not, surely that's showing democracy working?

Shane Ross on the other hand....

If you are elected to the national legislature, you legislate for the nation. You don't draw money away from other areas that need it to buy votes.

It's democracy not working.

EPAndlee

One eyed Jack

Anthracite wrote: »

If you are elected to the national legislature, you legislate for the nation. You don't draw money away from other areas that need it to buy votes.

It's democracy not working.

It's the essence of a representative democracy?

Representatives of their constituents, elected by their constituents, to represent their constituents interests at national level.

irishgrover

They embody all that is wrong with Irish politics. Pubs and primarily money from public sector seem to have financed their family empire for generations. The also figured out the the most efficient way to ensure a constant flow of public funds directly to their private enterprise is through getting elected first to Co. Co. and they as TDs. I'm not suggesting they are doing anything illegal. They are just highlighting what an inept system we have.
On an individual level they are ignorance personified..... Blocking drink driving laws, claiming electric cars are dangerous in the wet (due to electrocution), talking biblical bull**** about retribution etc etc..... They and their ilk are a ****ing scour on our country....
I have nothing but distain for them personally and all that justify or support their existence in public life...

Zaph

I think it's unfair of this thread to pick on the Healy-Raes when it could so easily have also included Mattie McGrath and Michael Lowry. A missed opportunity there OP.

Roger Hassenforder

Ive a begrudging respect for them and their ability to play the system. In fairness to them, they work very hard and you wont hear a bad word said about them in Kerry.

That said, that they get elected to a national parliament and spend their days sorting medical cards and drainage is ridiculous. The deliver for their constituents, but it should be done at as local level

dulux99

I'm not from kerry but I've spent a lot of time in kerry throughout my life and while I agree, on the face of it, they're a pack of gombeens... You can't deny the work they do for kerry people. You won't find a kerry man who doesn't atleast have a friend or family member who has been genuinely helped by one of the healyraes. That's why they'll continue to get elected. They'll bend over backwards for their constituents and you can't say that for a lot of td's. Plus they believe that fairys destroyed the cork to Killarney road. Whats not to like about that?

Dank Janniels

satguy wrote: »

They work hard for their county. (Kerry) The whole county.

Wasters like Shane Ross only work hard for their D4 constituency, and could care less about the rest of us. HERE

County kerry is the constituency

dulux99

dulux99 wrote: »

I'm not from kerry but I've spent a lot of time in kerry throughout my life and while I agree, on the face of it, they're a pack of gombeens... You can't deny the work they do for kerry people. You won't find a kerry man who doesn't atleast have a friend or family member who has been genuinely helped by one of the healyraes. That's why they'll continue to get elected. They'll bend over backwards for their constituents and you can't say that for a lot of td's. Plus they believe that fairys destroyed the cork to Killarney road. Whats not to like about that?

Just to give a quick anecdote to further get my point across - I was at a work function in Dublin and was staying in a hotel on Harcourt Street. We were coming out of the hotel (about 8 of us) and one of our party is a kerry woman. Walking into the hotel was Michael Healy Rae, and he called my colleague from across the car park by name. She stopped and they had a chat for a solid 15 minutes, and he asked her how all the family and extended family were keeping - and knew everyone by name. You'd swear that these two knew each other all their lives but she told us later on that she'd only met him once or twice, and he remembered her from those encounters. It was bizarre and quite frankly weird to see him rattle off each member of her family and know so much about each person.

Boggers eh, who'd have em!

spurshero

dulux99 wrote: »

dulux99 wrote: »

I'm not from kerry but I've spent a lot of time in kerry throughout my life and while I agree, on the face of it, they're a pack of gombeens... You can't deny the work they do for kerry people. You won't find a kerry man who doesn't atleast have a friend or family member who has been genuinely helped by one of the healyraes. That's why they'll continue to get elected. They'll bend over backwards for their constituents and you can't say that for a lot of td's. Plus they believe that fairys destroyed the cork to Killarney road. Whats not to like about that?

Just to give a quick anecdote to further get my point across - I was at a work function in Dublin and was staying in a hotel on Harcourt Street. We were coming out of the hotel (about 8 of us) and one of our party is a kerry woman. Walking into the hotel was Michael Healy Rae, and he called my colleague from across the car park by name. She stopped and they had a chat for a solid 15 minutes, and he asked her how all the family and extended family were keeping - and knew everyone by name. You'd swear that these two knew each other all their lives but she told us later on that she'd only met him once or twice, and he remembered her from those encounters. It was bizarre and quite frankly weird to see him rattle off each member of her family and know so much about each person.

Boggers eh, who'd have em!

For somebody not from Kerry or for somebody who doesn’t know anything about them you can sure tell few stories all good on the Healy Rae s

spurshero

dulux99 wrote: »

dulux99 wrote: »

I'm not from kerry but I've spent a lot of time in kerry throughout my life and while I agree, on the face of it, they're a pack of gombeens... You can't deny the work they do for kerry people. You won't find a kerry man who doesn't atleast have a friend or family member who has been genuinely helped by one of the healyraes. That's why they'll continue to get elected. They'll bend over backwards for their constituents and you can't say that for a lot of td's. Plus they believe that fairys destroyed the cork to Killarney road. Whats not to like about that?

Just to give a quick anecdote to further get my point across - I was at a work function in Dublin and was staying in a hotel on Harcourt Street. We were coming out of the hotel (about 8 of us) and one of our party is a kerry woman. Walking into the hotel was Michael Healy Rae, and he called my colleague from across the car park by name. She stopped and they had a chat for a solid 15 minutes, and he asked her how all the family and extended family were keeping - and knew everyone by name. You'd swear that these two knew each other all their lives but she told us later on that she'd only met him once or twice, and he remembered her from those encounters. It was bizarre and quite frankly weird to see him rattle off each member of her family and know so much about each person.

Boggers eh, who'd have em!

For somebody not from Kerry or for somebody who doesn’t know anything about them you can sure tell few stories all good on the Healy Rae s

Conservatory

dulux99 wrote: »

Just to give a quick anecdote to further get my point across - I was at a work function in Dublin and was staying in a hotel on Harcourt Street. We were coming out of the hotel (about 8 of us) and one of our party is a kerry woman. Walking into the hotel was Michael Healy Rae, and he called my colleague from across the car park by name. She stopped and they had a chat for a solid 15 minutes, and he asked her how all the family and extended family were keeping - and knew everyone by name. You'd swear that these two knew each other all their lives but she told us later on that she'd only met him once or twice, and he remembered her from those encounters. It was bizarre and quite frankly weird to see him rattle off each member of her family and know so much about each person.

Boggers eh, who'd have em!

It’s a chapter in how to win friends and influence people. All the greats remembered the names of everybody and one thing about them that’d get them talking.
One president was known to know all the staff in all the big houses he visited and apparently when introduced he’d find out something about them and say for example they had a cat called pickles he’d walk away and write it down , bill cat called pickles.
He read the note for a few hours along with all the other ones whenever he got a chance. He’d always remember the people and they always voted for him because it made them feel special to see the politician in the fancy suit and he’d say hey bill how’s pickles.
I’m rambling.

dulux99

spurshero wrote: »

For somebody not from Kerry or for somebody who doesn’t know anything about them you can sure tell few stories all good on the Healy Rae s

I'm from cork and literally said in my post I've spent a good chunk of my life in kerry. I then so happened to work with a kerry woman. Also Paul galvin is my brother and I was born in the aqua dome. But that's where the coincidences end.

Kermit.de.frog

Tipperary v Kerry in the All Ireland Red Necks Final?

Gwynplaine

They have to be putting on that accent. I can't understand a word out of them. Need subtitles. Gombeen politics.

diomed

They are expert politicians. Take notes.

munster87

Mutant z wrote: »

At least they aren't from the same county as me that's all i have to say.

They’re from the same country as you!

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

I can't abide them but I have to admit they are not as dumb as they make themselves out to be. They have a tremendous support in their constituency and that's all that matters to them.

whisky_galore

freshpopcorn wrote: »

Well for people who lack an education.

They would buy and sell you.

Cute as sh!thouse rats.

Sephiroth_dude

Clowns of the highest order!

diomed

whisky_galore wrote: »

They would buy and sell you.
Cute as sh!thouse rats.

Agree.
They know the time of day.
Educated people are just stupid people with a bit of book learning.

BIGT4464

satguy wrote: »

They work hard for their county. (Kerry) The whole county.

Wasters like Shane Ross only work hard for their D4 constituency, and could care less about the rest of us. HERE

They do a lot of running around but none of that is useful. They just fool people into thinking they are useful.

BIGT4464

Mutant z wrote: »

At least they aren't from the same county as me that's all i have to say.

I'm from the county but don't live there any more. What an embarrassment they are.

whisky_galore

riemann wrote: »

The amount of air time they get is scandalous.

The media fall for it every time, and their supporters love it. Free advertising.

It's the closest thing we have to Trump.

suicide_circus

Michael Healy Rae is the second wealthiest TD in the Dail at 5.4m euro. Beaten to the top spot but good old Michael Lowry at 6.2m euro.

Wanderer78

suicide_circus wrote:

Michael Healy Rae is the second wealthiest TD in the Dail at 5.4m euro. Beaten to the top spot but good old Michael Lowry at 6.2m euro.

Ah shur we all love an ould rags to riches story, man of the people!

whisky_galore

suicide_circus wrote: »

Beaten to the top spot but good old Michael Lowry at 6.2m euro.

Another man loved by his people...

Gravelly

It's hilarious all the posters with a variation on the "but that isn't what they are elected for, they should be legislating on national issues" as if the Dáil were some ancient Greek Boule with Socrates holding forth on the essence of democracy.

That's not how the Dáil works in reality - the Healy-Raes (or any other non-ministerial TD) has little real power to change anything, and the whip system means the government of the day, as long as it has a majority (whether real or artificial, as now) will basically do as it wishes. Your TD is useless to you unless he can effect real change in your local area, and this is where the Healy-Raes excel. Love them or loathe them, they are bloody brilliant at what they do, and they know exactly what a TD's real function is, as opposed to the theoretical function some believe it to be. Realists vote for people like the Healy-Raes, McGrath, Flanagan, Moran, etc. They know how to work the system - if you don't want that to be the case, lobby to change the system, don't blame people for not voting against their own interests.

biko

Irish politics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjl8OIZijjY

Hector Bellend

They're just being culchies.

Thats what culchies do.

greenspurs

Hector Bellend wrote: »

They're just being culchies.

Thats what culchies do.

And you just did what Bellends do ...

Eggs For Dinner

dude_abided wrote: »

I thought they actually did quite well by their constituency from the sounds of it (building Kilgarvan road, providing for area etc). Irrespective of if you like them or not, surely that's showing democracy working?
.

That's only showing how stupid an administration we have, where members of our National Parliament are deemed to be a success for getting a road built from one Godforsaken place to another, while at the same time hundreds of elderly patients are on trollies in A&E

sbsquarepants

riemann wrote: »

Surely a walking argument against democracy?

I don't think I've ever heard any of them say anything that displayed any kind of education or knowledge on a subject.

The amount of air time they get is scandalous.

It's a ratings game and they play it perfectly, the same auld look at those gombeens, shower of imbeciles, nonsense you hear over and over. It makes no sense - how could they be so thick and yet so successful in the cut throat business of politics?

These shower play that constituency like virtuosos on a Stradivarious. No education, lack of knowledge and vast personal wealth are extremely rare bedfellows. Whatever they are - stupid they clearly aren't.

Ol' Donie

One eyed Jack wrote: »

They're politicians, not intellectuals

You got that right.

Dakota Dan

Jim Bob Scratcher wrote: »

Gobsheens of the highest order

Bertie was so much better.

Gravelly

Hector Bellend wrote: »

They're just being culchies.

Thats what culchies do.

It wasn't culchies that elected Bertie, Charlie, Liam Lawlor, etc. not to mention head-the-balls like Patricia McKenna, Joe Costello, Richard Boyd-Barrett, Katherine Zappone, etc.