Presidential Election 2018 - Rural Ireland

Aravo

With the Presidential Election on the way, who will you be voting for to represent rural Ireland.

2011 MDH
2018 Casey

Sorry MDH, 7yrs is 7yrs for me.

Genghis Cant

Op, please edit your opening post to reflect exactly what you wish to discuss.
It's a discussion forum after all and a one word post falls below the standard we expect here in F&F.
Thanks.

alps

Excert from Michael D's poem "The Betrayal"

Seems he was pissed off too at Presidents taking Jets to destinations at the cost of the welfare class

Nor did you speak too much.
You had broken an attendant’s glasses,
the holy nurse told me,
when you were admitted.
Your father is a very difficult man,
as you must know. And Social Welfare is slow
and if you would pay for the glasses,
I would appreciate it.
It was 1964, just after optical benefit
was rejected by de Valera for poorer classes
in his Republic, who could not afford,
as he did
to travel to Zurich
for there regular tests and their
rimless glasses.

freedominacup

alps wrote: »

Excert from Michael D's poem "The Betrayal"

Seems he was pissed off too at Presidents taking Jets to destinations at the cost of the welfare class

Nor did you speak too much.
You had broken an attendant’s glasses,
the holy nurse told me,
when you were admitted.
Your father is a very difficult man,
as you must know. And Social Welfare is slow
and if you would pay for the glasses,
I would appreciate it.
It was 1964, just after optical benefit
was rejected by de Valera for poorer classes
in his Republic, who could not afford,
as he did
to travel to Zurich
for there regular tests and their
rimless glasses.

Some header quoted on the findo today was banging on about Mickey's connection to and understanding of rural issues. All I could think of was him and Obama.

visatorro

Doesn't make one bit of difference really to anyone let alone farmers. I'll probably give casey a tick.
Heard Bobby kerr giving out later that it's making a mockery of dragons den.

Say my name

I'm voting for the Chinese one.

_Brian

MickeyD getting votes here.

Rest of them are just promoting themselves.

As for changing minds, how many here have said they’re buying no more stock, to buy some at the very next mart they go to. Life changes, people change, he didn’t “promise” he was never running again.

cute geoge

Say my name wrote: »

I'm voting for the Chinese one.

Is that dickie rocks sister?

TooOldBoots

cute geoge wrote: »

Is that dickie rocks sister?

No its Elvis, he's alive!!!

JD115m

Will be giving Casey the tick here at least he's saying what many people are thinking

Aravo

It's a gig worth e250k p/a. Maybe its just the lure of the money at this stage for MDH

Coolfresian

JD115m wrote: »

Will be giving Casey the tick here at least he's saying what many people are thinking

Likewise, all votes for Casey here. Seems to be gaining huge momentum

TooOldBoots

JD115m wrote: »

Will be giving Casey the tick here at least he's saying what many people are thinking

I think Casey will do better than the 1% the Polls suggest. People are sick of seeing the Government wasting money with no accountability. The Casey Vote will be a backlash against the establishment

Aravo

TooOldBoots wrote:

The Casey Vote will be a backlash against the establishment

If Casey opted out I was still going to vote for him and I believe many would have as a vote of no confidence in the establishment.

Muckit

It's not this presidential election but the one in 7years time I'm concerned about!!

Graniteville

As a rural dweller, not involved in farming, but neighbours that are, Casey all the way for the 20+ families here as he's the first person to challenge the scourge of rural Ireland - travellers.

bogman_bass

TooOldBoots wrote: »

I think Casey will do better than the 1% the Polls suggest. People are sick of seeing the Government wasting money with no accountability. The Casey Vote will be a backlash against the establishment

A dog whistle for bigotry more like

rovertom

Case getting a lot of votes here in rural mayo.
The local postman said he is hearing casey no 1 pretty much across the board.

older by the day

bogman_bass wrote: »

A dog whistle for bigotry more like

Casey is talking Sense. There are a lot of working couples looking for accomadation in this country. Why should there be exceptions made for any ethnic group. If I break the law there is no excuse for my behaviour why is there an excuse for travellers. My sister's always had horses but they now work in the city, they don't expect to bring the horse with them. Times change, culture change. Everyone should be treated equally. That's not bigotry.

Graniteville

TooOldBoots wrote: »

I think Casey will do better than the 1% the Polls suggest. People are sick of seeing the Government wasting money with no accountability. The Casey Vote will be a backlash against the establishment

Polls were before he became the representative of the protest vote.
Expect 10%-15%

Dinzee Conlee

Casey seems to be following the Donald Trump playbook, which I don’t like... He probably will get more votes cos of his traveller statements...
If he feels so strong about it, he should running for TD, where you can at least try to make a difference - but that’s not the big job, so he won’t...

Will be voting MDH, think he did a good job so far...

To be honest, would be embarrassed to be represented by Casey, or any of the Dragons den lads...

JD115m

Casey's the only one of them that has been somwhat honest in his views and the only candidate to represent rural ireland unlike the other candidates who are being politically correct or talking in riddles so much so that you would need a dictionary to understand them

Henwin

I'll be voting for Casey. Put 20 euro on him yesterday at 80/1. He is now 33/1. Anyway everyone I have spoken to is voting Casey. There are so many farmers in Ireland that have property stolen from them, 99% from travellers
They rarely get convicted. I know of no traveller that works locally and pays taxes. They rarely finish secondary school never mind college. I see their houses being wrecked only for local county council's to rebuild them no questions asked. They constantly leave places in a filthy state. Why dont they be required to have refuse collection?. It's for these reasons and so many more that hard working people are fed up having to fund. It's their poor me attitudes that grates on people. Take, Take, Take and still complain. If travellers only marry other travellers then surely there is a risk of some inbreeding which leads to health and mental issues. They shud be encouraged to get a good education, marry settled people and get a career then their mental and physical health shud improve and they will integrate better.

_Brian

People are being duped by Casey, same as trump and his “drain the swamp” mantra during his election campaign.
If Casey gets in hell never mention travellers again, it’s an untouchable subject.

Casey loves Ireland so much he dodges paying his taxes here.

Coolfresian

_Brian wrote: »

People are being duped by Casey, same as trump and his “drain the swamp” mantra during his election campaign.
If Casey gets in hell never mention travellers again, it’s an untouchable subject.

Casey loves Ireland so much he dodges paying his taxes here.

Casey is a green card holder and thus must pay US income tax on all his worldwide income regardless of source. It's the law. It's not dodging tax. Many Irish people have had green cards and I wouldn't say they are dodging taxes here.

As for the presidential expenses, why will Michael d not publish them before election day? Why wait until after we have our vote?? Every cent of taxpayers money should be accountable.

Its Casey's comments on the Irish tax payer aka the bill payer that resonates with me. We can only be squeezed so much. Work must pay. And in my opinion a strong vote for Casey will send that message loud and clear.

paddysdream

_Brian wrote: »

People are being duped by Casey, same as trump and his “drain the swamp” mantra during his election campaign.
If Casey gets in hell never mention travellers again, it’s an untouchable subject.

Casey loves Ireland so much he dodges paying his taxes here.

Can I ask why you think its an untouchable subject?

_Brian

Coolfresian wrote: »

Casey is a green card holder and thus must pay US income tax on all his worldwide income regardless of source. It's the law. It's not dodging tax. Many Irish people have had green cards and I wouldn't say they are dodging taxes here.

As for the presidential expenses, why will Michael d not publish them before election day? Why wait until after we have our vote?? Every cent of taxpayers money should be accountable.

Its Casey's comments on the Irish tax payer aka the bill payer that resonates with me. We can only be squeezed so much. Work must pay. And in my opinion a strong vote for Casey will send that message loud and clear.

The topics your talking about are for a general election not a presidential election. Your sending a signal into the abyss of you think it will help.

Taxation, crime, immigration, traveller issues aren’t in the remit of President, it’s just clouding the issue, he’s clever as he’s well tuned into the hot topics that will bring biggots and racists out to vote much like trump did. The similarities are staggering, so many Irish people look towards America and say “ I can’t beleive ye let this happen”, yet going by current trends were just about to do the same thing here !

Coolfresian

_Brian wrote: »

The topics your talking about are for a general election not a presidential election. Your sending a signal into the abyss of you think it will help.

Taxation, crime, immigration, traveller issues aren’t in the remit of President, it’s just clouding the issue, he’s clever as he’s well tuned into the hot topics that will bring biggots and racists out to vote much like trump did. The similarities are staggering, so many Irish people look towards America and say “ I can’t beleive ye let this happen”, yet going by current trends were just about to do the same thing here !

Are u saying that Casey voters are bigots and rascists? I think that's a horrible accusation to make.

paddysdream

_Brian wrote: »

The topics your talking about are for a general election not a presidential election. Your sending a signal into the abyss of you think it will help.

Taxation, crime, immigration, traveller issues aren’t in the remit of President, it’s just clouding the issue, he’s clever as he’s well tuned into the hot topics that will bring biggots and racists out to vote much like trump did. The similarities are staggering, so many Irish people look towards America and say “ I can’t beleive ye let this happen”, yet going by current trends were just about to do the same thing here !

Can I ask what do you think are "suitable" topics for a presidental election so ?

_Brian

Coolfresian wrote: »

Are u saying that Casey voters are bigots and rascists? I think that's a horrible accusation to make.

In my opinion in what I’ve read, many are turning to vote fir him based on their absolute hatred and abhorrence for travellers. If the cap fits !!

Casey did exactly what Trump did, identify an unrepresentative minority, appeal to the hatred a section of society has against that minority and hope they come out to vote based on that.
I’m not denying there I are issues with traveller behaviours and I’d love to see them addressed appropriately. But this isn’t the stuff for a presidential campaign, it’s just easy votes for a self entitled millionaire who’s ego ran away with him.

CloughCasey1

paddysdream wrote: »

Can I ask what do you think are "suitable" topics for a presidental election so ?

Snowdrops and likkle puppies!!!

Majority of the candidates are socialists. And unlike Robin Hood that stole from the rich to give to the poor, these shower stand for taking from the hard pressed worker that keeps the show on the road. The forgotten about, middle Ireland, normal person that lies awake looking at the ceiling at night wondering where next month's rent/mortgage will come from. That struggles to put their kids through school and college. Wouldnt give them a vote.in a fit.

Had a car load of our "friends" parked down at the end of a private laneway that butts onto our land. No tax, no nct and no insurance. 3 big hairy lurchers (the canine type) knocking stone walls, driving cattle mad and knocking more walls. Finding hares a nd tearing them to shreds. When they seen me they werent long calling in the dogs and fxuking off. Was half temped to confront them. Was speaking to neighbour who has relatives in Wexford with the same upstanding members of society visiting and he was telling me of a farmer that let a shot off over their heads. His hay shed was burnt down that night. We do a lot of social housing projects with our work and the amount of people still in the cot at 2pm in the day would sicken your hole. Getting everything for nothing and the rest of us forking out for it!!!!!!

memorystick

paddysdream wrote: »

Can I ask what do you think are "suitable" topics for a presidental election so ?

Please reply Brian.

paddysdream

_Brian wrote: »

In my opinion in what I’ve read, many are turning to vote fir him based on their absolute hatred and abhorrence for travellers. If the cap fits !!

Casey did exactly what Trump did, identify an unrepresentative minority, appeal to the hatred a section of society has against that minority and hope they come out to vote based on that.
I’m not denying there I are issues with traveller behaviours and I’d love to see them addressed appropriately. But this isn’t the stuff for a presidential campaign, it’s just easy votes for a self entitled millionaire who’s ego ran away with him.

Still wondering exactly what topics are suitable for the debate?

Its not the "hatred " of travellers but the fact that the issue cannot even be discussed that rankles with most people.
Leaving aside the facts (and don't think anyone can dispute them as the stats are there)about behaviour and attitude of our unsettled community its the idea that this ,and many other,topics are deemed taboo nowadays.

Seen this at first hand here about 10/12 years ago.House that adjoins my land was up for sale.Rumour was that the County Council were buying it to house a certain "well known" family from local town.These were of the spurious ethniticy under discussion.
Council refused to confirm or deny this and seemed to be very evasive on the subject.
Long story short;we decided to have a meeting in local pub,invited all our local reps.Some local media turned up as well.Local councillers (FF FG Labour) all refused to even discuss the issue unless the journalist's present left.
We had to declare it a private meeting and then were told the facts ie county manager was trying to rehouse this family as quickly and as quietly as possible and if a house (with land for horses of course)could be purchased without anyone getting wind of it then problem solved.

Imagine local elected reps. afraid to speak their minds because of legislation.Each and every one of them were afraid of a media backlash which dally occurred the following week with headlines about a "bigoted" community etc etc.No mention of the 100 plus convictions or serious anti social behaviour of the rather well known family involved.Journalists couldn't even plead ignorance as their court appearances were well documented in the paper every week or two.
Thats what annoys people ,the idea that you cannot even discuss this subject as the usual words like racist etc etc will be flung out by well meaning idiots.

_Brian

Sorry to keep ye in suspense but work keeps getting on the way.

My point was that the President has no powers to change taxation or push back on traveller related crime. That’s into the realm of government rather than president.
If these candidates wanted to change these things they should stand in elections for local government where these decisions are actually made, but no that wouldn’t sufficiently massage their egos.

Timmaay

Be interesting what Casey actually poles overall. 20% is my guess.

_Brian

Timmaay wrote: »

Be interesting what Casey actually poles overall. 20% is my guess.

Would that be sufficient to carry him in ??

paddysdream

_Brian wrote: »

Sorry to keep ye in suspense but work keeps getting on the way.

My point was that the President has no powers to change taxation or push back on traveller related crime. That’s into the realm of government rather than president.
If these candidates wanted to change these things they should stand in elections for local government where these decisions are actually made, but no that wouldn’t sufficiently massage their egos.

Well what should they debate then ?

bogman_bass

paddysdream wrote: »

Well what should they debate then ?

That’s why Irish presidential elections are both pointless and dirty. You can’t really debate policy because you can’t have any policy worth talking about so it comes back to playing the man instead of the ball.

In the past 2 campaigns Michel D has shown that he knows to shut up and that is probably the best trait of any president

Coolfresian

_Brian wrote: »

Would that be sufficient to carry him in ??

For a candidate to go from 1% to possibly to 20% vote in the matter of a week would be astonishing. Leo wanted Ireland to send Casey a message by not voting for him, instead it's leo and the cosy consensus that will be getting a very strong message on Friday. The tax payers have had enough. Voting Casey sends that message.

_Brian

paddysdream wrote: »

Well what should they debate then ?

I want to hear what makes them suitable as a president that represents the Irish people on a world stage. Not their opinions on local government issues. Local government is for councillers and TDs to deal with.
If people are unhappy with these issues they need to vote for better government and pressure TDs to act accordingly.

_Brian

I can see that people are unhappy with the current government and I’d be in that cohort myself, but being spun along by potential presidential candidates talking about the issues that people want the government to address is foolish.

The president has zero influence on government policy and indeed the president acts accordingly with the directions of government.

If people genuinely want changes on taxation, crime, policing, infrastructure etc you need to address this feeling towards government when council and general elections are happening.

_Brian

Coolfresian wrote: »

For a candidate to go from 1% to possibly to 20% vote in the matter of a week would be astonishing. Leo wanted Ireland to send Casey a message by not voting for him, instead it's leo and the cosy consensus that will be getting a very strong message on Friday. The tax payers have had enough. Voting Casey sends that message.

It’s giving people a vent on the traveller issue, that’s all fine although many of the opinions I’m seeing and hearing are distasteful.

But remember he will and can do nothing on this issue if he’s elected. He won’t even be able to talk about it as his speeches must be pre approved by government.

Muckit

I agree with what _Brian is saying. Whatever a persons views on all the contentious issues mentioned previously, they have nothing to do with the presidential election.

Perhaps, if anything, what this campaign and debates (both on tv and here!!) might highlight is the limited role of power the presidency holds. Perhaps this is something we would like to see changed?

I think Michael D is a very cultured and learned man. He has a social rather an economic focus. He was unflappable despite the grilling he got from some of the others during the debates. There is no smoke and mirrors with him. What you see is what you get. His decorum has stood out a mile when benched against the rest of his opponents in this campaign.

_Brian

Muckit wrote: »

I agree with what _Brian is saying. Whatever a persons views on all the contentious issues mentioned previously, they have nothing to do with the presidential election.

Perhaps, if anything, what this campaign and debates (both on tv and here!!) might highlight is the limited role of power the presidency holds. Perhaps this is something we would like to see changed?

I think Michael D is a very cultured and learned man. He has a social rather an economic focus. He was unflappable despite the grilling he got from some of the others during the debates. There is no smoke and mirrors with him. What you see is what you get. His decorum has stood out a mile when benched against the rest of his opponents in this campaign.

Personally I like having a president elected separately to government. It allows us to have a cultured individual like our current president who can represent us well and perform excellent at hosting foreign dignitaries.

We already have two houses of government so I don’t see any point in changing the role from it’s current largely ceremonial one.

Emme

Coolfresian wrote: »

For a candidate to go from 1% to possibly to 20% vote in the matter of a week would be astonishing. Leo wanted Ireland to send Casey a message by not voting for him, instead it's leo and the cosy consensus that will be getting a very strong message on Friday. The tax payers have had enough. Voting Casey sends that message.

The last presidential election was a farce and some candidates were treated disgracefully. Michael D kept a relatively low profile and behaved with dignity.

However the people in Ireland who pay for everything and get little or nothing for their taxes are fed up. They feel that they have no voice and no options at election time. If the presidential election is an opportunity for them to express how they feel then let them do it. Leo Varadkar and other politicians in the Dail represent a Dublin based government that does nothing for rural Ireland except do things like reduce the number of gardai who are already disgracefully thin on the ground and close post offices.

If they could take the vote from everyone in rural Ireland they would because rural Ireland doesn't vote the way our leaders want us to vote.

The government has already effectively taken the vote from many people who live in rural Ireland and are forced to do long commutes to work because there are no jobs locally. Elections are held on working days and it is hard to get to the polling office before or after work if you're 3 hours or more on the road (not inconceivable particularly with the N7 roadworks which are being dragged out as long as possible).

My question is can we afford the office of president? Apart from shaking the hands of foreign dignitaries and spending taxpayers money abroad what does the president do exactly?

cute geoge

Emme wrote: »

The last presidential election was a farce and some candidates were treated disgracefully. Michael D kept a relatively low profile and behaved with dignity.

However the people in Ireland who pay for everything and get little or nothing for their taxes are fed up. They feel that they have no voice and no options at election time. If the presidential election is an opportunity for them to express how they feel then let them do it. Leo Varadkar and other politicians in the Dail represent a Dublin based government that does nothing for rural Ireland except do things like reduce the number of gardai who are already disgracefully thin on the ground and close post offices.

If they could take the vote from everyone in rural Ireland they would because rural Ireland doesn't vote the way our leaders want us to vote.

The government has already effectively taken the vote from many people who live in rural Ireland and are forced to do long commutes to work because there are no jobs locally. Elections are held on working days and it is hard to get to the polling office before or after work if you're 3 hours or more on the road (not inconceivable particularly with the N7 roadworks which are being dragged out as long as possible).

My question is can we afford the office of president? Apart from shaking the hands of foreign dignitaries and spending taxpayers money abroad what does the president do exactly?

Michael d is so busy ,he had barely the time to do the debate last night .Due to work he does not have time for any more of them aul debates

enricoh

_Brian wrote: »

I want to hear what makes them suitable as a president that represents the Irish people on a world stage. Not their opinions on local government issues. Local government is for councillers and TDs to deal with.
If people are unhappy with these issues they need to vote for better government and pressure TDs to act accordingly.

Yeah, Leo was gonna look after the people who get up early in the morning to go to work. Then he forgot all about them n spent everything on the unions and welfare.
When recession comes around again private pensions will be first to get plundered.
Maybe in his next term he'll look after the workers!
lf Casey gets a decent percentage some party might cop that people are sick of their money being wasted and change tack.
Mickey d will write a few poems for us, tell us to spend more on the homeless industry and get a few million more for his next term

_Brian

The only “message” politicians take any heed of is votes, you either vote for them or against them in their election.

Who you vote for in some other inconsequential election where they don’t run is of no interest to them.

So just like your vote your message is lost.

farawaygrass

Split between mdh and Casey but strongly considering voting for Casey. Even if he doesn’t win I hope he gets a very strong 2nd. It will send a clear message to the government. I think When Leo said to send a strong message and basically not vote for Casey then it’s time to do the reverse and send him a strong message. Have no problem with mdh and the “expenses scandal”. He’s an excellent president, made for the job really. Great representative for our country

bogman_bass

farawaygrass wrote: »

Split between mdh and Casey but strongly considering voting for Casey. Even if he doesn’t win I hope he gets a very strong 2nd. It will send a clear message to the government. I think When Leo said to send a strong message and basically not vote for Casey then it’s time to do the reverse and send him a strong message. Have no problem with mdh and the “expenses scandal”. He’s an excellent president, made for the job really. Great representative for our country

The message you send and the one they receive might be very different

farawaygrass

bogman_bass wrote: »

farawaygrass wrote: »

Split between mdh and Casey but strongly considering voting for Casey. Even if he doesn’t win I hope he gets a very strong 2nd. It will send a clear message to the government. I think When Leo said to send a strong message and basically not vote for Casey then it’s time to do the reverse and send him a strong message. Have no problem with mdh and the “expenses scandal”. He’s an excellent president, made for the job really. Great representative for our country

The message you send and the one they receive might be very different

How so? At least it will show people are starting to get edgy. Leo was too quick in with his opinion in my own opinion. It’s like saying if Casey does terrible then the people are content enough with the traveller/Housing situation as is