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So Michael D IS running again!

realdanbreen

So when Michael D was campaigning for president and said it would be a one off term he was lying?
Many voted for him because he was only going for one term and wasn't trying to hog the job for 14 years.

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expectationlost

8j1w94vbmnlt05 wrote: »

You're joking, surely?

thats the only reasoning I can think of, I think the salary is too high though.

pixelburp

8j1w94vbmnlt05 wrote: »

Actually I think most of our politicians would fit the above description, when you get to know them. It's the voters who are cynical. (They generally haven't a clue, only out for what the politicians can get for them. Not interested in the national interest). That's why I say there are lots of people who could do the job as well as or better than O Higgins.

Why does he not give someone else a chance?

Well we're having an election, so the chance has been given. Short of stepping down, but I don't see why he should if he believes he is still the best man for the job. And based on the quality of the other candidates, I honestly think that's the case.

Do you think any of the other candidates could do the job as well or better than Higgins?

ouxbbkqtswdfaw

expectationlost wrote:

he not taking the full salary, 250k instead of 325k, I think, Higgins as a social democrat sees its more important to keep the high status of the presidency so he can use its influence when its needed.

You're joking, surely?

brightspark

8j1w94vbmnlt05 wrote: »

Why does he not give someone else a chance?

It's an election, so someone else does have a chance.

pixelburp

An Ciarraioch wrote: »

True, but that's a job for TDs, rather than the President, who can do nothing about such things.

That's kinda my point: criticising Higgins over his wage is picking the wrong target in the wrong fight. Hold TDs accountable for their socialist principles - or lack thereof - but for a role that emphasises ceremony and principle, Higgins' socialist leaning have been useful in reminding the nation of some common levels of decency or empathy. I'd take that any day of the week than the self-absorbed TV celebrity.

ouxbbkqtswdfaw

pixelburp wrote:

As to the man himself, Higgins is affable, charming, well-read and apparently a decent human being. I know in 2018 that seems like a freakish concept in ones political leaders but that's good enough for me.

Actually I think most of our politicians would fit the above description, when you get to know them. It's the voters who are cynical. (They generally haven't a clue, only out for what the politicians can get for them. Not interested in the national interest). That's why I say there are lots of people who could do the job as well as or better than O Higgins.

Why does he not give someone else a chance?

An Ciarraioch

pixelburp wrote: »

I'd rather a politician work to ensure social protections and safety nets are maintained, and fought for, on behalf of those on the lower rungs of society, than make sanctimonious public gestures over their wage.

True, but that's a job for TDs, rather than the President, who can do nothing about such things.

pixelburp

I'd rather a politician work to ensure social protections and safety nets are maintained, and fought for, on behalf of those on the lower rungs of society, than make sanctimonious public gestures over their wage. Higgins' wage is not the issue, nor should it be.

expectationlost

8j1w94vbmnlt05 wrote: »

Would a socialist not think it's too much? Should they not think it could be used in a more beneficial way to help the great underprivileged that they go on about so much.

he not taking the full salary, 250k instead of 325k, I think, Higgins as a social democrat sees its more important to keep the high status of the presidency so he can use its influence when its needed.

FrancieBrady

8j1w94vbmnlt05 wrote: »

Would a socialist not think it's too much? Should they not think it could be used in a more beneficial way to help the great underprivileged that they go on about so much.

How do you know what he does with his salary? He isn't exactly flying around in million pound yachts and cars he bought himself.

ouxbbkqtswdfaw

expectationlost wrote:

the salary is set by politicians write to your TDs and ask them to reduce it if you think its too much.

Would a socialist not think it's too much? Should they not think it could be used in a more beneficial way to help the great underprivileged that they go on about so much.

pixelburp

8j1w94vbmnlt05 wrote: »

I think it's a sad situation that Higgins is the best we can come up with. Do we think he's great because of his flowery speeches? I glaze over after a few sentences. Does anyone remember anything of note that he said? Do other countries think he's great, or is it just us? I'm a little suspicious when all our politicians and media think he's the greatest.

I'm fine with flowery speeches; it's a ceremonial role so some old-school statesman characterisation is preferable to ex-TV celebrities hoping to fast-track some business deals on the public purse.

And I prefer that than some disingenuous spoofer rattling their can with populist guff from a pulpit with no power. That'd make them the ultimate hurler on the ditch and nothing more than a political nuisance. If someone wants to change the country - then run as a TD, stop wasting everyone's time with spoofery for an ambassadorial position.

As to the man himself, Higgins is affable, charming, well-read and apparently a decent human being. I know in 2018 that seems like a freakish concept in ones political leaders but that's good enough for me.

Sassygirl1999

In will vote for Michael D

I think he is great
Can't believe he is running again

expectationlost

8j1w94vbmnlt05 wrote: »

I haven't a clue. But I don't think anyone else has either. The reason I focus on him is the consensus is he's done a great job. Fair enough. But why not give someone else a chance, seeing that the whole thing is merely ceremonial.
Anyway, why does he proclaim to be a socialist, and then want one of the highest paid jobs in the country?

if Higgins wasn't standing other candidates from the may have emerged, eg Fergus Finlay.

the fact that the role is mostly ceremonial is why people want to stay on, Im glad that he is actually having have to contest the election, rather then be return uncontested, but he could have returned uncontested for a second term its in our constitution.

he is social democrat really.

the salary is given to endow the position with status and to enable the person not to ever need to use having had the position once they've left to earn money.

the salary is set by politicians write to your TDs and ask them to reduce it if you think its too much.

Jim Bob Scratcher

8j1w94vbmnlt05 wrote: »

I think it's a sad situation that Higgins is the best we can come up with. Do we think he's great because of his flowery speeches? I glaze over after a few sentences. Does anyone remember anything of note that he said? Do other countries think he's great, or is it just us? I'm a little suspicious when all our politicians and media think he's the greatest.

I doubt they can even see him.

honeybear

Beechwoodspark wrote: »

There’s rumours a certain GAA commentator from Kerry is thinking of running for it. Has excellent gaeilge.

I would vote for him!!!

eastwest

Beechwoodspark wrote: »

There’s rumours a certain GAA commentator from Kerry is thinking of running for it. Has excellent gaeilge.

It's what's called a red herring. We can expect a few more!

ouxbbkqtswdfaw

I haven't a clue. But I don't think anyone else has either. The reason I focus on him is the consensus is he's done a great job. Fair enough. But why not give someone else a chance, seeing that the whole thing is merely ceremonial.
Anyway, why does he proclaim to be a socialist, and then want one of the highest paid jobs in the country?

FrancieBrady

Beechwoodspark wrote: »

There’s rumours a certain GAA commentator from Kerry is thinking of running for it. Has excellent gaeilge.

Would be a serious contender if true.

An Ciarraioch

Beechwoodspark wrote: »

There’s rumours a certain GAA commentator from Kerry is thinking of running for it. Has excellent gaeilge.

The fact he's 88 might just put him off running for a seven-year term.

Beechwoodspark

There’s rumours a certain GAA commentator from Kerry is thinking of running for it. Has excellent gaeilge.

Water John

Its not the unofficial rule, its the official rule. The President is limited in what they can say and do.

oscarBravo

8j1w94vbmnlt05 wrote: »

I think it's a sad situation that Higgins is the best we can come up with.

Who would be your ideal president?

Loafing Oaf

8j1w94vbmnlt05 wrote: »

Does anyone remember anything of note that he said? .

Unofficial first rule of the Irish presidency is not to say anything noteworthy. Mary Robinson made her mark not through speeches but through gestures like meeting LGBT groups, light in the Aras window....

ouxbbkqtswdfaw

I think it's a sad situation that Higgins is the best we can come up with. Do we think he's great because of his flowery speeches? I glaze over after a few sentences. Does anyone remember anything of note that he said? Do other countries think he's great, or is it just us? I'm a little suspicious when all our politicians and media think he's the greatest.

James Brown

Shows bad character for Duffy and Casey IMO. I don't believe they even think either of them will win. And I've yet to read what ground breaking things they'll bring to office that others aren't already espousing. Business smarts is it, to a role that conducts no business?

Henryhill2

eastwest wrote: »

Leaves them free to get dirty while their number one guy sails past MDH.
In their dreams!

It's not going to work

eastwest

Henryhill2 wrote: »

If the other 2 sit back and don't spend money or garner votes

Leaves them free to work for Gallagher

Leaves them free to get dirty while their number one guy sails past MDH.
In their dreams!

Henryhill2

Matt Barrett wrote: »

I think team Dragon might have miscalculated. One to go after Higgins while leaving Gallagher to look Presidential may have worked, but there's so many now Gallagher might lose his 'the only businessman in the village' persona and be back to being the fella who denied being FF and all the connotations that arose from the tweet.

If the other 2 sit back and don't spend money or garner votes

Leaves them free to work for Gallagher

James Brown

I think team Dragon might have miscalculated. One to go after Higgins while leaving Gallagher to look Presidential may have worked, but there's so many now Gallagher might lose his 'the only businessman in the village' persona and be back to being the fella who denied being FF and all the connotations that arose from the tweet.