Joe Higgins - total chancer?

NIMAN · 27-05-2012 10:58PM #1

I am just watching this joker on TV trying to argue with Pat Rabitte.

Every single answer he gives is just a generic, anti everything one. Quoting figures and how the common man is downtrodden and suffering.

When he was asked the one difficult question, about 5 times about where the money would come from to run the country, he avoided it like a pro. Avoided it 5 times. When pushed on it, he started 'wait a min, let me finish ....' and of course never came back to it.

Are they coached in avoiding questions ? At least Rabitte answered the difficult questions, as painful as the answers had to be.

For me, the weakness here is with the interviewer, he should have been pushed until he answered. Ask him over and over, a la Paxman, and embarrass the tube.

dixiefly · 27-05-2012 11:28PM

I didnt see it but I agree with what you say about Higgins and the same applies to Sinn Fein.

Shane Ross is anti-treaty, I have no problem listening and giving credence to his arguments.

Colm McCarthy was on Marion Finucane earlier - he made a strong argiment for the yes side, I would like to see him debate with Adams or Higgins - he would have them for his breakfast.

SMASH THE UNIONS · 27-05-2012 11:37PM

Not only is he a chancer, he is a hypocritical parasite happy to collect his generous state wages while pretending to be an ordinary working class joe. A champagne socialist. Joe Stalin Higgins is the only elected TD from the insignificant Socialist party, which is sure to wiped out when Joe is kicked out on his arse after the next general election. The man is a joke, cowering on the back benches in his cheap Dunnes Stores suit. His debating skills are terrible and he usually serves only to provide comic relief during political panel discussions. He has spent his life advocating failed ideology. Therefore the man is a failure, who has achieved nothing and will be forgotten in time.

I'd love to see him in the hotseat with Paxman or any other competent interviewer, other than the RTE-Pravda puppets.

darkman2 · 27-05-2012 11:40PM

Higgins is the best asset the yes side has.

christmas2012 · 27-05-2012 11:41PM

didnt he lay off a whole load of workers in manchester? so much for the 'ordinary working joe' line he often spouts..

Opticom · 27-05-2012 11:41PM

SMASH THE UNIONS wrote: »

Not only is he a chancer, he is a hypocritical parasite happy to collect his generous state wages while pretending to be an ordinary working class joe. A champagne socialist. Joe Stalin Higgins is the only elected TD from the insignificant Socialist party, which is sure to wiped out when Joe is kicked out on his arse after the next general election. The man is a joke, cowering on the back benches in his cheap Dunnes Stores suit. His debating skills are terrible and he usually serves only to provide comic relief during political panel discussions. He has spent his life advocating failed ideology. Therefore the man is a failure, who has achieved nothing and will be forgotten in time.

I'd love to see him in the hotseat with Paxman or any other competent interviewer, other than the RTE-Pravda puppets.

But what do you think of Joe Higgins ?

guitarzero · 27-05-2012 11:42PM

SMASH THE UNIONS wrote: »

...cowering on the back benches in his cheap Dunnes Stores suit.

Well ooh laddy f*cking dah. Look at him there with his tattered blazer and cheapo shoes... look at him!!

Bullseye1 · 27-05-2012 11:43PM

When it comes to Economics both he and SF are total spoofers when it comes to economic policy.

But in fairness so too are FG and Labour. Since they have come to power they have done nothing to improve the domestic economy and threaten to push us into a deeper recession.

The standard of professional politicians and high ranking civil servants is poor.

christmas2012 · 27-05-2012 11:44PM

theres too many civil servants to begin with

Bullseye1 · 27-05-2012 11:51PM

Didn't Michael Noonon say our economy will take off like a rocket? And Creighton say that if the EU/US opened up free trade we'd create 500,000 jobs. And the latest from Enda that voting Yes will send a strong message......to who? Veradker stated not a cent more into Anglo. Gilmore Labours Way etc. Every single one of them are spoofers. Wait till you hear the promises of jobs etc when they come knocking at your door.

Dannyboy83 · 28-05-2012 12:03AM

Any time he has been on Vincent Browne's show, VB has given him an unrivalled stage to air his views and opinions, and never questioned him on any of them.
The interviewer is most definitely at fault, but I actually think this does Joe no favours at all.
Give a fool enough rope.........

I listen to the arguments people make, and make a decision.
The thing with Joe, is that he appeals to a certain type of people who won't change their mind anyway.
They want to be angry and there is nothing anyone can really do about it.

Farmer Pudsey · 28-05-2012 08:21AM

Dannyboy83 wrote: »

Any time he has been on Vincent Browne's show, VB has given him an unrivalled stage to air his views and opinions, and never questioned him on any of them.
The interviewer is most definitely at fault, but I actually think this does Joe no favours at all.
Give a fool enough rope.........

I listen to the arguments people make, and make a decision.
The thing with Joe, is that he appeals to a certain type of people who won't change their mind anyway.
They want to be angry and there is nothing anyone can really do about it.

I always find this if you are on one side of an argument/view you always think the person on the opposing side is spoofing From the tone of this I see a lot of posters on this post are taking up the line of the yes side of playing the man not the ball.

Coming accross a lot of this in people that are on the yes side, ''how can you side with Declan Ganley/Gerry Adams/ sinn Fein''. Now they have widened it to Joe Higgins an honest a Kerry man as ever wore shoeleather. I mean we could say see the lot the yes camp have thrown in with Finna Fail some ex PD and the remments of the Green Party that wrecked the country.

So Joe avoided a question at least he is not like Enda avoiding the whole debate'

Jaysoose · 28-05-2012 08:28AM

Farmer Pudsey wrote: »

I always find this if you are on one side of an argument/view you always think the person on the opposing side is spoofing From the tone of this I see a lot of posters on this post are taking up the line of the yes side of playing the man not the ball.

Coming accross a lot of this in people that are on the yes side, ''how can you side with Declan Ganley/Gerry Adams/ sinn Fein''. Now they have widened it to Joe Higgins an honest a Kerry man as ever wore shoeleather. I mean we could say see the lot the yes camp have thrown in with Finna Fail some ex PD and the remments of the Green Party that wrecked the country.

So Joe avoided a question at least he is not like Enda avoiding the whole debate'

I think the main point is he doesnt actually know the answer but is trying to cod people on that he has some in depth understanding of the treaty.

At least Shane Ross said he is for a no vote because there isnt enough information..thats a credible answer..higgins just shouts to hear himself talk nonsense.

djpbarry · 28-05-2012 09:14AM

Bullseye1 wrote: »

The standard of professional politicians and high ranking civil servants is poor.

How do you know that standard of “high-ranking civil servants” is poor?

Bullseye1 wrote: »

Didn't Michael Noonon say our economy will take off like a rocket...

...if the global economy picks up. Considering Ireland’s strong export performance at present, that’s not an unreasonable statement and certainly not without some basis in reality.

djpbarry · 28-05-2012 09:15AM

Farmer Pudsey wrote: »

So Joe avoided a question at least he is not like Enda avoiding the whole debate'

Joe avoids all the difficult questions. Always has. Let me give you an example.

I used to live in Joe’s constituency in Dublin and he was canvassing for votes outside my building one morning in the run up to an election, claiming to be trying to protect the “working classes” against the assault from Ireland’s “elites”. So, I asked him what these terms meant: “Well I’m not sure you really represent me, Joe – what exactly does working class mean”, I asked. A vague definition followed, which didn’t really answer my question. I explained that, like many Irish people my age, I was from what would probably be considered a working class background but I was university-educated and was, at that time, pursuing a post-graduate qualification – not exactly the classic definition of “working class”. “So where does that leave me, Joe?” I asked again. Another vague definition of “working class” followed, at which point I said thanks very much but you won’t be getting my vote.

The crap that Joe spouts appeals to those who want to hear it. And he knows that. He also knows its limitations – he’s not stupid. He’s well prepared for people like me who push him for answers – he’s well practiced at avoiding those answers. Joe is only too aware of the short-comings of his political doctrine, but as long as he can continue to find enough people who accept what he says without question, he will continue to have a career in politics.

Bits_n_Bobs · 28-05-2012 09:22AM

Joe stands for (joehiggins.ie)
"I reject so-called solutions to the economic crises based on slashing public expenditure, welfare payments and workers’ pay. Instead I stand for a socialist Ireland based on democratic public ownership and control of the major industries and resources so that social need is prioritised over profit."

He believes that we
1) reject the treaty and
2)re-enter the markets.

Except that the markets are evil. Wayyy more evil than for example a communist state (which was just badly managed last time round).

But the evil bastard conniving capitalist "market" will give us (not lend - give) tucks of dough, which we can spend on nurses and gardai and stuff, just as soon as we take "public ownership and control of major industries", which will happy right after we reject the treaty and let joe and the lads in to run the country.

28-05-2012 09:26AM

The worst thing about Joe at the moment is that fool Murphy he gave his MEP to. Going on about Democracy, when he'd be doing well to get 3 votes. Enjoy the paycheck, charlatan.

Pathetic party. "Reject" is right.

Bullseye1 · 28-05-2012 09:41AM

djpbarry wrote: »

How do you know that standard of “high-ranking civil servants” is poor?

The Banking Crisis. CS in the Department of Finance etc. Book keeping errors with billions mysteriously disappearing and then being found. Waste in HSE, waste in local authorities on projects which will never happen but hundreds of millions of euros spent.

djpbarry wrote: »

...if the global economy picks up. Considering Ireland’s strong export performance at present, that’s not an unreasonable statement and certainly not without some basis in reality.

Wow.

djpbarry · 28-05-2012 10:13AM

Bullseye1 wrote: »

The Banking Crisis.

High-ranking civil servants were responsible for the banking crisis? What?

Bullseye1 wrote: »

Wow.

Indeed. I'll take that as tacit admission that, although you've tried to misrepresent Noonan, what he said was in fact not unreasonable.

28-05-2012 10:44AM

Back in 2004 there was a a scandal where AIB overcharged customers millions on currency exchange rates/commissions.

Joe was all over the media saying that the banks should be nationalised

Everyone was cracking their holes laughing, 'nationalise the banks, that's crazy.......'

28-05-2012 11:01AM

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

Back in 2004 there was a a scandal where AIB overcharged customers millions on currency exchange rates/commissions.

Joe was all over the media saying that the banks should be nationalised

Everyone was cracking their holes laughing, 'nationalise the banks, that's crazy.......'

A stopped clock? etc

whippet · 28-05-2012 11:12AM

when I was living in Joe's constituency I had a couple of his 'canvassers' knock on the door. The handed me a copy of his 'newsletter' .. the Socialist Times or something like that.

They started talking to me about bin charges, management fees and some other topical stuff and I challenged their views and actually explained to them my opinion. Then something caught my eye on the 'paper' about Joe advising residents not to pay the management charges etc and I asked the two lads why Joe was giving false advise and forcing other families to have to contribute extra to supplement people who took his advise not to pay?

I was shouted down and accused of being in the 'elite', I had a new car on the driveway and they pointed to it saying that I was typical of the upper echelons who wanted the 'wooooorkers' to pay for my lifestyle.

I hunted them away from my door. I then sent a letter and email to Joe asking for an explanation and for him to clarify some of the claims that his representatives made and I didn't get as much as a automatic reply.

I guess as I am educated, capable of thinking for myself, work hard and try to do my best I am not his target market.

Bullseye1 · 28-05-2012 11:36AM

The central bank regulator had a responsibility for ensuring thr banks acted respnsibly. Thry failed. I didnt say they were alone. So dont misrepresent my comments .What about the other examples like the HSE and local authorities you have decided to ignore? For clarity are you a civil servant?

djpbarry wrote: »

High-ranking civil servants were responsible for the banking crisis? What?
Indeed. I'll take that as tacit admission that, although you've tried to misrepresent Noonan, what he said was in fact not unreasonable.

Noonans comments were pie in the sky. Are you living in Ireland? Have you witnessed that the domestic economy is on its knees? We are years away from economy "sky rocketing". So yes it is spoofing. For a politican who likes to give it straight to the public he does alot of spoofing.

His comments about Greece on Bloomberg were an embarrassment.

Opticom · 28-05-2012 11:37AM

Ireland's present political parties and independents are just self interest groups.
Honest, intelligent, rational an capable people don't go into Irish politics. Why would they ?
They would not stand a chance.

Ordinary decent hard working people in this country are caught in a nasty poltical triangle of choice between FG/LAB and their right wing agenda of protecting the golden circle billionaires at everyone else’s expense, FF and their agenda of me fein corruption, and SF / ULA etc. with their Trotskyism agenda.

28-05-2012 11:55AM

Bullseye1 wrote: »

The central bank regulator had a responsibility for ensuring thr banks acted respnsibly. Thry failed. I didnt say they were alone. So dont misrepresent my comments .What about the other examples like the HSE and local authorities you have decided to ignore? For clarity are you a civil servant?

Noonans comments were pie in the sky. Are you living in Ireland? Have you witnessed that the domestic economy is on its knees? We are years away from economy "sky rocketing". So yes it is spoofing. For a politican who likes to give it straight to the public he does alot of spoofing.

His comments about Greece on Bloomberg were an embarrassment.

The problem is the accountability factor imho. Would any regulator have turned such a blind eye to our affairs were it a certainty that such ignorance would lead to a proper jail-time punishment? I doubt it.

What this has to do with Higgins, I don't know. One example of a poor choice of words is no match for a man whose entire existence is dedicated to keeping himself and his party faithful in lucrative jobs. Now who does that remind me of? hmmmm

astrofool · 28-05-2012 12:56PM

Bullseye1 wrote: »

The central bank regulator had a responsibility for ensuring thr banks acted respnsibly. Thry failed. I didnt say they were alone. So dont misrepresent my comments .What about the other examples like the HSE and local authorities you have decided to ignore? For clarity are you a civil servant?

Noonans comments were pie in the sky. Are you living in Ireland? Have you witnessed that the domestic economy is on its knees? We are years away from economy "sky rocketing". So yes it is spoofing. For a politican who likes to give it straight to the public he does alot of spoofing.

His comments about Greece on Bloomberg were an embarrassment.

Ah now, we are an export led economy, that attracts a large amount of FDI, it's not unreasonable to say that if the global economy picks up, that ours will also pick up as a result of that (just that when the global economy tanks, so will ours).

Has he been proven wrong on that assertion?

Bullseye1 · 28-05-2012 01:00PM

astrofool wrote: »

Ah now, we are an export led economy, that attracts a large amount of FDI, it's not unreasonable to say that if the global economy picks up, that ours will also pick up as a result of that (just that when the global economy tanks, so will ours).

Has he been proven wrong on that assertion?

Anyone could come out with the statement as it may happen sometime in the future. But with the US stagnating, Europe at a standstill and the UK in just as bad shape as Ireland (outside London) it will be a long time and maybe towards the end of the current governments 5 years before we know. So if you make a statement which can go either way and take a long time to be verified how else would you describe the statement?

djpbarry · 28-05-2012 02:05PM

Bullseye1 wrote: »

Noonans comments were pie in the sky.

His comments were perfectly reasonable. I couldn't be bothered getting into this again - there's already a thread on the subject.

Bullseye1 · 28-05-2012 02:09PM

djpbarry wrote: »

His comments were perfectly reasonable. I couldn't be bothered getting into this again - there's already a thread on the subject.

Its also reasonable to say we will walk on Mars. What is unreasonable is to portray the image that we will do it tomorrow or any day soon.

goat2 · 28-05-2012 02:12PM

SMASH THE UNIONS wrote: »

Not only is he a chancer, he is a hypocritical parasite happy to collect his generous state wages while pretending to be an ordinary working class joe. A champagne socialist. Joe Stalin Higgins is the only elected TD from the insignificant Socialist party, which is sure to wiped out when Joe is kicked out on his arse after the next general election. The man is a joke, cowering on the back benches in his cheap Dunnes Stores suit. His debating skills are terrible and he usually serves only to provide comic relief during political panel discussions. He has spent his life advocating failed ideology. Therefore the man is a failure, who has achieved nothing and will be forgotten in time.

I'd love to see him in the hotseat with Paxman or any other competent interviewer, other than the RTE-Pravda puppets.

did you see the st bernard tag on his suit,
are dunnes clothese not good enough to wear,

antoobrien · 28-05-2012 02:51PM

Bullseye1 wrote: »

Anyone could come out with the statement as it may happen sometime in the future. But with the US stagnating, Europe at a standstill and the UK in just as bad shape as Ireland (outside London) it will be a long time and maybe towards the end of the current governments 5 years before we know. So if you make a statement which can go either way and take a long time to be verified how else would you describe the statement?

Lets see, the BRIC countries account for 4% of our exports. If we successfully target them (say double that proportion) and keep other exports static the rocket will have launched.

Joe Higgins - total chancer?

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