By-Election Confirmed for March 27th

Sierra Oscar · 05-03-2013 2:06pm #1

The government have today confirmed, outside of Dáil Éireann, that the Meath East by-election will take place on Wednesday the 27th of March.

The decision has taken many by surprise, especially considering the short time span for the campaign alongside the fact that voting is on a Wednesday.

FG have stated that Helen McEntee will be their candidate, despite the fact that a selection convention has not been held yet.

Senator Thomas Byrne will be the Fianna Fáil candidate. Sinn Féin have selected Darren O'Rourke to stand for them during the election. Labour have not yet selected a candidate, and it is not certain that they will contest the election.

Paddy Power are currently tipping Fianna Fáil to take the seat, but it is early days in the campaign yet.

Bichon Lover · 05-03-2013 2:46pm

We voted for change at the General Election and were let down.
Now the vacancy is being treated as family property: no change there either!

Jesus wept! the rest of us might as well do the same. :mad:

Boulevardier · 05-03-2013 3:16pm

At least kudos for this govt that they did not sit on the thing for years the way FF did with Donegal, until the courts forced them to go ahead.

I would also predict thet FF will win. I also think labour will probably run.
In any case, this by-election would be an ideal dry-run for a new party. I cant believe there is no sign of one.

Hijpo · 05-03-2013 3:21pm

Boulevardier wrote: »

At least kudos for this govt that they did not sit on the thing for years the way FF did with Donegal, until the courts forced them to go ahead.

I would also predict thet FF will win. I also think labour will probably run.
In any case, this by-election would be an ideal dry-run for a new party. I cant believe there is no sign of one.

Direct Democracy Irelands head office is in Trim and apparently have a decent backing.

ednwireland · 05-03-2013 5:40pm

just heard that helen mcentee is putting herself forward, nice to see this brand of new politics promised from FG

doolox · 05-03-2013 5:57pm

Much as the public are entitled to be sympathetic to the tragic demise of Shane McEntee and also angry with the set up and decisions of the present government I am angry at the selection of his daughter as FG candidate for the byelection.

This is all too common in Irish politics and is indicative of a huge lack of imagination, vision and lack of talent in Irish politics.

Is there such a shortage of candidates in the Irish political system, or a lack of faith in the electorate when faced with new surnames that the powers that be feel obliged to put familiar names and families forward every time excluding possibly better talent from outside the existing elite?

Our present Taoiseach is the Son of a former TD, as was Brian Cowen, Charlie Haughey married the bosses daughter his wife being the daughter of Sean Lemass. Several of Devs family entered politics such as Sile Devalera, Pol O Cuiv etc. The Andrews clan can boast three generations in the Dail, as well as a first cousin in the top job in RTE. Also worth mentioning are the Lenihans and MAry O'Rourke, brothers sisters etc. Its who you know not what you know in Irish politics, just like a kingdom or other form of medieval polity.

Labour do not get away in this trend, Dick Spring being the son of a former Kerry TD but seem not as prone to this dynasty trend as the centre right parties.

The real people and real workers of Ireland do not get a look in.

therewillbe · 05-03-2013 6:13pm

ednwireland wrote: »

just heard that helen mcentee is putting herself forward, nice to see this brand of new politics promised from FG

Well said.
Same old Killinaskully politics.

Robbo · 06-03-2013 1:05pm

Direct Democracy Ireland have put forward Ben Gilroy, famed for his Youtube videos where he manages to temporarily delay reposessions and receivers with his own very personal interpretation of the Constitution and off-point case law. For this, he's beloved amongst the Freemen on the Land and a folk hero to those who think that 10 minutes on Google and they can discover a method of escaping all their debts by chanting some magic words.

On presumes that he's referring to this as a bi-election because of some strange interpretation he's taking from the correct spelling.

Chips Lovell · 06-03-2013 2:32pm

Parties will stop running dynastic candidates once people stop voting for family names. And, unfortunately, there's no sign of that happening just yet. We've a large constituency of people in this country who're only too happy to vote for someone on the basis of who their Daddy was.

Robbo wrote: »

Direct Democracy Ireland have put forward Ben Gilroy.

Gilroy? Well that's the end of anyone taking them seriously.

Hijpo · 06-03-2013 3:02pm

Robbo wrote: »

Direct Democracy Ireland have put forward Ben Gilroy, famed for his Youtube videos where he manages to temporarily delay reposessions and receivers with his own very personal interpretation of the Constitution and off-point case law. For this, he's beloved amongst the Freemen on the Land and a folk hero to those who think that 10 minutes on Google and they can discover a method of escaping all their debts by chanting some magic words.

On presumes that he's referring to this as a bi-election because of some strange interpretation he's taking from the correct spelling.

When are you going to stop copy and pasting the same tripe that you spout every time Direct Democracy is mentioned. Theres more than Ben Gilroy involved in it. Its like rubbishing FG because Enda Kenny all on his own is a tw*t, however people are more inclined to rubbish FG because the majority of them are tw*ts.

Vladimir Kurtains wrote: »

Parties will stop running dynastic candidates once people stop voting for family names. And, unfortunately, there's no sign of that happening just yet. We've a large constituency of people in this country who're only too happy to vote for someone on the basis of who their Daddy was.

Gilroy? Well that's the end of anyone taking them seriously.

Atleast the man is trying to do something to protect people from these institutions befriended by the government.
Finaly a party that wants to make it easier for the average joe to fight a battle instead of changing laws to make it easier for the big dude to f*ck people over.

Honest to christ, i sincerely hope they tax the bollox out of whatever class you see yourselves in because you certainly dont have to deal with the ****e the average joe does.

Robbo · 06-03-2013 3:25pm

Hijpo wrote: »

When are you going to stop copy and pasting the same tripe that you spout every time Direct Democracy is mentioned. Theres more than Ben Gilroy involved in it. Its like rubbishing FG because Enda Kenny all on his own is a tw*t, however people are more inclined to rubbish FG because the majority of them are tw*ts.

Is your point that Ben Gilroy is a liability to DDI?

Hijpo · 06-03-2013 5:16pm

Robbo wrote: »

Is your point that Ben Gilroy is a liability to DDI?

No my point is that just because you think 1 person is a liability doesnt mean the entire party and what they are trying to do should be rubbished.

Sierra Oscar · 06-03-2013 8:06pm

I notice that Hogan has also cut polling times by two hours, as if holding the election on a Wednesday wasn't bad enough.

ArmaniJeanss · 06-03-2013 11:29pm

Hijpo wrote: »

No my point is that just because you think 1 person is a liability doesnt mean the entire party and what they are trying to do should be rubbished.

Putting up someone who is such a liability in their first campaign is hardly a positive step though.

Direct Democracy (the concept) is actually a decent enough notion in theory, and the party should concentrate on a candidate who stands for this idea and this idea only.

For whatever they have continually associated themselves with Gilroy, he speaks at most/all of their meetings giving his unique combination of a LionelHutz/LyleLanley spiel. And now he's their first candidate. Unless he's the moneyman behind DD then they should be telling him to feck off if they want to be taken seriously.

oscarBravo · 06-03-2013 11:40pm

ArmaniJeanss wrote: »

Direct Democracy (the concept) is actually a decent enough notion in theory...

Only if the theory is predicated on the myth of the rational voter.

Hijpo · 07-03-2013 1:42am

ArmaniJeanss wrote: »

Putting up someone who is such a liability in their first campaign is hardly a positive step though.

Direct Democracy (the concept) is actually a decent enough notion in theory, and the party should concentrate on a candidate who stands for this idea and this idea only.

For whatever they have continually associated themselves with Gilroy, he speaks at most/all of their meetings giving his unique combination of a LionelHutz/LyleLanley spiel. And now he's their first candidate. Unless he's the moneyman behind DD then they should be telling him to feck off if they want to be taken seriously.

A man seen to stand up for the people against the current enemy, the government and the banks, will always be a peoples favourite no matter how he does it, a stand is a stand and its in favour of the electorate.

ArmaniJeanss · 07-03-2013 10:41am

Hijpo wrote: »

A man seen to stand up for the people against the current enemy, the government and the banks, will always be a peoples favourite no matter how he does it, a stand is a stand and its in favour of the electorate.

Who declared the banks and government 'the enemy'? Or therefore by definition declared Ben Gilroy the good guy?

I've voted everytime theres been a vote for the 20 years since I came of age, no matter how boring the referendum or how dismal the local election candidates were. I'm happy to vote on anything really, and think the people could be empowered to vote directly on more issues (notwithstanding OBs valid point above).

So in theory I'm the sort of voter DD should be aiming for. Yet by embracing the freeman guff from the start you've already lost me.

Chips Lovell · 07-03-2013 10:53am

Hijpo wrote: »

Atleast the man is trying to do something to protect people from these institutions befriended by the government.
Finaly a party that wants to make it easier for the average joe to fight a battle instead of changing laws to make it easier for the big dude to f*ck people over

Have you actually read some of the stuff this guy comes out with? He's away with the fairies. Whatever his intentions are, he isn't going to help anyone by spouting mumbo jumbo based on poor understanding of the law.

And while he's not the only person in DDI, it doesn't auger well for them if he's the best they can come up with for their first run in the polls.

Hijpo · 07-03-2013 11:24am

ArmaniJeanss wrote: »

Who declared the banks and government 'the enemy'? Or therefore by definition declared Ben Gilroy the good guy?

I've voted everytime theres been a vote for the 20 years since I came of age, no matter how boring the referendum or how dismal the local election candidates were. I'm happy to vote on anything really, and think the people could be empowered to vote directly on more issues (notwithstanding OBs valid point above).

So in theory I'm the sort of voter DD should be aiming for. Yet by embracing the freeman guff from the start you've already lost me.

So would you class the government and the banks your friends?
Enemys attack, the government has attacked my spendable income and my home. They have changed laws to make it easier to basicly snatch money from the working class home owners, evict people struggling to pay mortgages no matter if its an entire family with young kids or a 63 year old cancer patient. I would class them as an enemy, maybe you dont, fair enough.

Ben Gilroy found a way to buy people some extra time to try sort out an awful situation, he is highlighting all that is wrong with the laws and attitude of influential people in this country. Take for instance the chap that was getting his shop repossessed or the chap that was going to loose his home, all he was doing was asking questions and demanding answers which he is fully entitled to do, he didnt obstruct any course of justice. The fact that the recievers spouted stuff like "iv already put people in jail" and "the constitution has no bearing on me" is frightful. If people want to adopt freeman laws or whatever its called thats there risk if they want to take it.

He isnt spouting freeman guff within DDI, its simple what DDI want to do.

Give the people more power in there vote.

Launch a full independent, international legal review of the bailout, which we hold to be an odious debt and illegal under international law.

Suspend all payments relating to the bailout, capital and interest, pending the results of the legal review.

Launch a legal review of the transfer of €1 billion of assets from AIB balance sheets to the private pension fund of AIB staff.

Launch a legal review of the use of state assets where irregularities or corruption are suspected

Halt all repossessions and evictions in Ireland pending personal debt renegotiations between lending institutions and citizens.

Support and assist in the development of a collaborative consultation process in communities nationwide to examine and discuss issues facing communities, regions and the state. Work with groups engaged in this process to create a nationwide mechanism of proposal generation via which the wishes of the people of Ireland will be determined and communicated directly to government to be implemented via direct democracy.

Review all sectors of local and national government via the national consultative process and Implement any and all necessary reform determined by the review process.

Review all sectors of the economy, local and national, via the national consultative process and implement any and all necessary reforms determined by the review process.

Not voting for a party that aims to achieve these things simply because "Ben Gilroy" is mental lol

Seriously, people know FG's history, SF's history, FF's history and now Labs cowardice and they would still rather pick one of those partys with ALL there flaws instead of giving a new party its chance because of one name, any posts iv seen condemning DDI only contains the single argument of one name.

Hijpo · 07-03-2013 11:34am

Vladimir Kurtains wrote: »

Have you actually read some of the stuff this guy comes out with? He's away with the fairies. Whatever his intentions are, he isn't going to help anyone by spouting mumbo jumbo based on poor understanding of the law.

And while he's not the only person in DDI, it doesn't auger well for them if he's the best they can come up with for their first run in the polls.

Have you witnessed the rush jobs of our government lately, have you witnessed the changes in laws? have you seen some of bens videos where people arrive with invalid documents or wrongful proceedings, some even commit the same crime you say ben is with "poor understanding of the law" and just turn up because they are told to take that premisses/house from someone and they just expect you to vacate your house without challenging every aspect of the case?

I believe that laws are there to protect people from intentional wrong doings, changing the law to strengthen institutions and weaken the people is disgusting in my view and shows exactly where our "leaders" heads are at and we have no power to contest this? no power to defend ourselves? It frightens me, it really does.

As for there candidate for the first run in the polls, he is popular, fights for the people in financial difficulty (lets face it, alot of people are and even more are in fear of getting there) and the party is officially only about 4 months old, they need someone popular and who is not afraid to challange people on things others would just accept as being true.

Robbo · 07-03-2013 12:19pm

Hijpo wrote: »

Seriously, people know FG's history, SF's history, FF's history and now Labs cowardice and they would still rather pick one of those partys with ALL there flaws instead of giving a new party its chance because of one name, any posts iv seen condemning DDI only contains the single argument of one name.

Leaving aside the copypasta from the DDI site, the reason Ben Gilroy is castigated is because:

He's the candidate in the Meath By-Election, this is the Meath By-Election thread.
He's the most public face of DDI. He's a founder member.
He's one of only three members listed on their site.
He writes a large number of the articles on the website.
He's the most recognisable name in a new Party/Service/Whatever you're having yourself, given the publicity he courts.
You can't acknowledge his "eccentricity" and then complain when it's brought up, especially when his candidature is DDI's first foray into mainstream politics

I see you're trying to organise a DDI Chapter in the Southeast, I wish you all the best. I do think there's merit in having popular referenda and there is a need to involve the people more. More power to you and the sooner you jettison this Svengali the better.

Hijpo · 07-03-2013 12:55pm

Robbo wrote: »

Leaving aside the copypasta from the DDI site, the reason Ben Gilroy is castigated is because:
He's the candidate in the Meath By-Election, this is the Meath By-Election thread.

He's the most public face of DDI. He's a founder member.

He's one of only three members listed on their site.

He writes a large number of the articles on the website.

He's the most recognisable name in a new Party/Service/Whatever you're having yourself, given the publicity he courts.

You can't acknowledge his "eccentricity" and then complain when it's brought up, especially when his candidature is DDI's first foray into mainstream politics

I see you're trying to organise a DDI Chapter in the Southeast, I wish you all the best. I do think there's merit in having popular referenda and there is a need to involve the people more. More power to you and the sooner you jettison this Svengali the better.

I was simply listing the opportunities that DDI brings to the table, i feel flipping the entire table over because of one man that sits at the table (who, lets be honest, is just contesting current laws and the people elected to enforce them) as being incredibly quick to dismiss the party. I believe that instead of looking at who DDI is people need to see what it is, as thats how DDI as a party sees itself.

Thank you for your best wishes, were doing well so far.

"Svengali" lol thats brilliant

Dejvice · 07-03-2013 8:49pm

Ms McEntee candidate for FG. I am sorry for her dad, that is for sure.
However, the sheer electioneering by FG, the shoe in, the sympathy vote, it is rather crass, it is rather low.
Equally it is rather intelligent by FG, for sure they know their voters well and know what they will do.

This not a disrespectful question but I really wonder would her dad (if alive) have stepped aside at the next election to make the seat available? What is it that makes us want to elect a person (most likely she will be elected) because of circumstance?

It is rather insane and those good people people in Meath need to ask themselves a few serious questions about CIRCUMSTANTIAL POLITICS that is currently prevailing. Yes, simply because of circumstance and nothing else.

Pitiful. You get what you ask for....and live with the circumstances of your decision.

delta_bravo · 07-03-2013 11:39pm

When Seamus Brennan died and ff put forward his son as candidate he was well beaten and the party widely criticised for legacy politics. Will be interesting to see if this will be viewed the same way. After all the rubbish fg said about new politics we are still essentially like the house of lords with government seats that are hereditary

oscarBravo · 07-03-2013 11:43pm

delta_bravo wrote: »

After all the rubbish fg said about new politics we are still essentially like the house of lords with government seats that are hereditary

Apart from the utterly trivial detail of not being able to take up a "hereditary" seat unless elected to it by the people. Other than that, it's exactly the same thing, yes.

Dejvice · 08-03-2013 7:33am

oscarBravo wrote: »

Apart from the utterly trivial detail of not being able to take up a "hereditary" seat unless elected to it by the people. Other than that, it's exactly the same thing, yes.

I wouldn't even use the word 'hereditary', Irish society (and most for that matter) generally only think as far forward as its grandchildren. Probably the same in politics. Have a look at constant use of the phrase 'so I can leave something for the kids'. Only a few think as far forward as 3rd, 4th, 5th generation.

Sully · 08-03-2013 11:54pm

Moving onto candidates that deal with facts rather than candidates that deal in fiction...

I thought the same initially re: McEntee but she comes from a political background so she was bound to head in the same career path (nothing wrong with that, we do it on other fields). It turns out that this lady has been involved for sometime and has a degree in economics, politics and law and later completed a master’s in journalism and media communications. Very well qualified and was heading in this direction for sometime.

There are numerous jobs out there where kids have taken over the family business, went down the same line as their parents and so on. I'd be disappointed if they were shoving a TD from the family just to get a sympathy vote and keep the family name to the seat but I don't see anything wrong with it if the TD is up for the job and capable to deliver. I think she will do just that.

Plus, a lot of people moan that young women don't get into politics. Now we have someone who is young and into politics stepping up to the mark - injecting more fresh and young blood into the party and hopefully the government. Stop complaining and let the people of Meath East decide who they want to elect.

Bichon Lover · 09-03-2013 9:19pm

Sully wrote: »

Moving onto candidates that deal with facts rather than candidates that deal in fiction...

I thought the same initially re: McEntee but she comes from a political background so she was bound to head in the same career path (nothing wrong with that, we do it on other fields). It turns out that this lady has been involved for sometime and has a degree in economics, politics and law and later completed a master’s in journalism and media communications. Very well qualified and was heading in this direction for sometime.

There are numerous jobs out there where kids have taken over the family business, went down the same line as their parents and so on. I'd be disappointed if they were shoving a TD from the family just to get a sympathy vote and keep the family name to the seat but I don't see anything wrong with it if the TD is up for the job and capable to deliver. I think she will do just that.

Plus, a lot of people moan that young women don't get into politics. Now we have someone who is young and into politics stepping up to the mark - injecting more fresh and young blood into the party and hopefully the government. Stop complaining and let the people of Meath East decide who they want to elect.

a master’s in journalism and media communications

Now if she had a real degree, not something in a Makey-uppey subject.:D

Margaret Thatcher was a woman: do you want to see someone like her in the Dail?

Agent Smith · 09-03-2013 9:23pm

Bichon Lover wrote: »

Margaret Thatcher was a woman: do you want to see someone like her in the Dail?

Yes

Hijpo · 09-03-2013 10:06pm

Sully wrote: »

Moving onto candidates that deal with facts rather than candidates that deal in fiction..

The FG and Lab manifesto's are prime examples of fiction

Sully · 10-03-2013 12:53am

Hijpo wrote: »

The FG and Lab manifesto's are prime examples of fiction

Not really, seeing as some of what was proposed within are being implemented or already have been.

Whearas what some of the DDI is proposing is actually that - fiction. Which is why it wont ever lift of the ground. Its another loony left approach to politics but it appears to be completely off the wall.

Hijpo · 10-03-2013 1:21am

Sully wrote: »

Its another loony approach to politics but it appears to be completely off the wall.

Speaking of loony off the wall approaches to politics, i heard a right one about healy eames wanting people to register for IP address's. Or maybe cutting childrens allowance for everyone no matter how little they earn while increasing taxes and imposing charges :rolleyes:

Oh heres another one, calling journalists "knackers" for taking a photo of someone getting a cuddle in doha.

Will i continue?

Very classy way of approaching politics alright, stand up politicians they are, a round of applause.

:rolleyes:

Anyway, back to the Meath elections, Vote Ben Gilroy!
He wont insult you, talk down to you and more than likely wont get cuddles in Doha.

Sully · 10-03-2013 4:13pm

Hijpo wrote: »

Speaking of loony off the wall approaches to politics, i heard a right one about healy eames wanting people to register for IP address's. Or maybe cutting childrens allowance for everyone no matter how little they earn while increasing taxes and imposing charges :rolleyes:

Oh heres another one, calling journalists "knackers" for taking a photo of someone getting a cuddle in doha.

Will i continue?

Very classy way of approaching politics alright, stand up politicians they are, a round of applause.

:rolleyes:

It goes to show how uneducated some of our public representatives are when it comes to technology and their idiotic approach. Fraping - being raped online. Shocking behavior. Time to take a stand, etc. Shame your standing on an issue you have no clue about.

Yeah, I ain't hiding the fact that what some of our public reps come out with are face palm worthy (actually have no objection to what Phil Hogan said - he had a valid point).

But they don't compare with some of the rubbish Gilroy comes out with. There is a difference between being completely oblivious to how something actually works and not properly researching it and someone advising people incorrectly on the law, constitution and so on.

DDI had potential. A small bit of potential that is that was never going to last. But this freeman nonsense will dampen any chance of going forward.

Hijpo · 10-03-2013 10:33pm

Sully wrote: »

It goes to show how uneducated some of our public representatives are when it comes to technology and their idiotic approach. Fraping - being raped online. Shocking behavior. Time to take a stand, etc. Shame your standing on an issue you have no clue about.

Yeah, I ain't hiding the fact that what some of our public reps come out with are face palm worthy (actually have no objection to what Phil Hogan said - he had a valid point).

But they don't compare with some of the rubbish Gilroy comes out with. There is a difference between being completely oblivious to how something actually works and not properly researching it and someone advising people incorrectly on the law, constitution and so on.

DDI had potential. A small bit of potential that is that was never going to last. But this freeman nonsense will dampen any chance of going forward.

Its an issue i have no clue about? Where do you get evidence to make such a claim?

How is a public representative calling some one a knacker a valid point? Is it not discrimination against travellers that someone uses the term linked to them as an insult?

Did he have a valid point when he told a concerned mother to "relax and feed the children"?
I find your attitude to politics a little disturbing.

Where in DDIs proposals are they forcing or even mentioning freeman ideas?
If DDI get in you and like minded people can hold a referendum on closing out the laws they take advantage of. Even though all they do is ask a few questions and demand answers.

darkhorse · 11-03-2013 12:16am

Vladimir Kurtains wrote: »

Gilroy? Well that's the end of anyone taking them seriously.

Yer right, Vlad. We should just leave the status quo as is, sure its working fine, pointless changing things.:(

darkhorse · 11-03-2013 12:24am

oscarBravo wrote: »

Only if the theory is predicated on the myth of the rational voter.

Actually, its the rational voter that has ensured political family dynasty's have been a mainstay of this little country of ours down through the years, imo.

darkhorse · 11-03-2013 12:32am

Vladimir Kurtains wrote: »

Have you actually read some of the stuff this guy comes out with? He's away with the fairies. Whatever his intentions are, he isn't going to help anyone by spouting mumbo jumbo based on poor understanding of the law.

And while he's not the only person in DDI, it doesn't auger well for them if he's the best they can come up with for their first run in the polls.

Just as a matter of interest, how many government politicians have ya seen trying to help keep people from being evicted from their own home in the past few years.

darkhorse · 11-03-2013 12:46am

Robbo wrote: »

Leaving aside the copypasta from the DDI site, the reason Ben Gilroy is castigated is because:
He's the candidate in the Meath By-Election, this is the Meath By-Election thread.

He's the most public face of DDI. He's a founder member.

He's one of only three members listed on their site.

He writes a large number of the articles on the website.

He's the most recognisable name in a new Party/Service/Whatever you're having yourself, given the publicity he courts.

You can't acknowledge his "eccentricity" and then complain when it's brought up, especially when his candidature is DDI's first foray into mainstream politics

I see you're trying to organise a DDI Chapter in the Southeast, I wish you all the best. I do think there's merit in having popular referenda and there is a need to involve the people more. More power to you and the sooner you jettison this Svengali the better.

A Svengali, nevertheless, who would like to see governments held accountable to the people (whether his party is elected or not) who elected them. Are the government, in your opinion, accountable to the people anytime within their five year term? I dont think they are.

darkhorse · 11-03-2013 12:57am

Sully wrote: »

Moving onto candidates that deal with facts rather than candidates that deal in fiction...

I thought the same initially re: McEntee but she comes from a political background so she was bound to head in the same career path (nothing wrong with that, we do it on other fields). It turns out that this lady has been involved for sometime and has a degree in economics, politics and law and later completed a master’s in journalism and media communications. Very well qualified and was heading in this direction for sometime.

There are numerous jobs out there where kids have taken over the family business, went down the same line as their parents and so on. I'd be disappointed if they were shoving a TD from the family just to get a sympathy vote and keep the family name to the seat but I don't see anything wrong with it if the TD is up for the job and capable to deliver. I think she will do just that.

Plus, a lot of people moan that young women don't get into politics. Now we have someone who is young and into politics stepping up to the mark - injecting more fresh and young blood into the party and hopefully the government. Stop complaining and let the people of Meath East decide who they want to elect.

I would have to agree with you, Sully, without a doubt that she is qualified, but for her to align herself with a party, any party, where she wont have a say in any vote because of the whip system, is a waste of her talents (remember george lee, they would'nt even let him talk).

darkhorse · 11-03-2013 1:10am

Sully wrote: »

Whearas what some of the DDI is proposing is actually that - fiction. Which is why it wont ever lift of the ground. Its another loony left approach to politics but it appears to be completely off the wall.

Tell me if I am reading you wrong, Sully, but your post reads like you would not be interested in government being accountable to the people, as in Direct Democracy. Its not left, its not right, it is more interested in balance in the middle. As regards loony, well if you think it is loony to want some sort of a say in the running of our country, then I guess they are loons, and I am also happy to be a loon under these circumstances.

darkhorse · 11-03-2013 1:20am

Sully wrote: »

But they don't compare with some of the rubbish Gilroy comes out with. There is a difference between being completely oblivious to how something actually works and not properly researching it and someone advising people incorrectly on the law, constitution and so on.

This would'nt be the same Ben Gilroy that you are referring to, would it. From where I'm sitting, it definitely looks like he researched it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=PpUjl4LvQM8

Fr Tod Umptious · 11-03-2013 6:34am

darkhorse wrote: »

Just as a matter of interest, how many government politicians have ya seen trying to help keep people from being evicted from their own home in the past few years.

I would image that lots to govt politicians tried to help constituents with such problems, but its not the kind of thing that makes the media, local or national.

But if it did make the media most here would give out about gombeenism and how its not the job of a national politician to get involved in local matters.

Hijpo · 11-03-2013 10:17am

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

I would image that lots to govt politicians tried to help constituents with such problems, but its not the kind of thing that makes the media, local or national.

But if it did make the media most here would give out about gombeenism and how its not the job of a national politician to get involved in local matters.

An empty claim giving the facy that you have to imagine they did.

I find it incredibly hard to believe that a story of a politician helping people in this way would be kept amazingly quiet for this long. Even a leak onto the internet, it doesnt have to be media. Especially seen as they dont all want to be tarred with the same brush.

Any politician worth there salt would be trying to get people on there side, making it known that they are trying to help constituents in difficulty would be a no brainer.

Fr Tod Umptious · 11-03-2013 12:04pm

Hijpo wrote: »

An empty claim giving the facy that you have to imagine they did.

I find it incredibly hard to believe that a story of a politician helping people in this way would be kept amazingly quiet for this long. Even a leak onto the internet, it doesnt have to be media. Especially seen as they dont all want to be tarred with the same brush.

Any politician worth there salt would be trying to get people on there side, making it known that they are trying to help constituents in difficulty would be a no brainer.

Well I am not willing to sate facts as I do not actually know of any that have taken place.
But then again financial matters are pretty much confidential so it's not for me to know what other peoples financial situations are.
And this confidentiality is probably what keeps this kind of stuff out of the public domain any way, until such a time as the evection happens at least.
But in a country where clientisem is a huge part of of the political landscape I would be quiet odd if a TD was not approached by a home owner requesting help with a possible eviction hanging over them.
And I would also find it odd if said politician did not try and help in some way.

What exactly has this DDI guy done about evictions ?

Hijpo · 11-03-2013 12:24pm

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

Well I am not willing to sate facts as I do not actually know of any that have taken place.
But then again financial matters are pretty much confidential so it's not for me to know what other peoples financial situations are.
And this confidentiality is probably what keeps this kind of stuff out of the public domain any way, until such a time as the evection happens at least.
But in a country where clientisem is a huge part of of the political landscape I would be quiet odd if a TD was not approached by a home owner requesting help with a possible eviction hanging over them.
And I would also find it odd if said politician did not try and help in some way.

What exactly has this DDI guy done about evictions ?

If the politicians helped there would be no need for Ben Gilroy to do what hes doing which, as a mere mortal instead of an above the law all mighty TD, is asking questions about laws people dont understand and the courts, the recievers and the banks are taking advantage of that fact.

Then you have people slating him because he challenges these laws and pokes around the constitution, instead of slating the people who made a mess of the laws in the first place. How dare he question anything. How dare any of us question the government for that matter.

I suppose the right way to run the country would be to take everyones income from them and only give them back what they need to survive. Whats that, about 120 quid a week per household in the eyes of the coalition?

Fr Tod Umptious · 11-03-2013 12:32pm

Hijpo wrote: »

If the politicians helped there would be no need for Ben Gilroy to do what hes doing which, as a mere mortal instead of an above the law all mighty TD, is asking questions about laws people dont understand and the courts, the recievers and the banks are taking advantage of that fact.

Then you have people slating him because he challenges these laws and pokes around the constitution, instead of slating the people who made a mess of the laws in the first place. How dare he question anything. How dare any of us question the government for that matter.

I suppose the right way to run the country would be to take everyones from them and give them back only what they need to survive.

So you want politicians interfering in the way the banks do their day to day business when they are dealing with customer loans ?

Hijpo · 11-03-2013 1:01pm

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

So you want politicians interfering in the way the banks do their day to day business when they are dealing with customer loans ?

There is nothing stopping them interfering in the way people live there day to day lives so why should banks have the easy ride and support of the government?
Cant justify paying all these extra tax's? tough, your opinion doesnt matter, dont even ask questions, they are taking it.
Not enough money after tax to pay your mortgage? banks are on the way with the power invested in them by the government.

They tax, charge and levie absolutely everything, you cant even wipe your arse without paying 23% VAT. Now people are just supposed to believe there is no money and that saving cannot be made in non essential areas before increasing tax's, implementing new taxes and decreasing tax credits.

oscarBravo · 11-03-2013 9:27pm

darkhorse wrote: »

Actually, its the rational voter that has ensured political family dynasty's have been a mainstay of this little country of ours down through the years, imo.

I'm sorry, but I have no idea what you mean by this.

rpurfield · 12-03-2013 6:41pm

Sully wrote: »

Not really, seeing as some of what was proposed within are being implemented or already have been.

Whearas what some of the DDI is proposing is actually that - fiction. Which is why it wont ever lift of the ground. Its another loony left approach to politics but it appears to be completely off the wall.

giving ddi are new and i live in east meath i decided to do some research before i give a vote up to them.to describe them as looney left is wide of the mark imo.there was a twitter feed for their kildare north branch tweeting and retweeting all sorts of right wing tea party esque nonsense which has now protected its tweets after a complaint. https://twitter.com/ddi_kn (see here) their facebook page spends more time moaning that only ff and fg are getting media exposure when i pointed out it detracts from their campaign and i dont see sinn fein or the workers party candidates moaning about coverage but getting on with it a few posters were less than nice about the workers party in particular.

im all for change in the political landscape as its badly needed but the more ive read about ddi the less i like them.they are very wishy washy on a lot of policies and smack of a crowd that will do a labour as in come out with populist slogans etc but if they ever get to the stage where they can hold some power theyll be like everyone else.

Hijpo · 12-03-2013 7:52pm

rpurfield wrote: »

giving ddi are new and i live in east meath i decided to do some research before i give a vote up to them.to describe them as looney left is wide of the mark imo.there was a twitter feed for their kildare north branch tweeting and retweeting all sorts of right wing tea party esque nonsense which has now protected its tweets after a complaint. https://twitter.com/ddi_kn (see here) their facebook page spends more time moaning that only ff and fg are getting media exposure when i pointed out it detracts from their campaign and i dont see sinn fein or the workers party candidates moaning about coverage but getting on with it a few posters were less than nice about the workers party in particular.

im all for change in the political landscape as its badly needed but the more ive read about ddi the less i like them.they are very wishy washy on a lot of policies and smack of a crowd that will do a labour as in come out with populist slogans etc but if they ever get to the stage where they can hold some power theyll be like everyone else.

How dare anyone have some passion and want air time, i would imagine its more to do with the media trying to play down new parties by not covering them or at the very least giving them a few seconds mention. I doubt sinn fein need air time and the workers party... well... do they want air time?

There will never be change in the political landscape unless the media gives equal time to those who need it and the party whip system is done away with. The media side of things, well thank christ there is social media and the party whip system DDI do not use such a system. Thats one BIG political change for the good for starters.

I doubt they will be the same as all the rest because they give the people the right to recall so if TD's are not doing there job they can be kicked out by the electorate.
They provide the people of ireland with tools to protect themselves against the type of crap going on at the moment, where as the current crowd are only interested in taking things away from you.

darkhorse · 12-03-2013 7:55pm

rpurfield wrote: »

im all for change in the political landscape as its badly needed but the more ive read about ddi the less i like them.they are very wishy washy on a lot of policies and smack of a crowd that will do a labour as in come out with populist slogans etc but if they ever get to the stage where they can hold some power theyll be like everyone else.

Well, that's settled then. We'el just keep handing every cent over to the people that we have in the hotseat, and be assured that every said cent will be sent out foreign. A logical Irish approach. The more it changes, the more it stays the same.

By-Election Confirmed for March 27th

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