Which Irish political party would you like to see in a new government?

RobbingBandit · 01-06-2013 01:36PM

Meritocracy Wins wrote: »

The Democrats. Preferably with Bill Clinton at the helm.

The Tax and Spend brigade ain't welcome no more! God Bless America:p

Kichote · 01-06-2013 01:49PM

~35% voting for the same crooks that ripped us off and make us pay tax for living in our own homes. (FG,FF,Labour combined)

People are suckers for punishment.

COYW · 01-06-2013 02:09PM

FF will be in power next time, more than likely with a mish-mash of independents and the remainder of Labour. Alternatively, it'll be FG with a mish-mash of independents and the remainder of Labour.

I voted 'Other' as I don't know what way I would vote. I will probably vote for the young candidate in my area who impresses me most, discounting SF and anyone else on the hard left, on a point of principal.

Would love to see a new political party who are economically to the right that would implement real cuts in the areas of excess, eg: cut social welfare for those who refuse to attend interviews. Someone who has been successful in business would be great but that is a massive negative in the average begrudging voter's eyes.

murraykil · 01-06-2013 02:16PM

COYW wrote: »

...

I will probably vote for the young candidate in my area who impresses me most, discounting SF and anyone else on the hard left, on a point of principal.

...

Why not Sinn Féin, their political philosophy or their association with the IRA?

Lord TSC · 01-06-2013 02:30PM

Kichote wrote: »

~35% voting for the same crooks that ripped us off and make us pay tax for living in our own homes. (FG,FF,Labour combined)

People are suckers for punishment.

How bout though, instead of attacking the people, we try and critique why they don't see a viable alternative out there? Rather than launching personal attacks, we actually try and have a civil discussion on what other parties can do to convince people there's a better attitude than "The devil you know".

Greentopia · 01-06-2013 02:56PM

COYW wrote: »

Would love to see a new political party who are economically to the right that would implement real cuts in the areas of excess, eg: cut social welfare for those who refuse to attend interviews. Someone who has been successful in business would be great but that is a massive negative in the average begrudging voter's eyes.

From talking to some friends of mine who are/were unemployed a big problem seems to be that there is no oversight or follow up by the SW/Intreo offices as to the efforts JS claimants are making to find work.

The most the local office do here is send out a request form askiing people to supply details of what efforts they've made-names, addresses, when they applied and so on, but then they never hear from them again for another 6 months to a year, and just let people languish on the dole.

Or they may send out details for some course that has no relevance to their skills or qualifications, with again no follow up.

If SW can't be bothered to assist people find work it's no wonder there are those who take advantage of that and remain on the dole for years without ever having to make any concerted effort.

Sorry, gone OT I know but just wanted to say that the blame for the situation you describe must be shared with the Govt. and SW/Intreo

Peregrine · 01-06-2013 03:15PM

When the people stop electing teachers as ministers, we might see a real change in thoughts in government.

Sinn Féin? They're by far the most economically illiterate party in the Dáil. If they had been in government now, I have no doubt that we'd be in a worst state than 2010.

bluemagpie · 01-06-2013 04:52PM

I'd like to see an option when voting for "against all" or "reopen nominations", and recall voting like some states in the USA and also parts of Canada, it might lead to more accountability by politicians and less false promises. I'll keep dreaming...

If some of the half decent politicians in FG who aren't part of the dynasties broke away and set up New FG I reckon they could be in with a chance of eclipsing the current FG cronies.

Sergeant · 01-06-2013 05:12PM

I'll be voting for FG, with lower preferences going to Labour. No SF, FF, long-haired independents or loony-left characters for me.

awec · 01-06-2013 05:23PM

I have the advantage of not being from here, so I have no family allegiances to particular parties and can pretty much judge them all on their own merits.

FG first, Independent and then Other. Wouldn't vote for FF or Sinn Fein, two clueless bags of sh!te.

Capt'n Midnight · 01-06-2013 07:40PM

Zebra3 wrote: »

National Socialist Irish Workers' Party.

An Irish Workers Party that's Socialist ?
https://irishelectionliterature.wordpress.com/tag/sinn-fein-the-workers-party/

Capt'n Midnight · 01-06-2013 07:41PM

Anyone wrote: »

How are Independents classed as a party?

It's a well known FF ploy.

oppenheimer1 · 01-06-2013 07:45PM

heyjude wrote: »

We need a new government made up of new people, with fresh new ideas, rather than retreads or clones. Maybe for a change we could try electing a government whose cabinet isn't composed of former teachers, farmers, publicans or trade union officials. I'm not talking about adding a few more auctioneers, accountants or solicitors either, but what about involving some actual business people who know what it takes to create real jobs.

Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Labour or any combination of them, have all had their chances and failed. The announcement, as good news, that 400 jobs are being created through the introduction of the water tax, just sums up my disillusionment with the system. If they truly see that as good news, then why not introduce another 20 various charges(taxes) and you can create thousands of jobs collecting them all

The problem is that if any party put themselves forward on a platform that was brutally honest (and to be honest its the kind of government that is actually required), it would automatically make then unelectable.

People like being told what they want to hear, rather than being told what they need to hear.

LordSutch · 01-06-2013 07:53PM

Sinn Fein winning the vote on boards.ie, in an After Hours poll, how unique

Bloody student types. Away with you and your bloody Che Guevara tee shirts!

REALITY of course BEING A DIFFERENT PLANET.

oppenheimer1 · 01-06-2013 08:21PM

augustus_gloop wrote: »

of course , what else could explain the huge popularity of one bertie aherne back in the day

unbridled populism

Bertie Ahern was popular for two reasons. He was very populist (like you said) but just as importantly he did preside over a period where the economy boomed too. Granted the boom was an illusion created by cheap credit, but it was a boom none the less.

OCorcrainn · 01-06-2013 11:35PM

oppenheimer1 wrote: »

Bertie Ahern was popular for two reasons. He was very populist (like you said) but just as importantly he did preside over a period where the economy boomed too. Granted the boom was an illusion created by cheap credit, but it was a boom none the less.

It was not a boom, it was a bubble.

gowley · 01-06-2013 11:39PM

OCorcrainn wrote: »

It was not a boom, it was a bubble.

a bubble that burst

OCorcrainn · 02-06-2013 02:08PM

gowley wrote: »

a bubble that burst

And we all know who was responsible for the turning our boom into a bubble that burst.

Cheerful Spring · 02-06-2013 03:01PM

Does it matter?

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=corporate%20feudalism

http://steve-lovelace.com/corporate-feudalism-the-end-of-nation-states/

mikeym · 02-06-2013 04:46PM

Imagine Jackie Healy rae and his family running the country

murraykil · 02-06-2013 10:21PM

Date|Source|Agency|Fine Gael|Labour|Fianna Fáil|Sinn Féin|Green|Independent/Others|-|Unemployment
2 June 2013|Boards.ie|After Hours|20.5%|7.5%|8%|30%|-|34%
-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|
26 May 2013|The Sunday Business Post|RED C|26%|11%|26%|16%|-|21%|-|13.50% (April 30, 2013)
26 May 2012|The Sunday Business Post|RED C|30%|15%|18%|19%|2%|16%|-|14.90% (April 30, 2012)
29 May 2011|The Sunday Business Post|RED C|41%|19%|16%|11%|3%|10%|-|14.40% (April 30, 2011)
25 February 2011|General election|—|36.1%|19.4%|17.4%|9.9%|1.8%|15.4%|-|14.60% (Jan. 31, 2011)
20 February 2011|The Sunday Business Post|RED C|39%|17%|16%|12%|2%|14%|-|
24 May 2007|General election|-|22.5%|10.8%|41.5%|6.5%|3.8%|14.9%|-|4.50% (April 30, 2007)

By the 8th of April 2016, Ireland will be in the 4th year of property / household tax and should be in the second year of water charges. Austerity is likely to still be in place, and the new taxes won't be used to improve local services, improve healthcare and education or reduce crime, but rather reduce the level in which local and other services are being reduced.

If the unemployment rate is still in double figures, then I don't see how the balance of the power and the creation of the next Government won't be in the hands of Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin. No party will want to share power with too large a number of independents as it will be a very unstable Government.

Sinn Féin will likely be willing to share power with any party; Fiann Fáil are adamant that they won't share power with Sinn Féin, as the same is true for Fine Gael and Labour I believe.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael sharing power with Labour or Independents might be seen as the lesser evil by FF and FG, but unless the current gap between the two is greatly widened, neither party is likely to be happy with the other having the role of Taoiseach. :pac:

I'm not sure how effective National unity governments have been in other countries but it could be exactly what the country needs. The Dáil these days is nothing but a sham with politicians acting like kids with personal bickering over their own personal baggage while the country is in turmoil.

Wilberto · 02-06-2013 10:50PM

I'd like to see a FF and FG coalition, as would, I assume, many of the younger voters. But I doubt it will happen as it means that Labour could end up being the leader of the opposition (albeit probably not at the next election if those pools are anything to go by).

That is why I believe Labour missed a treat after the last election. Instead of getting into bed immediately with FG, they could, and possibly should, have sat back and said "No, your policies are too different etc so either meet our demands or we're not going to enter into government with you."

If they got exactly what they (and their voters) wanted then Hurrah(!), and if not then they could have ended up as the leader of the opposition, and just look at what holding that position has done to FF. Labour had a great chance of cementing their "second largest party" status. This would surely lead us down the path of left wing/right wing governmerts, instead of the current position of successive right wing governments.

As for FG, they could have chosen to form a minority government, or they could have formed a coalition with FF (although public sentiment was dead set against FF at the time so this would not have been the best option at all).

Unfortunately though, Labour were not brave enough to do this as they smelt the "power"! Although, more appropriately, they just felt that, as the public voted them 2nd to FG, they had a duty to form a coalition with FG as it was what the public wanted.

Anyway, the next general election should be absolutely fascinating though!! Lokking forward to it already!!!!

:D:D

murraykil · 02-06-2013 11:04PM

Yes, the election should be really interesting!

I think it would be hard for Fine Gael to form a Government with Fianna Fáil; they would lose a lot of support / repspect from both those who vote for them regularly and those who changed their allegiance from Fianna Fáil.

However, like I already said, it might be acceptable to them if it meant not having Sinn Féin in the Government.

It does seem that Labour are likely to be the 4th party in the next election, unless things change a lot in the next few years.

Cienciano · 02-06-2013 11:58PM

My name is URL wrote: »

The Lemon Party

I like the sound of them. Do they have a website? :pac:

StupidLikeAFox wrote: »

You could stop basing your vote on your own personal opinions and realise that your vote should go to the party or candidate who (in your opinion) will deliver the best possible outcome for the country over the following 5 years

If you feel that you have a better vision for the country, there is nothing stopping you from gathering a group of like minded individuals and start expressing your opinions loudly - that people might be influenced by your opinions and rally behind you - thus gaining support for your ideas and getting elected to national office, where you can begin to put your ideas into practice (easier said than done of course)

Alternatively, you can draw a cock on your ballot and apply some twisted logic that the fact you have spoiled your vote will somehow jerk the powers that be into changing their strategy (good luck with that)

Sadly, drawing a cock on his ballot paper is probably the best option out of all of them

LordSutch · 03-06-2013 12:01AM

Any Political party, or any combination of . . . except Sinn Fein of course (for obvious reasons).

Wilberto · 03-06-2013 12:05AM

murraykil wrote: »

Yes, the election should be really interesting!

I think it would be hard for Fine Gael to form a Government with Fianna Fáil; they would lose a lot of support / repspect from both those who vote for them regularly and those who changed their allegiance from Fianna Fáil.

However, like I already said, it might be acceptable to them if it meant not having Sinn Féin in the Government.

This would have been my one hope but now, with Labour looking as if they can only manage 4th, should this happen it would mean that Sinn Fein would become leader of the opposition. I don't like that. Ideally, I'd want Labour there.

Ulysses Gaze · 03-06-2013 12:25AM

Sinn Féin will likely be willing to share power with any party; Fiann Fáil are adamant that they won't share power with Sinn Féin, as the same is true for Fine Gael and Labour I believe.

Fianna Fail will want to be in power for 2016 for the 100 year anniversary of the Rising. I would not trust a word that FF say and believe they would have no problem going into power with SF if push comes to shove.

FF are about two things:

1. Party over Country
2. Power

murraykil · 03-06-2013 12:39AM

LordSutch wrote: »

Any Political party, or any combination of . . . except Sinn Fein of course (for obvious reasons).

It's not obvious to me! I'm pretty sure it's their association with the IRA, but since many people on boards saying that their policies are hokum and that their economic knowledge is non-existent, it may be that. Since you say 'reasons' it may be both! :pac:

Wilberto wrote: »

This would have been my one hope but now, with Labour looking as if they can only manage 4th, should this happen it would mean that Sinn Fein would become leader of the opposition. I don't like that. Ideally, I'd want Labour there.

With Fine Gael being at 22% in 2007, it's not beyond the realms of possibility that they could find themselves close to that in 2016 if unemployment is still at 14%. If that were to be the case, Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin are likely to be the biggest beneficiaries, and Sinn Féin being leader of the oppostion might be the least of your worries, especially if Ulysses is correct! :pac:

Ulysses Gaze wrote: »

Fianna Fail will want to be in power for 2016 for the 100 year anniversary of the Rising. I would not trust a word that FF say and believe they would have no problem going into power with SF if push comes to shove.

FF are about two things:

1. Party over Country
2. Power

Hmm, the lure of power may too hard to resist! Plus it would be a tremendous personal success for Michael Máirtín to get FF back into Government so soon.

OCorcrainn · 27-06-2013 06:34PM

I'd imagine that there are some people here now that would not have voted for FF, FG, Labour after the recent debacles involving the Anglo-Irish tapes, Quinn's cuts to SNAs or that we are officially back in recession again (not that we noticed we actually left the recession in the first place)

27-06-2013 06:37PM

Shinners get my vote.

They're the only big party that have never been given a chance to govern. How can they be any worse than FF/FG/Labour?

To those who are scared of Sinn Fein, I say:

Let them have a bit of power, see how they screw up, and then never vote for them.

Which Irish political party would you like to see in a new government?

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