Sligo/Leitrim General Election! 2015/2016?

Henlars67 · 02-03-2015 10:19pm #1

I know we're probably a year out from it, but the first declared runner was selected at the Sinn Féin convention yesterday.

Leitrim County Councillor Martin Kenny defeated former Sligo Borough Councillor Chris MacManus following Deputy Michael Colreavy's decision not to seek another term.

The new constituency is a 4-seater which take sin all of counties Sligo and Leitrim as well as a part of South Donegal from Bundoran to Laghey, and a sizeable portion of West Cavan -from Blacklion to within 6 miles of Cavan Town.

Michael Comiskey is the only person so far to publicly state that he will be seeking the nomination, but Leitrim Cllr John McCartin has hinted that he will be putting himself forward. The two sitting Fine Gaelers have been getting busy on the publicity front lately, so one could assume that both intend on running again.

Marc MacSharry has said he will seek the FF nomination. It's likely that at least one Leitrim councillor will put themselves forward and there is talk of John Paul Feehily, a Blacklion based councillor running.

Presume O'Keefe will run for labour.

It's almost certain that there will be one seat each for FF, FG & SF and it's anyone's guess as to who will take the last one.

As it stands I can't think of any strong Independent who would be able to take votes right across the constituency to be in with a chance, but one could emerge in the next few months.

As I said, I realise it could be over a year away, but hopefully we can keep this thread going from now up until the election, whenever that may be.

T-Bird · 03-03-2015 12:18am

Woohoo! Coming up to time of more promises, only to have them revoked for whatever reason when they are elected....

Kettleson · 03-03-2015 12:24pm

I'm surprised to see the selection of Kenny over McManus, but I do not know enough about either candidate to pass well founded comment. However I would have thought that McManus was nailed on for selection. Any comments on that?

Mint Sauce · 03-03-2015 6:00pm

Henlars67 wrote: »

I know we're probably a year out from it, but the first declared runner was selected at the Sinn Féin convention yesterday.

Leitrim County Councillor Martin Kenny defeated former Sligo Borough Councillor Chris MacManus following Deputy Michael Colreavy's decision not to seek another term.

The new constituency is a 4-seater which take sin all of counties Sligo and Leitrim as well as a part of South Donegal from Bundoran to Laghey, and a sizeable portion of West Cavan -from Blacklion to within 6 miles of Cavan Town.

Michael Comiskey is the only person so far to publicly state that he will be seeking the nomination, but Leitrim Cllr John McCartin has hinted that he will be putting himself forward. The two sitting Fine Gaelers have been getting busy on the publicity front lately, so one could assume that both intend on running again.

Marc MacSharry has said he will seek the FF nomination. It's likely that at least one Leitrim councillor will put themselves forward and there is talk of John Paul Feehily, a Blacklion based councillor running.

Presume O'Keefe will run for labour.

It's almost certain that there will be one seat each for FF, FG & SF and it's anyone's guess as to who will take the last one.

As it stands I can't think of any strong Independent who would be able to take votes right across the constituency to be in with a chance, but one could emerge in the next few months.

As I said, I realise it could be over a year away, but hopefully we can keep this thread going from now up until the election, whenever that may be.

Interested to see how the new boundaries play out.

ie. Will candiates based in Bundoran and Blacklion have Sligo issues on the top of their agenda and visa versa.

May want to make this a sticky replacing the last election thread.

Henlars67 · 03-03-2015 6:05pm

Kettleson wrote: »

I'm surprised to see the selection of Kenny over McManus, but I do not know enough about either candidate to pass well founded comment. However I would have thought that McManus was nailed on for selection. Any comments on that?

There would be a large SF membership in Kenny's area. The party ran 3 candidates there in the locals, taking two of the six seats. The third candidate, though unsuccessful got a sizeable vote as well.

Focus_sligo · 03-03-2015 11:13pm

Henlars67 wrote: »

There would be a large SF membership in Kenny's area. The party ran 3 candidates there in the locals, taking two of the six seats. The third candidate, though unsuccessful got a sizeable vote as well.

There was a lot of Sinn Fein members at the election convention, most came from Leitrim and Cavan, there is talk of running two candidates yet, But nothing decided

Henlars67 · 19-03-2015 9:41pm

I see Deputy Perry is in the news for the wrong reasons again.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0319/688129-john-perry/

sligono1 · 25-03-2015 12:25pm

Are FG gonna let this fool run again.how many more times can he pull the Micky,or maybe let's see him humillatied at the ballot box.

Henlars67 · 17-04-2015 10:58pm

Eamon Scanlon and Marc MacSharry selected at the Fianna Fail convention in Manorhamilton earlier tonight.

Seems madness for them to run two Sligo based candidates.

hjr · 17-04-2015 11:13pm

Henlars67 wrote: »

Eamon Scanlon and Marc MacSharry selected at the Fianna Fail convention in Manorhamilton earlier tonight.

Seems madness for them to run two Sligo based candidates.

I would imagine Scanlon will concentrate on John Perry voters, and Macsharry will target the town. I think sinn fein have huge support in Leitrim so tactically its prob better to do as they did. Fine Gael very vulnerable at present between Perry and McLoughlin, who may not run again...be a lively contest!

red sean · 17-04-2015 11:40pm

Henlars67 wrote: »

Eamon Scanlon and Marc MacSharry selected at the Fianna Fail convention in Manorhamilton earlier tonight.

Seems madness for them to run two Sligo based candidates.

So the rats are returning to the ship!
Lets not forget the FF legacy we're left with for the next 30+ years.

Son Of A Vidic · 18-04-2015 3:46am

red sean wrote: »

So the rats are returning to the ship!
Lets not forget the FF legacy we're left with for the next 30+ years.

No we shouldn't forget about them, nor should we forget about the forked tongued lackeys in FG.

red sean · 26-05-2015 9:54am

Another runner: http://oceanfm.ie/independent-marie-casserly-to-run-for-dail-in-sligo-leitrim/
Must think shes still as popular as last year, or playing the 'womens vote' card.

munchkin_utd · 26-05-2015 9:57am

slight tangent.
When the results for the Referendum were announced for cavan monaghan/ leitrm sligo, was this the new or old constituency borders ?

The maps on RTE had west cavan in Cavan/ Monaghan, which I thought should already be in the new constituency

Henlars67 · 26-05-2015 10:03am

munchkin_utd wrote: »

slight tangent.
When the results for the Referendum were announced for cavan monaghan/ leitrm sligo, was this the new or old constituency borders ?

The maps on RTE had west cavan in Cavan/ Monaghan, which I thought should already be in the new constituency

They were the old constituency. The new constiuency doesn't come into effect until the next GE

AllGunsBlazing · 26-05-2015 7:15pm

red sean wrote: »

Another runner: http://oceanfm.ie/independent-marie-casserly-to-run-for-dail-in-sligo-leitrim/
Must think shes still as popular as last year, or playing the 'womens vote' card.

Does anyone know where she actually stands on any single issue of importance?

Henlars67 · 26-05-2015 9:24pm

red sean wrote: »

Another runner: http://oceanfm.ie/independent-marie-casserly-to-run-for-dail-in-sligo-leitrim/
Must think shes still as popular as last year, or playing the 'womens vote' card.

She hasn't a hope. She'll probably be the strongest independent in the constituency, but the constituency is way too big for anyone to get elected without a party machine behind them.

Not to mention the fact that she abstains on most important votes at council level.

Even if I completely disagree with somebody stance on something, I'll at least respect their view. I've no respect for anybody who continually sits on the fence though.

Geuze · 17-07-2015 1:28pm

I'm open to other opinions, but I presume it'll be:

1x FG
1x FF
1x SF

and somebody else? Who?

JTL · 17-07-2015 2:19pm

I'm that disillusioned with politics in Ireland I can't see myself using my vote this time around.

Henlars67 · 19-07-2015 12:46pm

JTL wrote: »

I'm that disillusioned with politics in Ireland I can't see myself using my vote this time around.

That's a great attitude

JTL · 20-07-2015 7:30pm

It's not but can you blame me? There is certainly no candidate in our area that I would consider giving a vote to.

EuskalHerria · 20-07-2015 8:08pm

AllGunsBlazing wrote: »

Does anyone know where she actually stands on any single issue of importance?

In reference to Casserly, does anyone know where she stands on any big issues?

She seems to be running on a 'pro-tourism' platform. Nothing of any substance has come from her, even council issues she seems to stay on the fence. Who could elect someone likely to abstain from major voting issues?

Henlars67 · 21-07-2015 10:43am

JTL wrote: »

It's not but can you blame me? There is certainly no candidate in our area that I would consider giving a vote to.

I'm a member of a party, so I vote for the candidate we put forward, but if I had no party loyalties there are 2-3 candidates who I would have no problem voting for.

You're just one of those people who there's no pleasing.

sligono1 · 21-07-2015 6:46pm

EuskalHerria wrote: »

In reference to Casserly, does anyone know where she stands on any big issues?

She seems to be running on a 'pro-tourism' platform. Nothing of any substance has come from her, even council issues she seems to stay on the fence. Who could elect someone likely to abstain from major voting issues?

I don't know much about her but some one in the Sligo champion is a big fan of hers she is photographed in it every single week.im guessing she's one of these who stands in photos at any opertunity kisses baby's heads and attends funerals.but never tackles real issues.

I always vote for the person who I think can do the most for regular people have an eye on jobs and improving the local economy and infrastructure.
Also I would love to see a common person representing us none of these teachers,solicitors,doctors that the daily seems to be full off.sadly our system doesn't let the regular person excell in politics.

EuskalHerria · 21-07-2015 7:14pm

sligono1 wrote: »

I don't know much about her but some one in the Sligo champion

It's been said...

5 minutes on Google will get you the answer to that.

JTL · 22-07-2015 11:11pm

Henlars67 wrote: »

I'm a member of a party, so I vote for the candidate we put forward, but if I had no party loyalties there are 2-3 candidates who I would have no problem voting for.

You're just one of those people who there's no pleasing.

Far from it. Willing to be proven wrong but I doubt it.

You are a member of a party - use the opportunity.

Geuze · 22-07-2015 11:19pm

sligono1 wrote: »

I always vote for the person who I think can do the most for regular people have an eye on jobs and improving the local economy and infrastructure.
Also I would love to see a common person representing us none of these teachers,solicitors,doctors that the daily seems to be full off.sadly our system doesn't let the regular person excell in politics.

TDs should be national legislators.

It's the Councillors that should "be improving the local economy".

People should not vote in a national election, based on local issues.

Local issues are for the local elections.

Henlars67 · 24-07-2015 9:11am

Sinn Fein have announced that they will be running a second candidate.

The candidate will be based in the Sligo/Donegal part of the constituency.

Convention to take place on August 4th.

For Forks Sake · 24-07-2015 7:01pm

Henlars67 wrote: »

Sinn Fein have announced that they will be running a second candidate.

The candidate will be based in the Sligo/Donegal part of the constituency.

Convention to take place on August 4th.

Any chance they could let us know the whereabouts of the first one? Colreavy has developed powers of invisibility since 2011.

EuskalHerria · 24-07-2015 7:14pm

For Forks Sake wrote: »

Any chance they could let us know the whereabouts of the first one? Colreavy has developed powers of invisibility since 2011.

Colreavy said months ago he won't be standing in the forthcoming elections. Martin Kenny is the first SF candidate selected.

Personally I prefer actually scrutiny of someone's political stance or achievements than to cliched remarks.
(Sadly I feel it's necessary to say I'm not a SF supporter. Just in case).

Henlars67 · 25-07-2015 2:31pm

For Forks Sake wrote: »

Any chance they could let us know the whereabouts of the first one? Colreavy has developed powers of invisibility since 2011.

He is in the top quarter of all TDs as regards contributions to dail debates.

He has by far the the most local media appearances of the three TDs in the constituency. The other 2 have only reappeared in the last 10 months or so, though in fairness Tony was sick for a while.

He holds regular clinics throughout the constituency and his office in Sligo is staffed 4-5 days a week, as is his office in Manorhamilton.

What exactly is your issue with him? Do you want him to call to your house personally or something?

Focus_sligo · 25-07-2015 3:05pm

Agree to all of that post above. He has never been silent throughout his term in the dail!
Just because the mainstream media don't report his contributions doesn't mean he doesn't contribute!!!

mano79 · 27-07-2015 12:45pm

What does everyone make of the news that Finbar Finan is going running for Renua. Maybe he is oblivious to the anger out there against greedy developers who were so busy buying land they couldn't see what was ahead of them. Probably better if he doesnt canvas around the Dromahair area

:p

Henlars67 · 27-07-2015 12:53pm

mano79 wrote: »

What does everyone make of the news that Finbar Finan is going running for Renua. Maybe he is oblivious to the anger out there against greedy developers who were so busy buying land they couldn't see what was ahead of them. Probably better if he doesnt canvas around the Dromahair area :p

I have respect for anybody who puts their name forward for election, so if he calls to my door I'll politely tell him that I will not, under any circumstances be giving him any vote, not even a low preference.

Can't see him getting more than 1,000 votes, if he even gets that.

red sean · 27-07-2015 3:50pm

Finbar Finan ??
Who is he?

27-07-2015 4:08pm

What percentage did SF get in the last election? I'd say if FF had only put one candidate forward SF may not have got that seat. I don't think it is wise for SF to put two candidates forward. Is it a ego think like in Cork or do they really think they can get two seats? I think FF will get a seat, they did alright in the locals. FG should get a seat too.

For Forks Sake · 27-07-2015 5:26pm

Henlars67 wrote: »

I have respect for anybody who puts their name forward for election, so if he calls to my door I'll politely tell him that I will not, under any circumstances be giving him any vote, not even a low preference.

Can't see him getting more than 1,000 votes, if he even gets that.

Can't see him getting his deposit back tbh.

Henlars67 · 27-07-2015 6:09pm

6781 wrote: »

What percentage did SF get in the last election? I'd say if FF had only put one candidate forward SF may not have got that seat. I don't think it is wise for SF to put two candidates forward. Is it a ego think like in Cork or do they really think they can get two seats? I think FF will get a seat, they did alright in the locals. FG should get a seat too.

13.5% in the old Sligo/North Leitrim in the last election while the party was on 10% nationally.

SF in this part of the country generally get about 3% more than what the part gets nationally. Given the new constituency it'll probably be about 4% more this time.

There'll be a seat each for SF, FF and FG with one of those also taking the last seat.

FG would be the favourites to take two in my opinion.

The constituency is too big for an Independent to win unless they had a profile like Marian Harkin, which none of them do.

It'll take a party machine to get anybody elected here.

rizzodun · 27-07-2015 8:35pm

mano79 wrote: »

What does everyone make of the news that Finbar Finan is going running for Renua. Maybe he is oblivious to the anger out there against greedy developers who were so busy buying land they couldn't see what was ahead of them. Probably better if he doesnt canvas around the Dromahair area :p

In my opinion anyone having declared bankruptcy should still be kicked out of the Dáil, or not allowed run in the first place (law was overturned last year), whether or not you agree, there's a strong opinion in Sligo/Leitrim that he shafted a hell of a lot of people in the area, and now he's relying on the same peoples votes. Good luck, another nail in the Renua coffin if you ask me.

Henlars67 · 28-07-2015 4:39pm

Latest declared candidate is Nigel Gallagher of People Before Profit

Laurel_Patente · 28-07-2015 10:00pm

It'd be dangerous to over estimate the strength of the SF vote in Leitrim...Micheal Colreavy got elected on a personal vote last time, and Martin Kenny has performed poorly in his election runs in Roscommon-South Leitrim in the last couple of years, granted without much of a support base in Roscommon.

For this reason, I think SF are covering their ass by running the 2nd candidate, and this will torpedo Kenny's chance of getting a seat, instead using his vote to get numbers 2's for the Sligo or Donegal SF candidate. On a bad day however, the strategy could backfire on them and they could lose what would've been a safe Colreavy seat. Personally, I think the first two seats will go McSharry and the Sligo FG candidate, and the last two seats will be a close battle between one each for SF, FG, FF, and a possible Independent candidate yet to declare, possibly from Michael Fitzmaurice's grouping.

sligono1 · 30-07-2015 6:04am

Henlars67 wrote: »

Latest declared candidate is Nigel Gallagher of People Before Profit

Who or what is this guy never herd of him where is he from?

Voodoo_rasher · 30-07-2015 9:06am

NIgel Gallagher?

He has his work cut out. Had to go on Shannonside FM to make himself known!

http://www.shannonside.ie/news/sligo-leitrim-people-before-profit-candidate-points-to-huge-shift-towards-left/

EuskalHerria · 04-08-2015 10:33pm

Former councillor Chris MacManus selected tonight as second Sinn Fein candidate. .

So far we have:

Cllr Martin Kenny (SF)
Chris MacManus (SF)
Cllr Marie Casserly (Ind)
Finbarr Filan (Renua)
Nigel Gallagher (PBP)
Sen. Marc MacSharry (FF)
Cllr Eamonn Scanlon (FF)

Labour and Fine Gael yet to select.

Henlars67 · 05-08-2015 1:40am

EuskalHerria wrote: »

Former councillor Chris MacManus selected tonight as second Sinn Fein candidate. .

So far we have:

Cllr Martin Kenny (SF)
Chris MacManus (SF)
Cllr Marie Casserly (Ind)
Finbarr Filan (Renua)
Nigel Gallagher (PBP)
Sen. Marc MacSharry (FF)
Cllr Eamonn Scanlon (FF)

Labour and Fine Gael yet to select.

Think Des Guckian might have declare himself as welll. Ind councilllor in Leitrim and ran in the by-election in Roscommon South Leitrim last year

red sean · 05-08-2015 8:59am

Henlars67 wrote: »

Think Des Guckian might have declare himself as welll. Ind councilllor in Leitrim and ran in the by-election in Roscommon South Leitrim last year

He's already been around Nth Sligo delivering his literature.

Davy P · 05-08-2015 4:01pm

red sean wrote: »

He's already been around Nth Sligo delivering his literature.

Des Guckian , although been asked on a weekly basis, still hasn't declared if he going to run . Keeping everyone guessing I guess. Also chance of third FF candidate to run, from Leitrim .

Henlars67 · 06-08-2015 3:16pm

Davy P wrote: »

Des Guckian , although been asked on a weekly basis, still hasn't declared if he going to run . Keeping everyone guessing I guess. Also chance of third FF candidate to run, from Leitrim .

I'd say that it's likely they will run three.
FG will probably run three as well

EuskalHerria · 19-08-2015 8:21am

Susan O'Keefe officially selected last night.

Cannon fodder.

Bebo stunnah · 19-08-2015 4:29pm

EuskalHerria wrote: »

Susan O'Keefe officially selected last night.

Cannon fodder.

I heard on Ocean FM something along the lines of Labour pointing out that they had a huge involvement in the marriage referendum. Fair play to them.

I sure as hell wont be putting any preference near a FG, FF or Lab candidate no matter my opinion of the work they do locally. I'm also ltting everyone I know to do the same unless of course you want the same unless of course they happy with the crowd in charge!

EuskalHerria · 19-08-2015 7:25pm

Bebo stunnah wrote: »

I heard on Ocean FM something along the lines of Labour pointing out that they had a huge involvement in the marriage referendum. Fair play to them.

Labour did? That'll be news to a lot of Sligo and North Leitrim volunteers who done incredible work for months. Labour head office paid for posters to be erected. I didn't see or hear from any local labour doing anything passed that.

Only one Sligo based candidate, who has announced, was involved with supporting the yes equality campaign locally. Can't speak for Martin Kenny, I don't know if he canvassed or pushed for a yes. Chris MacManus did a lot of work though and it's frustrating to watch others now latch on and make spurious claims.
Should he be selected to re-run, John Perry canvassed more than once and did help out a lot more than others. Michael Colreavy did also but he's not running again so not entirely relevant here.

Susan O'Keefe or others claiming to have been involved, or playing an integral role, would do well to remember their effort rather than words in the run up to May 22nd.

Ocean FM also mentioned it was a 'small' gathering of Labour. I'm genuinely curious how many members they have in Sligo?

Sligo/Leitrim General Election! 2015/2016?

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