Peter Casey believes Travellers should not be recognised as an ethnic minority

17-10-2018 11:38am

It may not have been a good idea for Casey to get drawn into such a debate, but on the day where Brexit negotiations regarding the Irish border are being decided upon, this is the main headline across the country.

Why the blazes are there 3 members from Dragon's Den running for president? That should be the headline.

PlaneSpeeking · 17-10-2018 11:39am

MyStubbleItches wrote: »

I wasn't going to vote, except maybe to spoil my vote as a form of protest against Higgins' u-turn on running for a second term. (I believe Higgins is hands down the best candidate but I believe politicians should stand by their statements to the electorate.)

Now I'll definitely be giving Casey my only vote. Not because I think he's a good candidate, in fact I know as little or as much about him as I do about the rest because the whole thing doesn't overly bother me. Because he has echoed my views on the 'travelling community' and I want Fine Gael to know that what they allowed that fool of an Enda to do to the ordinary, hard working people of Ireland (yes Leo, the people who get up early in the morning), isn't viewed as a great, statesman-like act of inclusion.

So not only will any future FG canvassers be told that Enda lost them two second preference votes in this household (my wife shares my views) but I hope that Casey gets a decent return in the polls to show them that it's a sentiment shared by many more.

Good on you Casey for speaking truthfully.

+1

I was precluded from voting for the same candidate I did previously as he had passed away since, and was unsure of where to place the FP vote.

It''s going to Mr Casey, if nothing more than to make a point that we are tired of the PC rhetortic surrounding a protected group.

They should not be so and we should have an open discussion about taxation, "rural" aka Traveller crime, domestic violence, treatment of women generally and animal cruelty.

Yer Da sells Avon · 17-10-2018 11:41am

Uncharted wrote: »

No doubt,more popular than yours.

I suppose we'll see how popular they are next week when he defeats Michael D. Higgins in an unprecedented landslide.

Lollipops23 · 17-10-2018 11:41am

I'll be voting for Michael D. and doubt very much I'll change my mind.....

But I 100% agree with this guy on Travellers and their "ethnic status".

eagle eye · 17-10-2018 11:45am

The Irish Donald Trump.

Hitman3000 · 17-10-2018 11:47am

I had no intention of voting, but at least one person had the courage to go against the PC brigade. It won't stop that lad that claimed he only wanted one term, but I'm voting for Casey.

Wheres Me Jumper? · 17-10-2018 11:48am

the whole Presidential race is a nonevent as far i am concerned. at least this will liven it up a bit. God knows it needs it.

Edward M · 17-10-2018 11:48am

Yer Da sells Avon wrote: »

I suppose we'll see how popular they are next week when he defeats Michael D. Higgins in an unprecedented landslide.

I just happened to be listening to a show on Shannonside/northern sound radio, the Joe Finnegan show, it goes out daily from 9-11 am.
Its a current affairs show with a big listenership, it covers counties Longford, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan.
He brought it up and discussed Peter Casey's statements on the travellers.
At the end of the show he said he was actually shocked, he received a fair few emails and txts about it and not one of them was critical of Casey's statement.

Wheres Me Jumper? · 17-10-2018 11:51am

Edward M wrote: »

I just happened to be listening to a show on Shannonside/northern sound radio, the Joe Finnegan show, it goes out daily from 9-11 am.
Its a current affairs show with a big listenership, it covers counties Longford, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan.
He brought it up and discussed Peter Casey's statements on the travellers.
At the end of the show he said he was actually shocked, he received a fair few emails and txts about it and not one of them was critical of Casey's statement.

ya but that's the midlands ....

98q76e12hrflnk · 17-10-2018 11:52am

Wheres Me Jumper? wrote: »

ya but that's the midlands ....

In which counties are travellers like?

MyStubbleItches · 17-10-2018 11:53am

eagle eye wrote: »

The Irish Donald Trump.

No, as I'm sure you know, the presidency of Ireland is a far cry from the presidency of the US. I'd hate to see a Trump-like figure as Taoiseach but maybe, just maybe, if Casey's views garner him a little support in the mickey-mouse race for President of Ireland then it might force our incumbent politicians to take notice and take action now to prevent us ever finding ourselves in a position where we have an extremist right wing government.

Hoboo · 17-10-2018 11:54am

He wasn't getting my vote, but he is now. Finally someone who has the balls to say what everyones thinking but won't say. Straight talking no BS.

Paulzx · 17-10-2018 11:54am

MyStubbleItches wrote: »

. Because he has echoed my views on the 'travelling community' and I want Fine Gael to know that what they allowed that fool of an Enda to do to the ordinary, hard working people of Ireland (yes Leo, the people who get up early in the morning), isn't viewed as a great, statesman-like act of inclusion.

If i remember correctly the Dail was full that day and every single member got to their feet like a herd of sheep and gave a round of applause when Enda announced the recognition of criminality, tax avoidance, illegal dumping, illegal burning, bullying of elderly people and widespread, wilfull ignoring of the rules of law and decency as deserving of "ethnic minority" status.

When did we become so weak as to be afraid to speak the truth. The silent majorities views has just been represented by an election candidate who will now be savaged by the vocal minority.

He is an election candidate that hasn't a chance of being elected. He's someone who i don't think would make a good president. However, it refreshing to hear somebody looking for votes speak his mind and not what his PR guru has programmed

RobertKK · 17-10-2018 11:54am

If Michael D Higgins is so upset over what Peter Casey said, he can show it by building those Travellers their stables in Thurles as an act of solidarity, or look to allow a halting site on the grounds of the Aras.
Thought not...

I like people who give their opinion whether one agrees or not, it is not freedom if people are afraid to say what they believe because a PC brigade will get upset one had the cheek to use freedom of speech to have an opinion which doesn't correlate with PC values.

Not to mention, children now have to learn about Traveller culture in school.

neris · 17-10-2018 11:57am

MyStubbleItches wrote: »

I wasn't going to vote, except maybe to spoil my vote as a form of protest against Higgins' u-turn on running for a second term. (I believe Higgins is hands down the best candidate but I believe politicians should stand by their statements to the electorate.)

Now I'll definitely be giving Casey my only vote. Not because I think he's a good candidate, in fact I know as little or as much about him as I do about the rest because the whole thing doesn't overly bother me. Because he has echoed my views on the 'travelling community' and I want Fine Gael to know that what they allowed that fool of an Enda to do to the ordinary, hard working people of Ireland (yes Leo, the people who get up early in the morning), isn't viewed as a great, statesman-like act of inclusion.

So not only will any future FG canvassers be told that Enda lost them two second preference votes in this household (my wife shares my views) but I hope that Casey gets a decent return in the polls to show them that it's a sentiment shared by many more.

Good on you Casey for speaking truthfully.

well said

Spanish Eyes · 17-10-2018 11:58am

I cannot believe that someone actually said this. Imagine echoing the views of the vast majority of the settled community (some of whom are no angels, but are unable to hide behind "ethnic status"). Fair dues to that man.

Can't wait for Kitty Holland and Una Mullalley's comments on this in the paper of PC record.

Hurrache · 17-10-2018 11:59am

eagle eye wrote: »

The Irish Donald Trump.

Ironically he doesn't like Trump or his policies.

lobbylad · 17-10-2018 12:00pm

"The purpose of recognising Traveller ethnicity is to renegotiate the relationship between society and Travellers so that we can value Travellers' contribution to society more."

Quote from Shane O'Curry, director of the European Network Against Racism in the Indo.

Why does no one question him on what exactly are "Travellers contributions to society"? Ask for some specific and clear examples?

Fann Linn · 17-10-2018 12:01pm

Being discussed now by Ciara on NT.

crusier · 17-10-2018 12:05pm

He's getting my vote

Wheres Me Jumper? · 17-10-2018 12:08pm

lobbylad wrote: »

"The purpose of recognising Traveller ethnicity is to renegotiate the relationship between society and Travellers so that we can value Travellers' contribution to society more."

Quote from Shane O'Curry, director of the European Network Against Racism in the Indo.

Why does no one question him on what exactly are "Travellers contributions to society"? Ask for some specific and clear examples?

i agree. it works both way. that's why i asked this question.

Wheres Me Jumper? wrote: »

has anyone ever noticed a traveller doing voluntary community work?

you know tidy towns, painting, cleaning, collecting rubbish etc.

Uncharted · 17-10-2018 12:09pm

Yer Da sells Avon wrote: »

I suppose we'll see how popular they are next week when he defeats Michael D. Higgins in an unprecedented landslide.

I never once claimed he would defeat Michael D.
None of the candidates will.

My point is,Casey's views and opinions on travellers are supported by all right thinking people.

PC liberal luvvies like yourself are in the minority.

valoren · 17-10-2018 12:10pm

This is how Trump got elected. Not by exactly telling it "as it is" but by not being afraid or concerned about speaking bluntly and unapologetically about what he thought. That was like a breath of fresh air for indifferent registered voters. Casey must have been studying the Trump play book.

I was disinterested in voting but after Casey making these comments I will go and vote for him for having the balls to say it publically.

batgoat · 17-10-2018 12:11pm

Ten Pin wrote: »

Strangely, this might sway Leo from any thoughts of a general election in the next year. Despite what politicians say, they know exactly what the population's opinions are on a lot of issues. If Casey gets a good vote from this, Leo may get the message that there's a sizeable percentage of voters who are itching to give them a kicking in the ballot box. As they say in politics, it's the little things that trip you up

He's polling at 1% at moment, it's unlikely he'll get his deposit back so he's not gonna get a good vote thankfully.

Jack Moore · 17-10-2018 12:13pm

Deleted User wrote: »

It may not have been a good idea for Casey to get drawn into such a debate, but on the day where Brexit negotiations regarding the Irish border are being decided upon, this is the main headline across the country.

Why the blazes are there 3 members from Dragon's Den running for president? That should be the headline.

Transfers

saintsaltynuts · 17-10-2018 12:13pm

Thank God somebody went on record saying this stuff he's right in what he's saying.He's going to have more of a following now because he had the balls to come out and say it.I wasn't going to vote but I will be now for him and there will be plenty more people like me now.

Hurrache · 17-10-2018 12:14pm

valoren wrote: »

This is how Trump got elected. Not by exactly telling it "as it is" but by not being afraid or concerned about speaking bluntly and unapologetically about what he thought. That was like a breath of fresh air for indifferent registered voters. Casey must have been studying the Trump play book.

It's not. He lost the popular vote. More people in America who voted found they wanted Clinton's policies more so than Trump's.

goat2 · 17-10-2018 12:15pm

Edward M wrote: »

I just happened to be listening to a show on Shannonside/northern sound radio, the Joe Finnegan show, it goes out daily from 9-11 am.
Its a current affairs show with a big listenership, it covers counties Longford, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan.
He brought it up and discussed Peter Casey's statements on the travellers.
At the end of the show he said he was actually shocked, he received a fair few emails and txts about it and not one of them was critical of Casey's statement.

Peter Casey has just uttered, how we are all thinking,
My children have big mortgages, just to have a roof over their heads, work dawn to dark to have them,
They cannot afford a Kennel for the dog as well as the house, so they have decided not to have the dog.

AllForIt · 17-10-2018 12:19pm

Well the media have been trying to play up this utterly tedious election but now it just got interesting.

I wouldn't be bothered to go to the trouble of voting at all but since the blasphemy ref is combined I will be voting and I have now decided on who I'm going to vote for.

I have been living at my current address for the last 6 years and in the last 2 years travellers have become much more visible around the town causing a nuisance like never before. I cannot abide anti-social behaviour, no mind criminal behaviour, and I sense and even stronger arrogant behaviour from them and which I wouldn't be surprised is in at least some way attributable to the new 'ethnic minority' status. I am not far away from going to guards about one particular settled traveller who just this week for some reason unknown to me ran after me shouting at me after exiting a supermarket looking to get my attention. I walked briskly onwards with my hoody up as if I didn't hear him. When I see him with his kids on an almost daily basis I try not to stare agape and cross the street, or leave the store If I see them in there which is a far too regular occurrence.

If he was not a traveller I would go straight up to him and tell him to f*ck off and stop this low level harassment that I'm sure I'm not the only victim off but because he has 'special status' I'd be reluctant to tell him where to go in the law got involved and I'd be castigated for being racist towards him. Travellers to me are noting more than lower working class citizens and exhibit all the behaviours you'd expect to find in all the lower working class demographics anywhere in the world and to attribute those traits to a culture is noting short of bonkers.

Wheres Me Jumper? · 17-10-2018 12:19pm

goat2 wrote: »

Peter Casey has just uttered, how we are all thinking,
My children have big mortgages, just to have a roof over their heads, work dawn to dark to have them,
They cannot afford a Kennel for the dog as well as the house, so they have decided not to have the dog.

i would also say that any homeless person who refuses a house, whether it be in Monkstown or in Moate should immediately go to the bottom of the queue.

if you are in such dire need, then you should accept a house wherever it is.
as a country when did we get so bloody picky?

KrustyUCC · 17-10-2018 12:21pm

I'm entitled to ....

elperello · 17-10-2018 12:23pm

This is not about travelers.
This is about election to the highest office in the country, in simple terms "senior hurling".
The President has no direct role regarding travelers more than any other section of the community.

Casey knows that.
Ask yourself why he said it, that's the issue.
Otherwise you are being played.

Uncharted · 17-10-2018 12:26pm

elperello wrote: »

This is not about travelers.
This is about election to the highest office in the country, in simple terms "senior hurling".
The President has no direct role regarding travelers more than any other section of the community.

Casey knows that.
Ask yourself why he said it, that's the issue.
Otherwise you are being played.

Anyone with a modicum of sense knows that the President is merely a figurehead.
That's a given.

In my opinion,what's being celebrated here is the fact that a high profile public figure,has the balls to speak openly about "travellers entitlement mentality".
Here's to more of the same.

Hopefully it pushes back hard against the PC tide of 'morally outraged' populist garbage.

puppieperson1 · 17-10-2018 12:26pm

I didnt like Casey in the Claire Byrne debate, but i saw he was not afraid and he can say what he likes as its his own money he is squandering on this vanity race to be the first citizen.
I will listen to his words for entertainment and to watch the heads exploding off the PC brigade and Casey is worth a listen for the that alone, he has just made the race dirty whoa.
The other candidates were all PC and so is the lovely Michael D - all mr gallagher is is a giant boiled, bald egg and egoist.

Given the group i will vote for the 2 Bernese mountain dogs and also extra money for the groomer who does a great job. Michael D Higgins is a grand old guy not offensive and very cultured he is the appropriate person with his dogs!!! But Casey is now the entertainment .........yippee the gloves are off

ablelocks · 17-10-2018 12:27pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Why the blazes are there 3 members from Dragon's Den running for president? That should be the headline.

they're upto something - either some new business venture to be launched early next year or possibly a new political party along the lines of the PeeDee's.

goat2 · 17-10-2018 12:29pm

elperello wrote: »

This is not about travelers.
This is about election to the highest office in the country, in simple terms "senior hurling".
The President has no direct role regarding travelers more than any other section of the community.

Casey knows that.
Ask yourself why he said it, that's the issue.
Otherwise you are being played.

That may be
But he has highlighted what is going on, and is aware of what is really going on and of the same mindset as a lot of people.
he had the courage to speak out, who in government has said that this kind of stuff is wrong,
While there are lots of people homeless, and those that got fine houses built to finest speck, having solar panels also on these homes, now want a roof over a horse also, while we need to put a roof over families, is where the money should be spent,
it is not one law for some, and aa different law for others

Suckit · 17-10-2018 12:32pm

Allinall wrote: »

None.

It’s costing them all a lot of money.

I doubt they would do anything for nothing. Especially if it cost them anything.

topper75 · 17-10-2018 12:35pm

Yer Da sells Avon wrote: »

I doubt he'll lose much, if any, of his existing support (such as it is). Judging by his general conduct throughout the campaign so far, he's guaranteed the pig-ignorant shit vote anyway. Such people might be over-represented on AH, but they represent only a tiny proportion of the electorate.

Michael D, on the other hand, encapsulates the inherent decency of the majority of Irish people.

https://twitter.com/MichaelDHiggins/status/1052465865289912320

When you say 'decency'...

... are we talking decent lip service or decent letting them live beside you?

Because they are radically different. I would never confuse virtue signalling with decency. Nor would I confuse frankness with offence.

RobertKK · 17-10-2018 12:39pm

puppieperson1 wrote: »

I didnt like Casey in the Claire Byrne debate, but i saw he was not afraid and he can say what he likes as its his own money he is squandering on this vanity race to be the first citizen.
I will listen to his words for entertainment and to watch the heads exploding off the PC brigade and Casey is worth a listen for the that alone, he has just made the race dirty whoa.
The other candidates were all PC and so is the lovely Michael D - all mr gallagher is is a giant boiled, bald egg and egoist.

Given the group i will vote for the 2 Bernese mountain dogs and also extra money for the groomer who does a great job. Michael D Higgins is a grand old guy not offensive and very cultured he is the appropriate person with his dogs!!! But Casey is now the entertainment .........yippee the gloves are off

Michael D not offensive unless you are Cuban who has been negatively affected by the Castro regime. Maybe one is Nicaraguan and have had loved ones murdered by Daniel Ortega's death squads, Ortega whom Michael D is particularly fond of...but sweep all that neglect of morals under the carpet and he is appropriate...

elperello · 17-10-2018 12:40pm

If any of you think that Casey cares about your lives I despair for Irish political debate.

He has you all champing at the bit like the ponies in the video.
Lining up to take an online dig at the travelers while he and his likes are laughing at you.

Ask yourself the question "Why did he say it?" before you go dancing to his tune.

sliabh 1956 · 17-10-2018 12:41pm

Just saw the chap from Pavee with SOR when pressed about the travellers refusing the houses in Tipp he went all philosophical about the emotional attachment that travellers have with their horses . People either want houses or not I myself was damn thankful to get a council house many years ago saying that i had no animals that I was attached to at that time.

AlekSmart · 17-10-2018 12:43pm

elperello wrote: »

This is not about travelers.
This is about election to the highest office in the country, in simple terms "senior hurling".
The President has no direct role regarding travelers more than any other section of the community.

Casey knows that.
Ask yourself why he said it, that's the issue.
Otherwise you are being played.

Ah c'mon,we de peeple aint TOTALLY stoopid like,yea ?

Only for the arcane rules surrounding running for this "Office" I would happily throw my Caipín in the ring too.

€250,000 ish a year...a fine big residence & STAFF,a big Automobile and a set of Garda Outriders,plus guaranteed invites to all the latest hip-hop happenings in the State...Who the Fluich WOULD'NT want a slice of that action ??

Nobody is being played here,except perhaps the Irish Mainstream Media,who have rushed to the barricades to defend the already well defended,something already noted by Poor oul Lad's all over Ireland.

This "Highest Office in the Land" guff is all well and good,but most folks are'nt really au fait with suc Constitutional niceties as this,or the stuff like ethnicity and creativity as espoused my the current Office Holder...the plain people appreciate that the Prez has to spout this guff,cos...well...that's what he's paid to do.

Peter Casey No: 1...simply becaise he's NOT treating us like a crowd of lobotomized,inclusivized graduates drooling at the prospect of another # whatever campaign....give it sox Petey,it's a 1-Nil to you situation here now

Allinall · 17-10-2018 12:43pm

RobertKK wrote: »

Michael D not offensive unless you are Cuban who has been negatively affected by the Castro regime. Maybe one is Nicaraguan and have had loved ones murdered by Daniel Ortega's death squads, Ortega whom Michael D is particularly fond of...but sweep all that neglect of morals under the carpet and he is appropriate...

Haven’t seen any of this Cuban or Nicaraguan outrage myself.

Could you point to some examples, or are you just assuming offense on behalf of others?

puppieperson1 · 17-10-2018 12:46pm

roberKK - i am an irish person i like Michael D as he is representative of me and my culture and he is suitable for the Aras. i am not cuban or nicaraguan i have my own worries here on irish soil we vote in who we deserve as do all other nations.....i am not michaels keeper. on the surface and its the surface we deal in in ireland hes fine.

MyStubbleItches · 17-10-2018 12:46pm

elperello wrote: »

This is not about travelers.
This is about election to the highest office in the country, in simple terms "senior hurling".
The President has no direct role regarding travelers more than any other section of the community.

Casey knows that.
Ask yourself why he said it, that's the issue.
Otherwise you are being played.

I agree completely. I also think that Casey hasn't a snowball's of winning (and if he does, what of it, he would have no real influence as you say). BUT, he has now given the ordinary Joe Soap a chance to have their voice heard on this particular topic. So I for one laud him and will vote for him as a f-you to Fine Gael on this topic.

Thank you Mr. Casey for giving this particular law-abiding, tax-paying, hard-working, honest Joe Soap a voice on this particular topic, whatever your motives.

0cp71eyxkb94qf · 17-10-2018 12:47pm

This post has been deleted.

goat2 · 17-10-2018 12:48pm

sliabh 1956 wrote: »

Just saw the chap from Pavee with SOR when pressed about the travellers refusing the houses in Tipp he went all philosophical about the emotional attachment that travellers have with their horses . People either want houses or not I myself was damn thankful to get a council house many years ago saying that i had no animals that I was attached to at that time.

A horse is an expensive animal to own, if one can afford a horse, then they can afford a house.
I don't have a horse, I could not afford a horse, yet I love horses,

mcmoustache · 17-10-2018 12:51pm

elperello wrote: »

This is not about travelers.
This is about election to the highest office in the country, in simple terms "senior hurling".
The President has no direct role regarding travelers more than any other section of the community.

Casey knows that.
Ask yourself why he said it, that's the issue.
Otherwise you are being played.

Well spotted. While I don't disagree with what the man said, there's more to being president than an opinion on travellers.

There have been a heap of comments in this thread along the line of "His opinion on travellers is the same as mine so I'm going to vote for him". That's about as rational as choosing a builder based on the colour of his hair. It's irrelevant to the job that he's going to be doing.

In addition to that, too many people in the world keep falling for the "Common Man" con by elites. It's been done over and over again and people keep falling for it. It all boils down to "This man talks like dumb old me so he'll be great at that thing that I could never do". It's elites pretending to be common which may be why it keeps working on people.

incentsitive · 17-10-2018 12:51pm

Is this over what he said about travellers? Fair enough to me. No way should he withdraw for saying what plenty of people think but nobody can say it because it isn't the populist view.

KrustyUCC · 17-10-2018 12:51pm

sliabh 1956 wrote: »

Just saw the chap from Pavee with SOR when pressed about the travellers refusing the houses in Tipp he went all philosophical about the emotional attachment that travellers have with their horses . People either want houses or not I myself was damn thankful to get a council house many years ago saying that i had no animals that I was attached to at that time.

If they are that attached to the horses they can give up the houses

Let them pick which is a priority for them

Peter Casey believes Travellers should not be recognised as an ethnic minority

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