Why I'm Voting for FG

Asitis2019 · 30-01-2020 9:26pm #1

Let me start out by saying that I am not an FG voter. I'm not a member of the party, and I have no FG connections. I'm not even a big fan of the current FG government. In fact, I think Varadkar has shown very little leadership, and has performed poorly during the campaign so far

HOWEVER, I see no viable alternative to the current administration. Setting aside the incompetence of Harris, the lack of substance of Murphy, the gombeenish of Ring and Humpreys, etc, the validity of Varadkar, there is a group of experienced politicians, including Coveney, , McEntee, Donohoe, Bruton, McHugh, and to a much lesser extent Creed.

My main concern is to replace that experience team with a set of unknowns - Martin has extensive experience; but most of his front bench don't and they certainly don't have proven track record in finance, foreign affairs, etc.

No, we need an FG-Labour government. Replacing Harris, Murphy, and the like with some experienced politicians like Howling, Burton, Kelly, etc. would be a much stronger cabinet. When you strip away health and housing, FG have not done a bad job. And in reality, both health and housing are improving.

I do not have any time for my FG candidate, but I have learned that a GE vote is not a personal vote - it is a party vote. I'm not voting FF because in doing so I would be voting for tweaks to policy without the backing of experience.

mickthewall · 30-01-2020 9:30pm

independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/leos-mortgage-mantra-emigrate-move-home-or-borrow-from-parents-36524257.html

As a single young person this frickin infuriated me. I would have a six hour commute if I moved back in parents, parents don’t have the money to give me deposit so I emigrated to the States.

Posh twat.

Bishop of hope · 30-01-2020 9:31pm

You outlined nearly every reason for not voting for them, but you're voting for them.
Id say you're going to become a Fine Gael hero.

BillyBird · 30-01-2020 9:32pm

Well at least you thought it through, I'll give you that.

But this bit, it's not true, is it?

Asitis2019 wrote: »

And in reality, both health and housing are improving.

Zaph · 30-01-2020 9:34pm

Asitis2019 wrote: »

No, we need an FG-Labour government. Replacing Harris, Murphy, and the like with some experienced politicians like Howling, Burton, Kelly, etc. would be a much stronger cabinet.

I hope you're not counting on Joan Burton being there, because she ain't getting back in by the looks of it.

Plumbthedepths · 30-01-2020 9:35pm

"Let me start out by saying I'm not a FG supporter" lol.

super_furry · 30-01-2020 9:35pm

Six months ago I probably would have - for the first time in my life. They were playing a blinder with Brexit and that seemed to be the most important thing in the country and had played a big enough part in helping the country recover - to an extent - from the big crash.

Now there's just too much that's gone wrong under their watch. Nine years in government is a long time and things have not just stagnated under them, they've got worse. The health service is in the biggest mess it's ever been, rents are disgustingly out of whack and the new 'build-to-rent' schemes are only going to make this worse, homelessness is at an all time high and I just don't see any answers coming from them.

Then there's the likes of Maria Bailey, Dara Murphy and Catherine Noone showing themselves up to Fianna Fail with a blue tinge.

I honestly still don't know who I'm going to vote for. Probably the Social Democrats just to see if they can genuinely offer anything new.

stereo_steve · 30-01-2020 9:38pm

mickthewall wrote: »

independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/leos-mortgage-mantra-emigrate-move-home-or-borrow-from-parents-36524257.html

As a single young person this frickin infuriated me. I would have a six hour commute if I moved back in parents, parents don’t have the money to give me deposit so I emigrated to the States.

Posh twat.

What he said is true?

I'm gonna give them my vote. They brought in abortion legislation and gay marriage. Issues that other parties wouldn't touch.

The accommodation issue is certainly a problem that needs to be addressed but it is primarily a symptom of a booming economy. Ireland is in a much better position since they came into power.

Perfect? Certainly not but I think the good outweighs the bad. I also don't any other party would have us in a such a good position right now.

_Brian · 30-01-2020 9:41pm

van_beano wrote: »

Stopped reading at “McEntee” and decided to just comment on that. Experienced Politician eh?

Yea.
Creed !
The guy is a moron of the highest order.

theboringfox · 30-01-2020 9:43pm

I will likely vote FG but more out of feeling they are the best of a bad bunch rather then actually wanting to. Probably greens next and then FF and Labour.

Gynoid · 30-01-2020 9:46pm

This is an attempt to make "The Validity of Varadkar" a catch phrase, isn't it.

Spanish Eyes · 30-01-2020 9:49pm

Won't be long before SF is mentioned as a power broker, 5 4 3 2 1.

Anyway, these threads (sorry OP) generally do not change entrenched minds. Maybe the undecideds so good on you for trying.

From my own perspective I don't see any alternative for people like me other than FG, even though I am not absolutely thrilled at the prospect. They failed in their promise to those working and contributing, they campaigned Right, but Governed Left. Not impressed, but however.

FF, no they are already frightening the cr@p out of me as I have no doubt they will revert to type and buy a helicopter or two for the builder mates. The boom is back!

SF, no. For example, they object to Help to Buy because those qualifying must provide evidence that they are working and pay tax. Imagine that!

Labour, sorry no for they sold their soul, and will never be able to buy it back.

The rest of them are a raggle taggle of this and that. The SDs are the best of that lot.

So despite the polls it is FG with a peg on my nose this time round. And if FF + whomever form a Government that is democracy. Just saying what I think is right for me.

Idbatterim · 30-01-2020 9:49pm

Im banned from politics forum for one too many varadkar attacks. Also started a still going strong thread on all FG failures on the current affairs forum. Given what a **** show it is, Im voting FG again too, done SFA for workers. But if thats what they did, what will the rest further to the left do? :rolleyes: We had some of the same and no doubt some other scandals, if others were in there. FF with their wrecklessness, will ruin the place again within several years! FF announced the other day, they plan on increasing welfare to ALL recipients by a fiver a week. I can think of no better spend, infrastructure, mental health, health, paying down debt, more prison spaces etc etc etc, no blow it on worldclass welfare! Better the **** devil you know... Hopefully a new good party will emerge from the dregs of what we currently have! Dublins transport plans, decades in the making, will be long fingered by the rest of them too! What happens when the further left get in, go from free luxury apartments for social housing in Dundrum, to ballsbridge next? Let the moron workers commute an hour and a half each way on **** transport, for **** wages, to live in a **** location and be hit with a marginal tax rate of FIFTY percent of their income, as if they were the wolf of fcuking wall street (without the dollars or margot robbie) when they are trying to keep the wolf from the door!

oh i am voting greens too, building sustainable rail base transport, instead of rural motorways, would be a start! There hasnt been new rail track, on a new route in this state, laid in nearly a hundred years I read! (other than the mickey mouse inadequate luas) the dublin metro line, i.e. the line proposed from north of swords to sandyford as was proposed, would carry 100,000,000 passengers a year, or thereabouts in its opening year!

micosoft · 30-01-2020 9:55pm

mickthewall wrote: »

independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/leos-mortgage-mantra-emigrate-move-home-or-borrow-from-parents-36524257.html

As a single young person this frickin infuriated me. I would have a six hour commute if I moved back in parents, parents don’t have the money to give me deposit so I emigrated to the States.

Posh twat.

Except he didn't quite say that did he. He suggested that people need to save up for a deposit for a house. Just like I did and many others did/do.

You had other options other than emigrate. Did you get a house in the US? Did they offer a 100% mortgagee there. No? Well you could have rented in Ireland just like you rent in the US.

The problem is we can't speak to people like adults any more. What is your magic wand solution? Back to FF and/or SF giving out 100% mortgages ready for the next big crash.

As for posh twat. I appreciate the anti-intellectual views of some. But he went into medicine and choose the relatively unglamorous job of a GP. He saved up and bought an apartment. Sounds like someone who is talking from experiance and didn't and does not expect everything to be handed to them on a platter.

ChikiChiki · 30-01-2020 9:59pm

van_beano wrote: »

Stopped reading at “McEntee” and decided to just comment on that. Experienced Politician eh?

You know what. McEntee is actually very good. And FG are not getting my vote but I can recognise her competence. I would not hold experience against her.

It's Varadkar, Harris, Eoin Murphy, Madigan, Bailey and so many other that are absolutely the most incompetent shower of chancers I have ever seen.

Church on Tuesday · 30-01-2020 10:04pm

Good stuff.

I'm not.

Spanish Eyes · 30-01-2020 10:09pm

Looking like FF/SF coalition now. (and believe me FF will enter coalition with anyone to get the big jobs and MM as Teeshock too).

Could be interesting. But then again it might not. When's the next poll out does anyone know?

mickthewall · 30-01-2020 10:13pm

micosoft wrote: »

Except he didn't quite say that did he. He suggested that people need to save up for a deposit for a house. Just like I did and many others did/do.

You had other options other than emigrate. Did you get a house in the US? Did they offer a 100% mortgagee there. No? Well you could have rented in Ireland just like you rent in the US.

The problem is we can't speak to people like adults any more. What is your magic wand solution? Back to FF and/or SF giving out 100% mortgages ready for the next big crash.

As for posh twat. I appreciate the anti-intellectual views of some. But he went into medicine and choose the relatively unglamorous job of a GP. He saved up and bought an apartment. Sounds like someone who is talking from experiance and didn't and does not expect everything to be handed to them on a platter.

I was earning 55K in Dublin, not enough for me to buy my own place with 1500 on rent for not a great place.

In the states I’m getting $95K for the same role as that’s the going rate and taxes are a lot better and rent for your own place is about 65% of Dublin.

So yea makes sense I emigrated. I know stuff isn’t handed to you but the housing market is out of control.

Gonad · 30-01-2020 10:13pm

Really hope for a big results from SF

It’s time we give them a chance. They talk a big game and seem to actually care for what’s best for the people who need it most. They have a couple of very clever politicians. Doherty is doing some great work at the moment .

Better Than Christ · 30-01-2020 10:20pm

Asitis2019 wrote: »

a set of unknowns - Martin has extensive experience; but most of his front bench don't and they certainly don't have proven track record in finance, foreign affairs, etc.

By that logic, Fine Gael should govern badly forever.

Cee-Jay-Cee · 30-01-2020 10:21pm

I’m not voting FG for the following reasons:

National children’s hospital being built in Dublin City centre (more or less) in the car park of an existing hospital. Its more than likely going to cost even more than they’re currently speculating. I can see it hitting €3billion. It’s wrong on every level and cannot be justified by anyone anywhere ever.

The national broadband plan. Complete joke and another multi billion euro project that only benefits private companies.

The Insurance crisis. Despite all the posturing the gov have done, in reality they have done absolutely nothing to resolve this problem and couldn’t care less it seems.

Our broken judicial system. Dinosaur judges with zero grasp on reality, a revolving door prison service and a police force with poor resources and a commissioner only interested in ticking boxes.

And last but not least, Leo. What a wanker.

Still waters · 30-01-2020 10:23pm

Until theres a viable alternative it hard to see what difference a fg or ff government is going to make, it'll be just more of the same, labour is a no no, sinn fein needs another 20 years before recent past is forgotten and independents are as useful as a chocolate fireguard, the greens seem to be gain traction and don't care who they go into government with, we need a genuine centre right party to counter the bland political porridge we're being given

gmisk · 30-01-2020 10:24pm

stereo_steve wrote: »

What he said is true?

I'm gonna give them my vote. They brought in abortion legislation and gay marriage. Issues that other parties wouldn't touch.

The accommodation issue is certainly a problem that needs to be addressed but it is primarily a symptom of a booming economy. Ireland is in a much better position since they came into power.

Perfect? Certainly not but I think the good outweighs the bad. I also don't any other party would have us in a such a good position right now.

I wouldn't be giving them a tonne of the credit for abortion legislation and marriage referendum, a lot from FG piled in when they saw the way the public mood was going imo.
Lots of other parties a lot more vocal about supporting both those earlier on.
Bigger party wise the greens, labour and Sinn Fein were a lot more vocal early on for marriage equality

whisky_galore · 30-01-2020 10:27pm

stereo_steve wrote: »

I'm gonna give them my vote. They brought in abortion legislation and gay marriage. Issues that other parties wouldn't touch.
.

Calculated wins, after some 'soul searching' they saw what way the wind was blowing. They even subbed the work out to a commitee on the off chance it would blow back on them. Colour me cynical.

The Rape of Lucretia · 30-01-2020 10:29pm

Add in that Varadkar is one very neat guy, and there really is no reason not to vote for FG.

gmisk · 30-01-2020 10:30pm

whisky_galore wrote: »

Calculated wins, after some 'soul searching' they saw what way the wind was blowing. They even subbed the work out to a commitee on the off chance it would blow back on them. Colour me cynical.

This! Exactly, they saw an opportunity to jump on bandwagons on both those referendums.
Let's not forgot Leo Varadkar himself wasn't exactly overwhelming in his support for civil partnerships

Sephiroth_dude · 30-01-2020 10:38pm

Mod

Reopened.

jimmycrackcorm · 31-01-2020 12:39am

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

I’m not voting FG for the following reasons:

National children’s hospital being built in Dublin City centre (more or less) in the car park of an existing hospital. Its more than likely going to cost even more than they’re currently speculating. I can see it hitting €3billion. It’s wrong on every level and cannot be justified by anyone anywhere ever.

The national broadband plan. Complete joke and another multi billion euro project that only benefits private companies.

I think you'll find that none of the other parties are going to cancel either the NBP or the NCH.

Both projects are going to be around for a long time. It's just a pity none of the other parties have any interest in finding solutions for investment in our water infrastructure

Idbatterim · 31-01-2020 12:51am

Fg signed off on nch I assume. But wasn’t this whole farce being discussed for years and years in typical Irish fashion? Would the other parties have put it somewhere else? My point is , they are all idiots. I don’t need feel the need to give abnothwr more even useless bunch a chance to make some of the same and some different mistakes ...

I Am The Law · 31-01-2020 1:01am

Asitis2019 wrote: »

Let me start out by saying that I am not an FG voter. I'm not a member of the party, and I have no FG connections. I'm not even a big fan of the current FG government. In fact, I think Varadkar has shown very little leadership, and has performed poorly during the campaign so far

HOWEVER, I see no viable alternative to the current administration. Setting aside the incompetence of Harris, the lack of substance of Murphy, the gombeenish of Ring and Humpreys, etc, the validity of Varadkar, there is a group of experienced politicians, including Coveney, , McEntee, Donohoe, Bruton, McHugh, and to a much lesser extent Creed.

My main concern is to replace that experience team with a set of unknowns - Martin has extensive experience; but most of his front bench don't and they certainly don't have proven track record in finance, foreign affairs, etc.

No, we need an FG-Labour government. Replacing Harris, Murphy, and the like with some experienced politicians like Howling, Burton, Kelly, etc. would be a much stronger cabinet. When you strip away health and housing, FG have not done a bad job. And in reality, both health and housing are improving.

I do not have any time for my FG candidate, but I have learned that a GE vote is not a personal vote - it is a party vote. I'm not voting FF because in doing so I would be voting for tweaks to policy without the backing of experience.

This is so sad, another 100 years of misery. We could be so much better.

JP Liz V1 · 31-01-2020 1:01am

_Brian wrote: »

Yea.
Creed !
The guy is a moron of the highest order.

FG has too many morons running this time around

con747 · 31-01-2020 1:12am

Why is this country so easy to forgive the two main parties for continually making a mess of it?. Yet will never try to change the recurring cycle that will inevitably happen because they are only interested in safeguarding big businesses and not the people who elect them who actually need the services that are never delivered.

James Brown · 31-01-2020 1:24am

They're terrible, but we know them. Sounds logical

con747 · 31-01-2020 1:28am

Matt Barrett wrote: »

They're terrible, but we know them. Sounds logical

Logical would be to give a party/coalition a chance who has not ruined this country. What could they do worse? Ruin the country!. At least try some other parties to find out.

spurious · 31-01-2020 1:29am

Gonad wrote: »

Really hope for a big results from SF

It’s time we give them a chance. They talk a big game and seem to actually care for what’s best for the people who need it most. They have a couple of very clever politicians. Doherty is doing some great work at the moment .

The only positive from the above would be the momentous ball of sh1te the Shinners and their populist nonsense would make of things would ensure they would never have a chance of getting in again, just like FF after they made sh1te of the country...oh no, wait....

James Brown · 31-01-2020 1:31am

stereo_steve wrote: »

What he said is true?

I'm gonna give them my vote. They brought in abortion legislation and gay marriage. Issues that other parties wouldn't touch.

The accommodation issue is certainly a problem that needs to be addressed but it is primarily a symptom of a booming economy. Ireland is in a much better position since they came into power.

Perfect? Certainly not but I think the good outweighs the bad. I also don't any other party would have us in a such a good position right now.

Rode the wave even though Leo was against gay marriage...until he saw the wave....

Ireland has record breaking crises since they came to power. They've broke their own records on child homeless numbers.

I imagine you're doing okay so the country must be grand...

Asitis2019 · 31-01-2020 1:35am

con747 wrote: »

Logical would be to give a party/coalition a chance who has not ruined this country. What could they do worse? Ruin the country!. At least try some other parties to find out.

Now dont be a silly billy con

FG are the only party who score high on the economy, and LV is totally right in saying this is a necessary condition to in invest in housing and health

FF were good with the economy in Reynolds time, but certainly not since. I dont trust them with the economy

If there is a fecession in the next few years, i want paschal in the driving seat

An fglab coalition is in the best interests of people, even if ghey dont know it

Ok?

RobAMerc · 31-01-2020 1:39am

I'm voting for them - because if Michael Martin gets in I'll leave the country.
I dont know if I could stay in a country run by someone who was at the very forefront of driving us off a cliff a few years back, I also dont know if I want to live in a country full of people who'd vote him back in.

I'm no fan of Varadkar, but I genuinely am impressed with how much we've progressed as a nation in the last 10 years. I think a lot of things have been run badly, but having worked in the public sector, I can tell you none of the rest of them will run it any better.

con747 · 31-01-2020 1:42am

RobAMerc wrote: »

I'm voting for them - because if Michael Martin gets in I'll leave the country.
I dont know if I could stay in a country run by someone who was at the very forefront of driving us off a cliff a few years back, I also dont know if I want to live in a country full of people who'd vote him back in.

I'm no fan of Varadkar, but I genuinely am impressed with how much we've progressed as a nation in the last 10 years. I think a lot of things have been run badly, but having worked in the public sector, I can tell you none of the rest of them will run it any better.

Very little of what happened in the past 10 years were down to FG, it was down to the hard work and graft of the private sector having to haul themselves out of the septic tank FF threw them in.

Asitis2019 · 31-01-2020 1:42am

RobAMerc wrote: »

I'm voting for them - because if Michael Martin gets in I'll leave the country.
I dont know if I could stay in a country run by someone who was at the very forefront of driving us off a cliff a few years back, I also dont know if I want to live in a country full of people who'd vote him back in.

I'm no fan of Varadkar, but I genuinely am impressed with how much we've progressed as a nation in the last 10 years. I think a lot of things have been run badly, but having worked in the public sector, I can tell you none of the rest of them will run it any better.

Its a great point, they have along and spurred on by labour left the country in a better state

Yurt2 · 31-01-2020 1:45am

Asitis2019 wrote: »

Now dont be a silly billy con

FG are the only party who score high on the economy, and LV is totally right in saying this is a necessary condition to in invest in housing and health

FF were good with the economy in Reynolds time, but certainly not since. I dont trust them with the economy

If there is a fecession in the next few years, i want paschal in the driving seat

An fglab coalition is in the best interests of people, even if ghey dont know it

Ok?

The Troika put Ireland's economy back on track, not FG. We were essentially and economic protectorate for a large part of the Kenny years.

This FG government is an out and out failure.

Jinglejangle69 · 31-01-2020 1:58am

Yurt! wrote: »

The Troika put Ireland's economy back on track, not FG. We were essentially and economic protectorate for a large part of the Kenny years.

This FG government is an out and out failure.

Country is fine unless you're a waster waiting on handouts and a free gaff.

Things could be better but could be a whole lot worst.

You want something in life, work and do it yourself, don't expect some TD or government to hand it to you.

Goodnight:)

markodaly · 31-01-2020 2:24am

Yurt! wrote: »

The Troika put Ireland's economy back on track, not FG. We were essentially and economic protectorate for a large part of the Kenny years.

This FG government is an out and out failure.

Tell us, how well is Greece going at the moment. They were under the Trokia too, were they not? They must be flying!

*looks at Greek unemployment levels...*

Hmmm, guess not!

James Brown · 31-01-2020 2:26am

Jinglejangle69 wrote: »

Country is fine unless you're a waster waiting on handouts and a free gaff.

Things could be better but could be a whole lot worst.

You want something in life, work and do it yourself, don't expect some TD or government to hand it to you.

Goodnight:)

You heard it here firsr squeezed middle, FG say go f*** yourself

Edit: didn't Leo borrow off his patents?

con747 · 31-01-2020 2:30am

Matt Barrett wrote: »

You heard it here firsr squeezed middle, FG say go f*** yourself

Edit: didn't Leo borrow off his patents?

Middle class parents, not sure if they are upper class yet.

whisky_galore · 31-01-2020 10:52am

Jinglejangle69 wrote: »

Country is fine unless you're a waster waiting on handouts and a free gaff.

Other posters will have us believe the above demographic are living the life of Riley.

_Kaiser_ · 31-01-2020 11:24am

super_furry wrote: »

Six months ago I probably would have - for the first time in my life. They were playing a blinder with Brexit and that seemed to be the most important thing in the country and had played a big enough part in helping the country recover - to an extent - from the big crash.

FG's role in Brexit has been massively overstated IMO. It's between the UK and the EU - whether Ireland survived the process was largely incidental save for a recognition here and in the UK that a return to the bad old days was something to be avoided.

On the economy, I'd argue that they've done everything possible to hamper the recovery with their inaction on housing, transport and the generally ridiculously high costs of living here for a country our size. They (FG) were in the right place at the right time when the global economy recovered and because we have a very open, hugely FDI-dependent, local economy we naturally felt the benefits swiftly.

_Kaiser_ · 31-01-2020 11:27am

whisky_galore wrote: »

Other posters will have us believe the above demographic are living the life of Riley.

It's also a tired and predictable deflection tactic to try and get the squeezed middle to not look at how little FG have looked after those who "Get up early in the morning"

If "FG under pressure"
goto "wasters"
OR
"shinners"

repeat.

Hamsterchops · 31-01-2020 11:29am

Voting for FG means keeping the ship "steady as she goes"...

FG is not by any means perfect, and it really needs a kick up the backside when it comes to all thing health & housing related (lack of spending) and cutbacks, but the overall picture for the country under FG is one of an economically healthy Ireland with a good future.

blanch152 · 31-01-2020 11:39am

Matt Barrett wrote: »

Rode the wave even though Leo was against gay marriage...until he saw the wave....

You have posted this false narrative before, had it comprehensively dismantled and dismissed, yet you come back and post it again.

Fair dues for the courage and neck to do so.

_Kaiser_ · 31-01-2020 11:43am

blanch152 wrote: »

You have posted this false narrative before, had it comprehensively dismantled and dismissed, yet you come back and post it again.

Fair dues for the courage and neck to do so.

Really? I seem to recall a video being posted on one of these threads where Leo was in the Dail at one point talking about the family - which didn't include same sex couples as an option.

Then, when the opinion polls showed overwhelming support for the passing of the SSM referendum, he "comes out" on national radio, boosting his own profile in the process about something that wasn't much of a secret in political/media circles I gather.

Seems pretty cynical and opportunistic to me!

Why I'm Voting for FG

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