Sligo/Leitrim General Election! 2015/2016?

Necro · 17-02-2016 10:30pm

Jayop wrote:

I'm too busy to watch tonight. Hows the young buck from PPP doing?

Been overshadowed by shouty old men and the crowd to be honest. Spoke well but towed the typical PBP line without stating his own opinion on anything.

Bebo stunnah · 17-02-2016 10:31pm

EuskalHerria wrote: »

As if we needed a reminder as to why Marcella McGarry was voted out...

After her question I wouldn't be surprised that she had family working for IW. She quite clearly got answers for it but obviously couldn't comprehend it. I'm liking O'Keefe, but again she's getting nothing from me because of her party, shame really.

Necro · 17-02-2016 10:31pm

rizzodun wrote:

He's at the table, so... there's that...

It could be worse. He could be Des Guckian or that lad from Cavan!

Jayop · 17-02-2016 10:31pm

Necrominus wrote: »

Been overshadowed by shouty old men and the crowd to be honest. Spoke well but towed the typical PBP line without stating his own opinion on anything.

He spoke to on of our neighbors at the door there but we must have been out. She said he was very articulate.

Necro · 17-02-2016 10:35pm

I've had two canvassers. Eamon Scanlon and Des Guckian. Worked with Eamon closely in the last few years on a voluntary basis so didn't give him (too) hard of a time. Des was a nice fella but as I said before I don't entertain independents of any description for National government.

rizzodun · 22-02-2016 7:49pm

Bebo stunnah wrote: »

After her question I wouldn't be surprised that she had family working for IW. She quite clearly got answers for it but obviously couldn't comprehend it. I'm liking O'Keefe, but again she's getting nothing from me because of her party, shame really.

Just on this, I understand the perception with Labour nationally but why would you not vote for a candidate on merit? Perry got in solely on the basis nobody would vote FF I believe, as I recall he didn't particularly stand out in the last GE and look where that got us.

I'm not a fan of Labour, but Susan O'Keefe held herself well and her canvassers that came to my door were very articulate and made very good points backed up with practical examples and promising potential benefits in the future without resorting to pipe dream promises like some other candidates. In a crowd of very average candidates we have I'm seriously considering giving her a high preference. I think she deserves a chance to prove herself.

Jayop · 22-02-2016 7:58pm

I never considered Bree because when I went though the candidates on whichcandidate.ie he hadn't filled in his answers, but looking into him he seems to be someone who is closely aligned on a lot of social issues to myself.

Anyone got any views on him or experience of him as a councilor? Is he all about the town or does he care at all about the rural issues?

EuskalHerria · 22-02-2016 10:45pm

rizzodun wrote: »

Just on this, I understand the perception with Labour nationally but why would you not vote for a candidate on merit? Perry got in solely on the basis nobody would vote FF I believe, as I recall he didn't particularly stand out in the last GE and look where that got us.

I'm not a fan of Labour, but Susan O'Keefe held herself well and her canvassers that came to my door were very articulate and made very good points backed up with practical examples and promising potential benefits in the future without resorting to pipe dream promises like some other candidates. In a crowd of very average candidates we have I'm seriously considering giving her a high preference. I think she deserves a chance to prove herself.

Susan O'Keeffe has proven herself. Proven as someone who cannot be trusted.

She swore she would leave Labour if they were in government and cancer services were not restored. Anyone willing to make 'promises' to cancer patients, only to renege on them for a seat in the Seanad, should not be trusted.

Bebo stunnah · 22-02-2016 10:51pm

rizzodun wrote: »

Just on this, I understand the perception with Labour nationally but why would you not vote for a candidate on merit? Perry got in solely on the basis nobody would vote FF I believe, as I recall he didn't particularly stand out in the last GE and look where that got us.

I'm not a fan of Labour, but Susan O'Keefe held herself well and her canvassers that came to my door were very articulate and made very good points backed up with practical examples and promising potential benefits in the future without resorting to pipe dream promises like some other candidates. In a crowd of very average candidates we have I'm seriously considering giving her a high preference. I think she deserves a chance to prove herself.

That's the ting though, you're not voting for a person in the general election, you're voting for a party unless you're voting for an indendent candidate. Who ever it is you vote for will just do what the person at the top tells them to do. Like I said, she's great at sounding very confident and does sometimes stand out from the crowd, but I will not support that party, and voting for her will do exactly that.

rizzodun · 22-02-2016 11:14pm

EuskalHerria wrote: »

Susan O'Keeffe has proven herself. Proven as someone who cannot be trusted.

She swore she would leave Labour if they were in government and cancer services were not restored. Anyone willing to make 'promises' to cancer patients, only to renege on them for a seat in the Seanad, should not be trusted.

I hadn't realised she had committed to leaving Labour over cancer services, must have missed that one.

The lot of them who made that commitment were foolish when they hadn't a clue what the story was at the time. Why not just commit to fighting for the services, make a lot of noise, at least then you could show publicly you tried your damnedest to get them back if they were lost.

Not that that absolves them of course.

EuskalHerria · 22-02-2016 11:37pm

rizzodun wrote: »

I hadn't realised she had committed to leaving Labour over cancer services, must have missed that one.

The lot of them who made that commitment were foolish when they hadn't a clue what the story was at the time. Why not just commit to fighting for the services, make a lot of noise, at least then you could show publicly you tried your damnedest to get them back if they were lost.

Not that that absolves them of course.

It was stupid to make the promise. But the treachery extended beyond that. There's simply no two ways about it. John Perry, Tony McLoughlin and Susan O'Keeffe made promises and never kept them.

All of that aside, I never got the impression she was very political. Hoping Yeats was going to make an impression on people is, odd. Numerous crisis in this country aren't going to be resolved by almost exclusively promoting poetry.

Jayop · 23-02-2016 12:02am

Neck on the line.

Here's my current preference.

Bree - Ind
Kenny - SF
Gallagher - PPP
McManus - SF
O'Hora - Green
Sweeney - Ind
O'Keefe - Lab
Scanlon - FF
Mac Sharry - FF
Casserley - Ind

No preference for any FG candidate and none for any of the Pro-Life independents.

Necro · 23-02-2016 2:29am

Jayop wrote:

No preference for any FG candidate and none for any of the Pro-Life independents.

Your entitled to your views of course, but why any preference for FF, the party that wrecked the country initially. It's actually scary how short a memory the country has that we would even consider FF only 5 years down the line.

Also Marc McSharry was pro life as was Scanlon if I remember correctly.

EuskalHerria · 23-02-2016 2:49am

Necrominus wrote: »

Also Marc McSharry was pro life as was Scanlon if I remember correctly.

Yep both prolife. O'Hora seemed to dodge on the ocean debate and Casserly is ProLife too.

barneyrub · 23-02-2016 10:15am

Doe anyone know where all the candidates stand on repealing the 8th?
I know Labour are for it but I wonder would a free vote be allowed if it was up in the Dail?

Is there anywhere where there is a list of candidates emails?

Jayop · 23-02-2016 10:51am

EuskalHerria wrote: »

Yep both prolife. O'Hora seemed to dodge on the ocean debate and Casserly is ProLife too.

O'Hora is a one policy candidate and that policy is prolife.

The reason for the two preferences for ff are despite their pro life stance, if my ballot gets that far down the ticket I just want to keep fg out.

EuskalHerria · 23-02-2016 11:14am

Jayop wrote: »

O'Hora is a one policy candidate and that policy is prolife.

The reason for the two preferences for ff are despite their pro life stance, if my ballot gets that far down the ticket I just want to keep fg out.

Leslie O'Hora is the Green Party candidate.
Bernie O'Hara is the Prolife candidate.

EuskalHerria · 23-02-2016 11:19am

barneyrub wrote: »

Doe anyone know where all the candidates stand on repealing the 8th?

In alphabetical order in favour of repeal the 8th:

Declan Bree
Nigel Gallagher
Martin Kenny
Leslie O'Hora
Susan O'Keefe
Bernard Sweeney

Jayop · 23-02-2016 11:20am

EuskalHerria wrote: »

Leslie O'Hora is the Green Party candidate.
Bernie O'Hara is the Prolife candidate.

Sorry got mixed up. In the ocean fm debate the green candidate said he was in favor of repealing the eighth. He was rambling a but but that was the gist of it.

EuskalHerria · 23-02-2016 11:21am

Jayop wrote: »

Sorry got mixed up. In the ocean fm debate the green candidate said he was in favor of repealing the eighth. He was rambling a but but that was the gist of it.

Couldn't remember his answer. He seemed to get aggressive even when he was in favour of something.

Necro · 23-02-2016 11:40am

EuskalHerria wrote:

Declan Bree Nigel Gallagher Martin Kenny Leslie O'Hora Susan O'Keefe Bernard Sweeney

I'm annoyed rural crime wasn't brought up in the first debate. Would like to have heard his solution to it.

EuskalHerria · 23-02-2016 12:23pm

Necrominus wrote: »

I'm annoyed rural crime wasn't brought up in the first debate. Would like to have heard his solution to it.

Specifically Bernard?

barneyrub · 23-02-2016 2:07pm

EuskalHerria wrote: »

In alphabetical order in favour of repeal the 8th:

Declan Bree
Nigel Gallagher
Martin Kenny
Leslie O'Hora
Susan O'Keefe
Bernard Sweeney

Thank you. Narrows my vote considerably!

Wonder how many of them are in favour of equality in schools...might have noone to vote for!

rizzodun · 23-02-2016 2:15pm

Can't say Bree's history with Sligo CoCo would encourage me to give him any preference on the ballot myself. That from someone who isn't too impressed in. the council's handling of things over the last few years either.

Necro · 23-02-2016 2:18pm

EuskalHerria wrote:

Specifically Bernard?

Specifically Bernard. I'd also agree with the previous poster on Bree, his antics in the council would seriously put me off him. That and he's independent.

EuskalHerria · 23-02-2016 2:59pm

rizzodun wrote: »

Can't say Bree's history with Sligo CoCo would encourage me to give him any preference on the ballot myself. That from someone who isn't too impressed in. the council's handling of things over the last few years either.

Have to say I'm the exact opposite. Who was highlighting and speaking out against the fairytale budgets that have left the council in millions of debt. Supported Repealing the 8th amendment in the 80's when it definitely wasn't populist. He was involved in yes equality last year unlike most of the candidates.

I'm voting Independent. Trying to get crumbs from the table by voting for parties has done nothing for this area. Some may not like Declan or fully agree with his politics but he gets things done and there's not one person who doesn't know where he stands on any issue. Can that be said of any other candidate?

ectoraige · 23-02-2016 3:28pm

Jayop wrote: »

I never considered Bree because when I went though the candidates on whichcandidate.ie he hadn't filled in his answers, but looking into him he seems to be someone who is closely aligned on a lot of social issues to myself.

Anyone got any views on him or experience of him as a councilor? Is he all about the town or does he care at all about the rural issues?

On paper he wouldn't be too far from my views. However, he turned up on my doorstep and when I asked some questions about his policies he literally turned his back on me and walked away. When he was passing the house again later I went out and told him how disrespectful it was and he told me that 3 minutes is all anybody is worth, and that he doesn't care if I vote Fianna Fail or Fine Gael. He treated me with contempt for asking the same questions that I asked other candidates. I wouldn't mind so much but I have always voted Independent/left. When I named another candidate (Nigel Gallagher) who gave me the time at the door, Bree basically said that he was a fool to do so.

Declan Bree treats the people he wants to represent with absolute disdain.

I have issues with most of the candidates but I always vote all the way down the polling card. Bree will probably get my number 7, above Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, Sinn Féin, and the religious one, but below everybody else out there. A horrible person in my experience.

Jayop · 23-02-2016 3:54pm

Wow that's awful.

On the 8th issue aren't the 2 SF candidates on favor of repealing it too?

EuskalHerria · 23-02-2016 4:02pm

ectoraige wrote: »

On paper he wouldn't be too far from my views. However, he turned up on my doorstep and when I asked some questions about his policies he literally turned his back on me and walked away. When he was passing the house again later I went out and told him how disrespectful it was and he told me that 3 minutes is all anybody is worth, and that he doesn't care if I vote Fianna Fail or Fine Gael. He treated me with contempt for asking the same questions that I asked other candidates. I wouldn't mind so much but I have always voted Independent/left. When I named another candidate (Nigel Gallagher) who gave me the time at the door, Bree basically said that he was a fool to do so.

Declan Bree treats the people he wants to represent with absolute disdain.

I have issues with most of the candidates but I always vote all the way down the polling card. Bree will probably get my number 7, above Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, Sinn Féin, and the religious one, but below everybody else out there. A horrible person in my experience.

Is this for real? Jesus Christ what selfish nonsense. 4 counties and 119,000 constituents but you want someone canvassing to keep you company for a few hours.

Let me guess. Potholes and politicians jumping in photos is what you're looking for

Jayop · 23-02-2016 4:08pm

EuskalHerria wrote: »

Is this for real? Jesus Christ what selfish nonsense. 4 counties and 119,000 constituents but you want someone canvassing to keep you company for a few hours.

Let me guess. Potholes and politicians jumping in photos is what you're looking for

It's a big jump from answering a few questions to a few hours.

I take anything I read online with a pinch of salt but that has genuinely made me question how far up in my preferences I'd leave Bree.

Necro · 23-02-2016 4:14pm

EuskalHerria wrote:

I'm voting Independent. Trying to get crumbs from the table by voting for parties has done nothing for this area. Some may not like Declan or fully agree with his politics but he gets things done and there's not one person who doesn't know where he stands on any issue. Can that be said of any other candidate?

And what exactly will voting Independent get for the area?

EuskalHerria · 23-02-2016 4:15pm

Jayop wrote: »

It's a big jump from answering a few questions to a few hours.

I take anything I read online with a pinch of salt but that has genuinely made me question how far up in my preferences I'd leave Bree.

Personally speaking I don't look to keep any canvassers at the door long. I know it's a huge area in the shortest campaign in history. Just seems decent not to expect an enquiry at the door.

In my opinion 3 minutes is too long. Work that out amongst 119,000 people. Something tells me that story is being embellished

Jayop · 23-02-2016 4:15pm

Necrominus wrote: »

And what exactly will voting Independent get for the area?

Perhaps someone that will fight for the region rather than just toe the party line. Maybe someone who will not make promises of services at election time and then refuse to quit like they said they would when the promises are not fulfilled.

Jayop · 23-02-2016 4:16pm

EuskalHerria wrote: »

Personally speaking I don't look to keep any canvassers at the door long. I know it's a huge area in the shortest campaign in history. Just seems decent not to expect an enquiry at the door. Anyone trying to rx

In my opinion 3 minutes is too long. Work that out amongst 119,000 people.

But it's not amongst 119,000 people. The vast vast majority of people will just take the material and try to get back to Eastenders as quickly as possible.

EuskalHerria · 23-02-2016 4:17pm

Necrominus wrote: »

And what exactly will voting Independent get for the area?

What has voting for established parties got us?

Necro · 23-02-2016 4:24pm

EuskalHerria wrote:

What has voting for established partyies got us?

Shall I list Perry's achievements then? A new fire station in Ballymote. Primary Care Centre on the way. Modern Library and new Garda Station. The Art Deco. Brand new regional headquarters for Gardai in Sligo also on the way.
I accept he made a mistake with the cancer services (FF had removed them already however). But these achievements for the constituency are never mentioned.
Perry also campaigned for SSM last year. These are tangible real achievements. What has Bree done other than bully half the council into a walkout.

EuskalHerria · 23-02-2016 4:32pm

Necrominus wrote: »

Shall I list Perry's achievements then? A new fire station in Ballymote. Primary Care Centre on the way. Modern Library and new Garda Station. The Art Deco. Brand new regional headquarters for Gardai in Sligo also on the way.
I accept he made a mistake with the cancer services (FF had removed them already however). But these achievements for the constituency are never mentioned.
Perry also campaigned for SSM last year. These are tangible real achievements. What has Bree done other than bully half the council into a walkout.

Voting for Perry. I'll not reply, what's the point. Anyone who could lie to cancer patients and lower the Irish flag to raise his own face like he has done in Ballymote is a wasted vote.

The ballot is private. Enjoy that. I certainly wouldn't be boasting about John perrys 'achievements'.

RGDATA! · 23-02-2016 4:33pm

Necrominus wrote: »

And what exactly will voting Independent get for the area?

Some people would vote at least as much for what their candidate can offer the country rather than just the area, and many independents have made important contributions to this last Dail - Catherine Murphy, Stephen Donnelly, even Mick Wallace to name a few. This despite the refrain that voting independent was a waste etc.

Jayop · 23-02-2016 4:34pm

Necrominus wrote: »

Shall I list Perry's achievements then? A new fire station in Ballymote. Primary Care Centre on the way. Modern Library and new Garda Station. The Art Deco. Brand new regional headquarters for Gardai in Sligo also on the way.
I accept he made a mistake with the cancer services (FF had removed them already however). But these achievements for the constituency are never mentioned.
Perry also campaigned for SSM last year. These are tangible real achievements. What has Bree done other than bully half the council into a walkout.

All the while he's allowed services in Tubbercurry to be closed and all the government jobs that were in the area to be moved to his masters house in Castlebar.

If all he's done is a few Euro for Ballymote to try to ensure his election the next time on Parish pump issues then he's worse than a bloody independent.

red sean · 23-02-2016 4:55pm

Necrominus wrote: »

And what exactly will voting Independent get for the area?

Independents will tell you everything you want to hear and agree that every service possible should be established/re-established in the area.

But they also know they will never be in a position where they'll have to put their necks on the line by having to fund everybodies wishlist.

Necro · 23-02-2016 6:26pm

EuskalHerria wrote:

Voting for Perry. I'll not reply, what's the point. Anyone who could lie to cancer patients and lower the Irish flag to raise his own face like he has done in Ballymote is a wasted vote.

Sure we'll let the ballot boxes tell us which one was the wasted vote maybe?
Enjoy your own private vote mate.

EuskalHerria · 23-02-2016 6:29pm

red sean wrote: »

Independents will tell you everything you want to hear and agree that every service possible should be established/re-established in the area.

Yes. This certainly is a trait for independents. None of the party candidates are known for making false promises. Jesus

Necro · 23-02-2016 6:34pm

RGDATA! wrote:

Some people would vote at least as much for what their candidate can offer the country rather than just the area, and many independents have made important contributions to this last Dail - Catherine Murphy, Stephen Donnelly, even Mick Wallace to name a few. This despite the refrain that voting independent was a waste etc.

Moving the goalposts there a tad with Stephen Donnelly nowadays? Don't get me started on Mick Wallace.

I'd sooner vote SF than independent. Maybe I will in next election when they clear out the terrorists at the top as they have some talented politicians in their ranks.
Marian Harkin is the only independent in the last 20 years to get elected in this constituency. And that turned out well didn't it? The independents running here this term consist of a fence-sitter, an ex-Labour bully, a one issue candidate and two no hopers who have the charisma of a tin can. None of them will be elected.

My prediction is 1 SF (Kenny, will top the poll), 1 FF (McSharry) 1 FG (Perry or McLoughlin) with FF and FG duking it out for last seat.

Jayop · 23-02-2016 6:36pm

Necrominus wrote: »

Moving the goalposts there a tad with Stephen Donnelly nowadays? Don't get me started on Mick Wallace.

I'd sooner vote SF than independent. Maybe I will in next election when they clear out the terrorists at the top as they have some talented politicians in their ranks.
Marian Harkin is the only independent in the last 20 years to get elected in this constituency. And that turned out well didn't it? The independents running here this term consist of a fence-sitter, an ex-Labour bully, a one issue candidate and two no hopers who have the charisma of a tin can. None of them will be elected.

My prediction is 1 SF (Kenny, will top the poll), 1 FF (McSharry) 1 FG (Perry or McLoughlin) with FF and FG duking it out for last seat.

No chance McManus could get in 4th with preferences from the indo's and Kenny?

Necro · 23-02-2016 6:48pm

Jayop wrote:

No chance McManus could get in 4th with preferences from the indo's and Kenny?

It's possible certainly. SF aren't terribly transfer friendly so he'd need a huge FPV which would be possible but for the split in Sligo between himself, McSharry and Bree. Casserly will eat into those votes a little too I think. I'd expect Bree's transfers to largely go to O'Keefe who'll probably be eliminated at that point.
It's only my prediction anyways! Two seats in Sligo/Leitrim(/West Cavan/South Donegal...) for SF would mean a phenomenal national performance for the party IMO. Remember last time round was the first time in a long time we had one SF representative so two would be a push.. This soon.

Necro · 23-02-2016 6:50pm

Kenny now 1/18 to be elected on PP. If that's not a sure thing I dunno what is.

Mint Sauce · 23-02-2016 7:08pm

Want to fully use my vote this Friday, ie, preferences 1-18. Some of them I want no way near the Dail. 1-3/4 I pretty close to deciding, as well as 15-18. All the ones in the middle I'm not so sure on.

Necro · 23-02-2016 7:29pm

Mint Sauce wrote:

Want to fully use my vote this Friday, ie, preferences 1-18. Some of them I want no way near the Dail. 1-3/4 I pretty close to deciding, as well as 15-18. All the ones in the middle I'm not so sure on.

Fully using your vote depends on the way your preferences lie. If you vote for... let's say O'Keefe who'll probably be eliminated in 4th count (guess could be sooner or later) if you don't want to vote FF or FG for example your vote could still be massive to a 17th preference when all smaller candidates are eliminated.

While I like the idea of transfers, there are people I simply don't want elected so in order to ensure that I won't put them on the ballot at all. I'll probably do a max of 4/5.

worlds goodest teecher · 24-02-2016 10:13pm

Okay the election is on Friday and I haven't a clue which candidate, if elected will benefit Sligo the most. Is there any website which lists each candidates policies? Have no idea who to vote for.

Necro · 24-02-2016 10:15pm

worlds goodest teecher wrote:

Okay the election is on Friday and I haven't a clue which candidate, if elected will benefit Sligo the most. Is there any website which lists each candidates policies? Have no idea who to vote for.

smartvote.ie is a quick fire method. I won't say it's the best but it's a start!

Sligo/Leitrim General Election! 2015/2016?

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