Local Elections 2014: What issues will you be raising with candidates on the door?

EuskalHerria · 19-05-2014 11:36pm

Late reminder, Ocean FM debates start tomorrow at 9:30 for Sligo. In the park hotel for those wanting to attend.

newballsplease · 20-05-2014 11:33am

Gomer Pyle wrote: »

Had 2 candidates call to my door this week. Know both of them personally, both previously unelected, so had a chat with them. One focused on the hospital the other austerity, water charges etc.

Pointed out these issues were not in the remit of the CC (new name??) and therefore if they got elected would have no influence on these issues. Both seemed anxious when i highlighted this to them.
Asked them about a few local issues they would have a say in, traffic, rates, housing etc and neither could give a direct answer.
Felt quite disappointed with/for them, although i will be giving a first preference to one of them.

You are as bad as the rest. Giving a vote to someone who doesnt know their role.

Buford T Justice · 20-05-2014 1:47pm

newballsplease wrote: »

You are as bad as the rest. Giving a vote to someone who doesnt know their role.

As opposed to the alternative jobs for the boyo's gang?

EuskalHerria · 20-05-2014 6:23pm

Today's debate is now online. You will hear accusations of lying, literally tears and a lot of rhetoric. Enjoy.

http://soundcloud.com/oceanfm/north-west-today-tues-20th-may

Tupamaros · 20-05-2014 7:38pm

Buford T Justice wrote: »

You sure he actually called himself? Out of all the recycling I've had through my door the only two that were courageous enough to come to my door was Jim McGarry and Rosaleen O'Grady, all the rest just pushed leaflets through the door. If you can't be bothered to canvas, I can't be bothered to vote for you.

You talking about Declan Bree here? He no more has the interests of the people of Sligo at heart than I do of the homeless situation in Detroit or somewhere like that. That crook came to our door looking for votes some years ago and was all for the eastern bridge to go ahead. So he got our votes and the people of our area on that basis. Once he was elected and the meetings about the eastern bridge came to, he had the bare face cheek to spout off that he had the backing of all of the people of my area to vote against the eastern bridge. He voted against it because he was more concerned about the people of Doorly park than he was about us. He's a selective public representative, and a dirty rotten liar. (article here)I will never vote for him ever again. Needless to say he has never come back over here to canvass and I'd be very surprised if he does this year. That'd be fun.

Oh, I also remember some years ago when he was canvassing he called to the door. At the time I was working in Finisklin and I complained about the pedestrianisation of O'Connell St. As with everything else in Sligo it was done hap hazardly and made the commute to work much harder having to go around because of piss poor traffic management. He was all for having it car free and the best thing since sliced bread because it was his idea, and tried to tell me that no way would I use it to go to work if it was re-opened to traffic, despite me telling him I would. (PS, I'm all for having it pedestrian traffic only, but for god's sake do it properly)

Lo and behold when the street was re-opened to traffic at 8am on a monday morning who was there at the top of the street to get his photo in the paper to say 'Look at me'?

You guessed it. Our one and only Cllr Declan Bree. (Crook)

And which branch of the Labour Party are you? Inferring the courage and integrity of Jimmy McGarry and labeling Bree a crook, are you a specialist in irony?

You seem to imply Bree did a cute hoor job by getting 'his photo in the paper', ie. he didn't in fact advocate that position and just got his PR wheels in motion on the day. You're talking $hite, I remember the dispute well, Bree was getting it in the neck for advocating its re-opening.

Here's a link to a letter attacking him over it: http://www.sligotoday.ie/details.php?id=6653

The fact this guy singled out Bree to write an open letter to illustrates just how prominent he was in the decision to re-open the street (of which you seem blissfully unaware). If you're going to label one of our very few decent councillors a cute hoor or crook you might try and get your facts right. His position all along was the pedestrianisation of the street subject to adequate funding and planning, which is standard.

:rolleyes:

Buford T Justice · 20-05-2014 10:31pm

Tupamaros wrote: »

And which branch of the Labour Party are you? Inferring the courage and integrity of Jimmy McGarry and labeling Bree a crook, are you a specialist in irony?

My political allegiances are not the discussion of this thread, but swings and roundabouts and all that - What branch of the People before Profit brigade are you with?

You've managed to conclude from my rant that I'm a labour voter or a member of the party, despite saying nothing of the sort. I inferred no such thing as integrity with Jimmy McGarry. As a simple voter same as anyone else I merely pointed out that the only two candidates who had the courage to call to my door in person were himself and O'Grady, and so we're clear here - that doesn't make me an advocate for FF either. Everyone else, Bree included hadn't the balls to do it. Their canvassers wouldn't even knock on the door. throwing in leaflets without even knocking or knocking with a sponge and running.

Bree is a crook and that is a fact. I have first hand experience of it as I've already explained, and I'm not talking about O'Connell St. either. Since you mention it though I remember quite clearly too since he was spouting on my doorstep about it, telling me all about how I wouldn't be using the street in my car when he re-opened it.

rizzodun · 20-05-2014 11:41pm

I'd be quite happy to see Bree fail to get in, and McGarry for that matter.

Tupamaros · 20-05-2014 11:50pm

Buford T Justice wrote: »

My political allegiances are not the discussion of this thread, but swings and roundabouts and all that - What branch of the People before Profit brigade are you with?

You've managed to conclude from my rant that I'm a labour voter or a member of the party, despite saying nothing of the sort. I inferred no such thing as integrity with Jimmy McGarry. As a simple voter same as anyone else I merely pointed out that the only two candidates who had the courage to call to my door in person were himself and O'Grady, and so we're clear here - that doesn't make me an advocate for FF either. Everyone else, Bree included hadn't the balls to do it. Their canvassers wouldn't even knock on the door. throwing in leaflets without even knocking or knocking with a sponge and running.

Bree is a crook and that is a fact. I have first hand experience of it as I've already explained, and I'm not talking about O'Connell St. either. Since you mention it though I remember quite clearly too since he was spouting on my doorstep about it, telling me all about how I wouldn't be using the street in my car when he re-opened it.

Hold on a minute now.

First you stated: ''He was all for having it car free and the best thing since sliced bread because it was his idea, and tried to tell me that no way would I use it to go to work if it was re-opened to traffic, despite me telling him I would.''

Note upon your complaint to Bree, you then cite his support for pedestrianisation you mention here, sliced bread etc. etc. and then he told you you wouldn't use it 'if it was re-opened'.

Then in the next post (quoted above) you say he was ''telling me all about how I wouldn't be using the street in my car when he re-opened it.''

So first he was saying it was the best thing since sliced bread and you wouldn't use it if it was re-opened, and now it isn't if but when he was re-opening it. Not only is that contradictory, but you complained that he was a cute hoor getting a picture in the paper when it was re-opened (implying he was taking credit for work he didn't do), and now we hear he told you personally he was re-opening it.

Again, we have very few good politicians in this town/county without people fumbling over themselves to call the good ones crooks without any sort of coherent reason.

EuskalHerria · 20-05-2014 11:53pm

Buford T Justice wrote: »

Bree is a crook and that is a fact. I have first hand experience of it as I've already explained, and I'm not talking about O'Connell St. either. Since you mention it though I remember quite clearly too since he was spouting on my doorstep about it, telling me all about how I wouldn't be using the street in my car when he re-opened it.

I think you've made your vendetta fairly obvious. You said it was about O'Connell street and now it's apparently not.

In regards to candidates knocking on the door the list of those in my estate are few. Veronica Cawley, Thomas Healy, Declan Bree, Seamie O'Boyle and Matt Lyons are the only candidates who knocked on the door. Most of the rest dropped leaflets. Interestingly a few more FF, FG and Labour candidates knocked in a relatives house outside of town.

Does anyone know why Sinead McGuire has "Local candidate" stickers on her elections posters? They weren't there last week. Did people think she was a european candidate?

Buford T Justice · 21-05-2014 12:57am

Tupamaros wrote: »

Hold on a minute now.

First you stated: ''He was all for having it car free and the best thing since sliced bread because it was his idea, and tried to tell me that no way would I use it to go to work if it was re-opened to traffic, despite me telling him I would.''

Note upon your complaint to Bree, you then cite his support for pedestrianisation you mention here, sliced bread etc. etc. and then he told you you wouldn't use it 'if it was re-opened'.

Then in the next post (quoted above) you say he was ''telling me all about how I wouldn't be using the street in my car when he re-opened it.''

So first he was saying it was the best thing since sliced bread and you wouldn't use it if it was re-opened, and now it isn't if but when he was re-opening it. Not only is that contradictory, but you complained that he was a cute hoor getting a picture in the paper when it was re-opened (implying he was taking credit for work he didn't do), and now we hear he told you personally he was re-opening it.

Again, we have very few good politicians in this town/county without people fumbling over themselves to call the good ones crooks without any sort of coherent reason.

Hmmm, I am contradicting myself here aren't I? I'm having trouble with specifics so I can't argue this point right now. I'll concede on this one.

Buford T Justice · 21-05-2014 1:05am

EuskalHerria wrote: »

I think you've made your vendetta fairly obvious. You said it was about O'Connell street and now it's apparently not.

I'll correct you there. My main issue with Bree is about the eastern bridge, how we as voters were blatantly lied to in order to re-elect him.(The O'Connell St. issue was just a tack on) Once he was elected he told blatant lies citing that he had the support of people in my area to vote against the eastern bridge and consequently he voted against it. He had support from other areas to vote against which is fine, but he stood up and said he had the support of the people in my area (meaning me) to vote against the bridge which he categorically did not.

Notwithstanding the issue around O'Connell St. ergo he is a crook and a liar who consequently cannot be trusted.

Also adding to this that he couldn't wait until the date that candidates were legitimately allowed to put up canvassing posters, he had them up before hand with some poxy A4 sheets stuck onto them advertising some public meeting or other. Dare I say it, cute hoorism?

EuskalHerria · 21-05-2014 2:44am

Buford T Justice wrote: »

I'll correct you there. My main issue with Bree is about the eastern bridge, how we as voters were blatantly lied to in order to re-elect him.(The O'Connell St. issue was just a tack on) Once he was elected he told blatant lies citing that he had the support of people in my area to vote against the eastern bridge and consequently he voted against it.

Notwithstanding the issue around O'Connell St. ergo he is a crook and a liar who consequently cannot be trusted.

Also adding to this that he couldn't wait until the date that candidates were legitimately allowed to put up canvassing posters, he had them up before hand with some poxy A4 sheets stuck onto them advertising some public meeting or other. Dare I say it, cute hoorism?

I'll correct you. I'm not overly familiar with the eastern bridge project. In looking it up I stumbled across links that suggested Declan Bree was against the eastern bridge. One of the links I found was a large thread from 2008, before the election, on this forum. All suggestions say that this bridge was only voted for by two borough councilors. Neither of which were Declan Bree. http://touch.boards.ie/thread/2055432397/1

You might remember that thread. On page 7 onwards you're making similar accusations as you are here. Again you're singling out Declan Bree when there are numerous councilors opposed to the eastern bridge. Thus confirming the vendetta I said you were making blatantly obvious.

You said that there was no support in the area against the bridge. This article from The Weekender (11.02.08, a year before the elections) says there was over 350 submissions Against the bridge by a residents committee.
"350 submissions and objections from locals, representing 95% of households"
http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.org/papers-today/36-planning/11694-

I'm completely indifferent to the bridge. It's not an issue that affects me or that I've concerned myself with. However I don't appreciate your clear vendetta. Nail your colours to the mast, don't pretend the concern of your fellow voters is your reason for posting.

EuskalHerria · 21-05-2014 2:48am

Ocean FM debate for Sligo part two is at 9:30am. You can attend in the Sligo Park or listen online if not on the radio.

Buford T Justice · 21-05-2014 10:33am

EuskalHerria wrote: »

I'll correct you. I'm not overly familiar with the eastern bridge project. In looking it up I stumbled across links that suggested Declan Bree was against the eastern bridge. One of the links I found was a large thread from 2008, before the election, on this forum. All suggestions say that this bridge was only voted for by two borough councilors. Neither of which were Declan Bree. http://touch.boards.ie/thread/2055432397/1

You might remember that thread. On page 7 onwards you're making similar accusations as you are here. Again you're singling out Declan Bree when there are numerous councilors opposed to the eastern bridge. Thus confirming the vendetta I said you were making blatantly obvious.

You said that there was no support in the area against the bridge. This article from The Weekender (11.02.08, a year before the elections) says there was over 350 submissions Against the bridge by a residents committee.
"350 submissions and objections from locals, representing 95% of households"
http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.org/papers-today/36-planning/11694-

I'm completely indifferent to the bridge. It's not an issue that affects me or that I've concerned myself with. However I don't appreciate your clear vendetta. Nail your colours to the mast, don't pretend the concern of your fellow voters is your reason for posting.

I've explained myself here more than once as to why I have an issue with Declan Bree. The Eastern bridge was the main catalyst for it, but specifically that he told blatant lies, to which I have first hand experience of. You've missed that.

"350 submissions and objections from locals, representing 95% of households"

The eastern bridge directly affects me and the people where I live. Nice that you've added quotes to support you're argument above. But seriously, there are more than 364 households in the East ward of Sligo which is the area that is affected. According to census figures in 2009, there were 4500 people on the register of electors.

EuskalHerria · 21-05-2014 11:04am

Buford T Justice wrote: »

I've explained myself here more than once as to why I have an issue with Declan Bree. The Eastern bridge was the main catalyst for it, but specifically that he told blatant lies, to which I have first hand experience of. You've missed that.

You've mentioned "first hand experience" in your previous posts. Posts from the the last few weeks and over the past 5 years. However as I said, it's appears as a transparent campaign against one councillor when many others voted similarly. As I said, I have no axe to grind here but you clearly do.

The eastern bridge directly affects me and the people where I live. Nice that you've added quotes to support you're argument above. But seriously, there are more than 364 households in the East ward of Sligo which is the area that is affected. According to census figures in 2009, there were 4500 people on the register of electors.

I know the area has more than 364 households. However how many would actually go and make a submission? 364 as you mentioned is not an entirety of the area, however it's a good reflection of the thoughts of the area.

Buford T Justice · 21-05-2014 12:51pm

EuskalHerria wrote: »

You've mentioned "first hand experience" in your previous posts. Posts from the the last few weeks and over the past 5 years. However as I said, it's appears as a transparent campaign against one councillor when many others voted similarly. As I said, I have no axe to grind here but you clearly do.

And yet astonishingly, you're still missing the point.

I know the area has more than 364 households. However how many would actually go and make a submission? 364 as you mentioned is not an entirety of the area, however it's a good reflection of the thoughts of the area.

Lets look a bit closer and see how good of a reflection it is then.

The article that you quoted said:

"350 submissions and objections from locals, representing 95% of households"

The total housing volume of Cranmore alone is over 500 houses with approx 490 occupied, with a population of between 1600 and 1700 people. source

If you average 3 people per household, then of the residents of the east ward (4500) this approximates to 1500 houses.
Lets not forget here that Cranmore has a vested interest in progressing with the eastern bridge. The funding for the regeneration is dependent on it it would be logical to assume that these residents want their area regenerated and thusly would not oppose the plan for the eastern bridge. This one estate alone roughly amounts to 35% of the east ward population, so no, 350 submissions are not an accurate reflection of thoughts in the area.

However how many would actually go and make a submission?

If I was against a development in my area that would have in my view a negative impact on my or mine you can be sure I'd lodge an objection to it. not to mention the groups who would draft up an objection that people could just sign and send off to make it easier.

EuskalHerria · 21-05-2014 1:43pm

Bulford, you can keep going with your vendetta if you want. I have no interest in the specific details I was simply calling you out on your vendetta. It's tiring.

Anyway, was anyone listening to the debate this morning? Certainly sounded more promising than yesterday. Some important issues raised on austerity, Lisadell, the town centre and also water and property rates.

Buford T Justice · 21-05-2014 2:30pm

EuskalHerria wrote: »

Bulford, you can keep going with your vendetta if you want. I have no interest in the specific details I was simply calling you out on your vendetta. It's tiring.

If you think its a vendetta, then fair enough, your business. However, don't start a discussion with someone over a point if you don't want to see it through, and don't bring specifics into a discussion to make your point if you don't want to discuss them.

Kettleson · 21-05-2014 7:43pm

EuskalHerria wrote: »

Bulford, you can keep going with your vendetta if you want. I have no interest in the specific details I was simply calling you out on your vendetta. It's tiring.

Anyway, was anyone listening to the debate this morning? Certainly sounded more promising than yesterday. Some important issues raised on austerity, Lisadell, the town centre and also water and property rates.

yeah, listened in... a few more dynamics than previous day, but still very grey and unremarkable... parking on a Sunday! Man, there are bigger fish to fry than that, OK its a local issue, but for most, it was the same dull boring rhetoric and impassioned promises.

And you know, the very fact that these clowns, together, still have not got a public toilet for the town, well what hope is there? And well the Lissadell issue, now they are saying "we will work with the owner to promote tourism"!!!. yeah right..

FFS, I would have had more respect for them if they had recognised the need to be held accountable for their disastrous decision making, instead of making excuses and even more promises.

I hope that with fewer in office that more pressure can be put on them to deliver. They need to be carefully monitored and made accountable for their expenses/paid time. That's maybe where energies should be focused, setting up a website detailing the newly elected promises and outcomes.

I expect for the most part, more of the same. Meanwhile, I await the revolution.

http://youtu.be/ZO7ZWfvCjBE

Kettleson · 21-05-2014 11:13pm

magnumlady wrote: »

With local elections in May, what questions will you be asking canvassers when they come calling to your door?

We at Boards.ie will be getting in touch with as many candidates as we can, and the aim will be for them to come onto Boards to explain their policies, and to answer the questions that you the posters have posed in this threads. When that time comes we aim to use seperate threads for the candidates so that those threads can be answer and policy specific.

Finally & importantly, we would like this thread to focus on the issues that matter to you & be able to provide the candidates with a clear list of local issues as seen by local posters. If you wish to debate the issues raised - we will create a separate thread.

Just interested, was this tried? Did they decline?

Tupamaros · 22-05-2014 1:49am

Kettleson wrote: »

Just interested, was this tried? Did they decline?

I heard Seamie O'Boyle did a version of it himself on social media. To be honest, I'm not sure how many actual undecided voters social media impacts upon. No doubt useful for one or two people, but in local elections the traditional methods are key. Fair play to him for trying something new though. The radio debates and a 30 second call to the door on a canvass doesn't allow real in
depth policy discussion.

red sean · 22-05-2014 8:05am

On the water charges issue which seems to be used a lot by some candidates, why should water be free?
We don't get free electricity and thats an essential service?
They both cost a lot to produce to a consumable quality and distribute.

Just asking!!!

itac · 22-05-2014 8:20am

thebuzz wrote: »

Great to see such interest in Sligo Rovers all of a sudden. Hope they remember there's games after the elections too.

Dunno about the others but have seen Matt Lyons over the 2 decades that i've been going to Showgies, as well as Marcella (whom, in the interest of fairness i should say i know personally) Her family have lifelong Rovers connections. Dunno bout the rest but maybe don't judge 'em all from one photo op which can only have been agreed to with the help of the bit o'red.

Am still undecided as to who to vote for but thanks for the links to the podcast (whoever posted them-on the phone, not easy to scroll back!) will be taking a listen later!

Kettleson · 22-05-2014 8:32am

itac wrote: »

Dunno about the others but have seen Matt Lyons over the 2 decades that i've been going to Showgies, as well as Marcella (whom, in the interest of fairness i should say i know personally) Her family have lifelong Rovers connections. Dunno bout the rest but maybe don't judge 'em all from one photo op which can only have been agreed to with the help of the bit o'red.

Am still undecided as to who to vote for but thanks for the links to the podcast (whoever posted them-on the phone, not easy to scroll back!) will be taking a listen later!

OK, from left to right..."Candidate number 1. Can you name Rovers top goal scorer of all time?" "candidate number 2. In what year....etc". Bit of fun and a few red faces no doubt. McGarry does well out of all the home games.

Have to be fair to Roasleen, Conor is in players top 10 all time league appearances for the club.

With a moustache like that, I'd say Bree is more a rugger fan? I reveal my "Appearances bias".

itac · 22-05-2014 8:43am

Kettleson wrote: »

OK, from left to right..."Candidate number 1. Can you name Rovers top goal scorer of all time?" "candidate number 2. In what year....etc". Bit of fun and a few red faces no doubt. McGarry does well out of all the home games.

Have to be fair to Roasleen, Conor is in the top 10 all time of league appearances for the club.

I'll be honest, i'd struggle to name our all time goal scorer without guessing....can i phone a friend?!

p.s. "Dunno bout the rest of 'em"....How dopey this time of a morning am i that forgot that Conor is her son despite having having watched him play and also dealt with him in work for several years ?!!

Kettleson · 22-05-2014 8:45am

itac wrote: »

I'll be honest, i'd struggle to name our all time goal scorer without guessing....can i phone a friend?!

p.s. "Dunno bout the rest of 'em"....How dopey this time of a morning am i that forgot that Conor is her son despite having having watched him play and also dealt with him in work for several years ?!!

50-60's. Scot. Johnny Armstrong.

Kettleson · 22-05-2014 8:52am

itac wrote: »

I'll be honest, i'd struggle to name our all time goal scorer without guessing....can i phone a friend?!

p.s. "Dunno bout the rest of 'em"....How dopey this time of a morning am i that forgot that Conor is her son despite having having watched him play and also dealt with him in work for several years ?!!

It's a shame Niall didn't poke a bit more fun at them with something like that. It reminds me of when the British Secretary of State for Wales, John Redwood, was filmed bluffing his way through the Welsh National Anthem. That was the beginning of the end for him.

These local candidates run the risk of taking advantage of these photo opportunities if they haven't got the involvement to merit it. Your point is a good one.

itac · 22-05-2014 9:00am

Kettleson wrote: »

50-60's. Scot. Johnny Armstrong.

And here i'd have been guessing Raf or Skee McGee...ahh well

Think today is gonna be D-Day decision wise for me, so i can just head in early tomorrow and get it over & done with!

Kettleson · 22-05-2014 9:10am

itac wrote: »

And here i'd have been guessing Raf or Skee McGee...ahh well

Think today is gonna be D-Day decision wise for me, so i can just head in early tomorrow and get it over & done with!

The counting is the buzz for me, should be real interesting this time. Glad the canvassing is nearly done. BTW, is there some ruling that canvassing must stop 24 hours before the polling stations open? Or am I dreaming?

itac · 22-05-2014 9:20am

I know what you mean....according to
D'Wiki, it's called Election Silence (dunno if the link will work from the phone!)

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Election_silence

It appears we don't officially adhere to it, but it's an interesting thought, how many minds could be changed on the last day, or how many of the great undecided (myself included!) could be influenced by the last few hrs of a campaign?

Anyhoo, the results should be interesting!

Local Elections 2014: What issues will you be raising with candidates on the door?

Comments