2011 Presidential Election

I dunno fellas, he's got as good a chance as the others. FF will have a core of people who will vote FF regardless, that much is very clear. I've already heard people say that he can't do any harm there (normal people too, one's I'd have lots of time for), and that they'd vote for him for that, just to prevent him running for Dublin Lord Mayor! Madness.

Of the alternatives, you'll have the bashers out for Norris, while excuses or claims of eccentricity will be held against Michael D. Who does that leave? Sean Kelly?

Needless to say I won't be voting for the *****.

Would he get the FF nomination though? The parliamentary party will either be decimated, or on the verge of decimation.

I think now he's out of a position of power, it's unlikely, and he's unable to uncover the bodies, because he'd incriminate himself into the bargain. I think Bertie should stick to writing books for morons, his power base is nearly gone.

Nothing will surprise me about politics in this country, even if I don't understand it completely. Cowen will still top the poll is Laois Offaly at the next election, regardless of the mess he's helped create. That's not speculation, thats's from living in the constituency and hearing the locals who still revere him, and won't have a bad word said about him. It's the European's fault don't you know.

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Originally Posted by dahamsta

I think now he's out of a position of power, it's unlikely, and he's unable to uncover the bodies, because he'd incriminate himself into the bargain. I think Bertie should stick to writing books for morons, his power base is nearly gone.

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Agreed, and what with not able to get the older brother elected in his heart land of Drumcondra last time around that must surely have opened his eyes to the fact he aint as popular as he thinks (or RTE like to spin)

Mary O'Rourke is another example of vote-because-they're-there stupidity. Having had experience of her in Enterprise wrt IrelandOffline and the TE privatisation, I literally applauded when she lost her seat in 2002, and, sadly, wasn't in the least bit surprised when she won it back at the next election. I understand that she works very hard - "like a black", I'm sure she'd tell us - but seriously, the woman is a pig ignorant gombeen. She makes Martin Cullen look bright, and Batt O'Keefe positively refined.

Yet they were all singing her praises again just weeks ago when she stated Obvious 101, that FF wouldn't be in power after the next election, as if it were somehow clever, or brave. Honest to god like, the media in this country!

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Originally Posted by Kingdom

Nothing will surprise me about politics in this country, even if I don't understand it completely. Cowen will still top the poll is Laois Offaly at the next election, regardless of the mess he's helped create. That's not speculation, thats's from living in the constituency and hearing the locals who still revere him, and won't have a bad word said about him. It's the European's fault don't you know.

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I genuinely believe that there is no way Bertie would win a Presidential election against a half credible candidate. I find it hard it hard to believe that Bertie actually thinks he could win.

Bertie thinks he's the second coming paudie, never underestimate his arrogance.

I suspect it will be an agreed candidate as neither the country nor the parties can't afford an election. Pity John Hume isn't a well man as he would have been an ideal candidate.

I wouldn't like any of the candidates mentioned above except perhaps Fergus Finlay.

Gay Byrne anyone? ;)

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Originally Posted by OwlsFan

Gay Byrne anyone? ;)

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Mr FF Quango man himself?

Jackie Healy-Rae throwing his hat in the ring.

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Originally Posted by culloty82

Jackie Healy-Rae throwing his hat in the ring.

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Ireland kind of deserve a president like that really, TBH

In a perverse way, I actually kind of hope he gets it. In the same way as there's a part of you that's very interested in seeing plane crashes and volcanic eruptions.

People said in 1997 that they would leave if Dana got in... what would happen if the mutant won?

The mystery behind Seán Gallagher's entry into the race appears to be solved if you consider that Tony O'Reilly appears to be giving him maximum publicity. First, Gavin Duffy gave him his backing in the Independent-owned regional press and today it's being reported that 10 FF Oireachtas members are preparing to vote for him (he used to belong to the party). Clearly, he has been chosen to stymie a Higgins/Norris presidency.

I'm voting for Kodos.

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Originally Posted by culloty82

The mystery behind Seán Gallagher's entry into the race appears to be solved if you consider that Tony O'Reilly appears to be giving him maximum publicity. First, Gavin Duffy gave him his backing in the Independent-owned regional press and today it's being reported that 10 FF Oireachtas members are preparing to vote for him (he used to belong to the party).

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Martin this morning calling for parties not to block independent candidates, and the FF wouldn't do so. "Independents" in the Sean Gallagher sense no doubt, an FF appointee to the board of FAS none the less!

I dont know what to make of this latest story. Is Helen Lucy Burke a homophobic journalist looking for attention before she pops her clogs and/or is David Norris an unsuitable person for President exposed by a civil minded journalist. I would go with the former.

More like a blatant smear intended to conflate homosexuality with paedophilia, orchestrated by some very unsavoury source - probably right of centre fundamental Christians.

You know, the kind of people who brought upon us the Ferns Inquiry, borstals, Sean Fortune, Magdalene Laundries etc etc.

Lovely people, mass-goers and communicants the lot of them...

Wasn't HLB mainly known as a fearsome restaurant reviewer, who stuck the knife in more than she ever praised?

I'd add in a cynical attempt my said reporter to get some publicity as well.

Unfortunately this could torpedo Norris.