Ok, might've been premature regarding public and media. RTE/ Liveline/ Joe DuFFy doing a right hatchet job on McGuinness and the independents that signed his nomination.
Printable View
Ok, might've been premature regarding public and media. RTE/ Liveline/ Joe DuFFy doing a right hatchet job on McGuinness and the independents that signed his nomination.
SF might claim to be anti-bailout, but Michael D. won't take that lying down. I've a lot more respect for someone who voted against taking on the debt than someone who insists that, having voted to take it on, we shouldn't pay it, and damn the consequences.Quote:
Originally Posted by Macy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJJ5q1_5jX8&t=19m10s
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...304412076.html
Fintan O'Toole going after McGuinness, and rightly so.
Quote:
It should go without saying that the IRA, partly under the leadership of Martin McGuinness, consistently breached every one of these provisions. But apparently, it does not, so let’s put it on record again. The IRA killed 644 civilians, by far the largest category of its victims (by contrast, and contradicting its self-image as defender of the Catholic community, it killed just 28 loyalist paramilitaries). It incinerated, for example, the members of the Irish Collie Club at the La Mon Hotel. It killed children, including Nicholas Knatchbull, Jonathan Ball, Tim Parry and Paul Maxwell. It practised kidnapping, torture, and acts of naked sadism, such as forcing Patsy Gillespie to drive a van loaded with explosives at an army checkpoint. (Widespread revulsion did not stop the IRA from trying this tactic again.) It held kangaroo courts and imposed arbitrary sentences that included mutilation through so-called “knee-capping”. All of these are war crimes for which there is no statute of limitations. I don’t know what personal role McGuinness may have played in any incident. However, what is clear is that he was, for almost the entire period of the conflict, in a position of authority within the IRA. Legally and morally, this makes him responsible.
AgreeQuote:
Originally Posted by Macy
And he is meant to be some kind of expert on history:o
They had a text poll the next day and McGuinness won. Shows you how hatchet jobs in the media rarely work.Quote:
Originally Posted by Macy
RTE Liveline, Joe Duffy, RTE Frontline, Pat the Plank Kenny, and Sindo journalists take note...
Whatever about them running / not running a candidate, FF have had a truckload of headlines / publicity this last week or two. Continued headlines could easily be interpreted by the public as "Fianna Fail still matter". :eek:
When is the deadline for the 20 signatures?
Yeah I heard that - DuFFy went from "these polls being a reliable marker in the past" to "well it was only a 10 minute text effort that doesn't really matter" or words to that effect. Very funny. McGuinness won't get my first preference, but I really hate the hypocrisy displayed since he was announced.Quote:
Originally Posted by dantheman
That'd probably be the spin they'd put on it, but I'd prefer to think it's their death throes.Quote:
Originally Posted by freewheel30
One thing I've noticed about online and text polls is that SF always seem to do well- better than they do in real elections. Their supporters are either super motivated or they're slightly obsessed with coming out on top in these things. Perhaps a combination of both.
I'd say all parties supporters are quick off the mark. I'd say an element of the vote on Liveline was in response to the ridiculous show the day before, from people who've no intention of voting McGuinness but could see the hatchet job for what it was.
Have to be in by today week - strangely, Norris is now up to 12 signatures, after United Left (bar Seamus Healy) and Zappone signed up in the last 24 hours. 14 independents have yet to declare their hand, so if he concentrates on Healy and the six government Seanad appointees, he could still get on the ballet paper through a bandwagon rustling up the remainder. After Fingal revoted for him, Carlow, Donegal, Longford and South Dublin CC will hold votes before the deadline.Quote:
Originally Posted by freewheel30
He's not on the aligned and can't be added to it for the Donegal CC meeting according to this: http://www.donegaldaily.com/2011/09/...bid-is-doomed/
I don't see any issue with questions being asked of McGuinness's dark past. Yes, he's good enough for government in the North- because his party gets the votes under their system. Many don't like that (as is their right), but there it is.
It doesn't make it wrong to question whether they are fit for government here. If they get the mandate then it'll have to be accepted.
Yes, he and his party has moved away from violence and that's great. As we move forward it makes sense to forgive (at least to some extent), but not to forget.
Personally speaking, if we were to bring in someone in from the peace process, I'd prefer it to be from the likes of the SDLP. Mallon or Hume would have been good, although they're probably not in fit state at this stage regardless of whether they'd be interested.
Edit: Incidentally, I didn't hear any of this coverage, so maybe it was mighty unfair! But if Norris got eviscerated for the letter he wrote then Mr Chuckles should be in for a rough ride...
Should questions have been asked about whether the likes of Eamon Gilmore, Pat Rabbite and Kathleen Lynch were fit for government here?
If they were asked twas in far more muted tones.
I'm not a psfer by any stretch but I do enjoy the way they are making the southern establishment squirm. Sean O'Rourke and Sean (son of Joe!!! :rolleyes:) Sherlock practically foaming at the mouth on Questions and Answers, Michael McDowells bare faced lying on the Frontline, along with Uncle Joes transparent hatchet jobs on Whineline could have the opposite to their desired effect with the electorate.
I don't like Martin McGuinness, I think there's something very "off" there but he'll will be getting a big fat number one from me because not only has he shook up the establishment leading to great fun with weeks still left, the other candidates are all worse than Hitler in my eyes.
Fot the record I think Michael Twee will win handily, but if Sinn Fein finish ahead of Fine Gael, I will laugh for six weeks.
Marty McG is not eligible for the South - he has already represented Northern Ireland competitively at senior international level.:D
Would you call Stormont competitive? Surely they are all on the one teamQuote:
Originally Posted by Not Brazil
Sinn Fein never voted at any time to take on the debt.Quote:
Originally Posted by John83
They did vote once in favor of a finance plan (Financial Support Bill) to allow the gov to present a plan (a bank guarantee scheme) to the Dail, at a later stage if needed, when that plan (the bank guarantee scheme) was put to the Dail, Sinn Fein voted against it.
Norris now up to 15 signatures - starting to look like he won't need the councils after all.
Just had a brain melt reading this letter in the Metro...
(my abbreviations)Quote:
Originally Posted by Confused in the MetroHerald
The finer points of Irish republican democracy are completely lost here.
Delightful that these sorts of people can vote.
All on the one team - playing internationally to secure investment and jobs in Northern Ireland.Quote:
Originally Posted by dantheman
Norris up to 17 signatures: http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0922/president.html But there are only three members left who have not committed.
McGuinness denies shooting anyone, or being responsible for any deaths: http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/m...hs-521557.html
Anything happen since the infiltration of Guinness and Arthur's Day?