2011 Presidential Election- Start of Campaign Poll

**Macy** · 25/10/2011, 1:24 PM

Avoiding direct contact with the public, in case he digs himself a deeper hole? Seriously, people want this man as president????

**Magicme** · 25/10/2011, 1:39 PM

God I love working here!

**geysir** · 25/10/2011, 1:44 PM

Originally Posted by Macy

He didn't stand for election, wasn't voted in and isn't responsible for the programme of Government. He has been held to account on his record - the difference is that he's always been clear on the answers, which kinda kills the line of questioning. For example, he didn't equivocate on whether he regretted the tax amnesty, when that was put to him during the prime time debate. To be honest, if the record of a 6 month old Labour Government that he isn't a part of is the best that people can come up with, little wonder he hasn't had the same questioning of those that have skeletons waiting to tumble out of the closet.

He has not criticised the Labour Party for their about turn, neither has he resigned from the party.
I can only presume that if he was a part of the Labour party front bench he would be voting with the Labour party whip.
Why is it an issue? because he his promoting his stance in voting against the bailout as an example of his integrity.
Michael D has made this an issue and I do consider hypocrisy a valid issue to pursue with him and listen to his responses.

**Macy** · 25/10/2011, 2:00 PM

Originally Posted by geysir

He has not criticised the Labour Party for their about turn, neither has he resigned from the party.
I can only presume that if he was a part of the Labour party front bench he would be voting with the Labour party whip.
Why is it an issue? because he his promoting his stance in voting against the bailout as an example of his integrity.
Michael D has made this an issue and I do consider hypocrisy a valid issue to pursue with him and listen to his responses.

You want him questioned on the role you presume he might have had if he'd actually stood for election, on something Labour didn't actually run on (they ran on renegotiation not pulling out, and they've done that!). I really don't think that would have any legs in a presidential campaign, and would be seen as the clutching at straws it is.

**BonnieShels** · 25/10/2011, 2:03 PM

What a day... nearly there.

**geysir** · 25/10/2011, 3:40 PM

Originally Posted by Macy

You want him questioned on the role you presume he might have had if he'd actually stood for election, on something Labour didn't actually run on (they ran on renegotiation not pulling out, and they've done that!). I really don't think that would have any legs in a presidential campaign, and would be seen as the clutching at straws it is.

True enough, all the Labour rhetoric was reduced to a promise of an unspecified renegotiation of the deal and if you feel even that has been achieved, you are easily pleased.
So we can presume that Michael D's rhetoric when in opposition, was as worthless to the nation as the Labour party's pre-election rhetoric. Any thing a politician uses as a vote getter, as an example of integrity, is fair game to scrutinise and place a real value on.

**Spudulika** · 25/10/2011, 4:12 PM

Does anyone in the right mind think that RTE with their buddies in INM have been in any way fair or decent in this election? The flip flopping on David Norris, the excoriation of Mary Davis to ensure her campaign was destroyed, the ruthless destruction of Martin McGuinness, the sneering at Dana, the turning on Gallagher and the absolute genuflection before one of their luvvies Higgins. Higgins has, for more than a year, has been aiming for the Aras with such self-righteousness that the Irish nation are sure to vote him in. Gay Mitchell has been right on a number of issues and unfortunately he doesn't have the manner to enforce himself - if he were D4, a meeja luvvy or some faux academic, he'd at least have some backing - but he won't get it from FG as he doesn't fit any of those, nor is he a farmer.

But what is far worse, is the wool being pulled over over our eyes. There are 2 major amendments to be voted on, as well as money continuing to be leaked into banks and our country be sold down the Liffey by the latest bunch of crooks. Yet the only discussion is about petty squabbles for a petty position. Down in Libya we have NATO attack a convoy - which was outside of their remit - and the (now) former leader of the country executed by a bunch of loons who have introduced sharia law. Yet we look back and condemn voters who vote for the party in power during a boomtime and the people who worked/were linked with them. Jesus people, we need perspective. I just wish there was a russian option on the ballot of "none of the above".

**jebus** · 25/10/2011, 4:55 PM

Here's perspective for you: I couldn't care less about what happened to Gaddafi, or what will happen to Libya, the whole country could sink into the earth never to be seen again and it wouldn't make a shred of difference to my life.

So yeah, I'll stick to criticising Fianna Fail supporters who wouldn't listen to those of us that were saner/more intelligent than them in the last election (the ones before that it was obvious to us right minded folk that Bertie was a criminal and his cronies were too mind). I also find it hilarious that anyone protecting Fianna Fail supporters criticises anyone for not seeing the bigger picture, that party and it's supporters are the very epitome of 'Look after yourself'.

I'm personally not going to be happy until Fianna Fail as a party is out of existence and it's supporters issue public apologies to everyone they meet on the street for the next 20 years.

As for the two referendums, I'm voting no to both because I have control of my senses and can actually look these matters up myself and make a decision without having my hand held, I suggest you do likewise.

**Spudulika** · 25/10/2011, 5:31 PM

Originally Posted by jebus

Here's perspective for you: I couldn't care less about what happened to Gaddafi, or what will happen to Libya, the whole country could sink into the earth never to be seen again and it wouldn't make a shred of difference to my life.

So yeah, I'll stick to criticising Fianna Fail supporters who wouldn't listen to those of us that were saner/more intelligent than them in the last election (the ones before that it was obvious to us right minded folk that Bertie was a criminal and his cronies were too mind). I also find it hilarious that anyone protecting Fianna Fail supporters criticises anyone for not seeing the bigger picture, that party and it's supporters are the very epitome of 'Look after yourself'.

I'm personally not going to be happy until Fianna Fail as a party is out of existence and it's supporters issue public apologies to everyone they meet on the street for the next 20 years.

As for the two referendums, I'm voting no to both because I have control of my senses and can actually look these matters up myself and make a decision without having my hand held, I suggest you do likewise.

Jebus, I have never liked FF as a party, though I know and have known good FF'ers. But if you think getting rid of the party is the cure for the country's ills then the media have done a great job. FG are as bad, Labour are as bad. Look at it simply like this - how many children or relatives of former TD's are sitting in the Dail now. They are all the same. I've sat down with these people and they are all alike, they're the kind of people who order a round then realise they left their wallet in the car, ask you to shout them and then you're too embarassed to ever ask for it back. Yet you say nothing as you're too ashamed of being stitched up and too stupid to walk away. That is the Irish population.

I'm not protecting FF supporters and you don't see the bigger picture - cut off FF heads and 2 grow back, because you have FG and Labour in their place. Why is it the parties who were elected on a protest vote to stop feeding money to French and German idiot banks who are the epitome of failed capitalism, continue to sell out our country? FF cannot be blamed for FG and Labour allowing their own cronies to profit from Ireland's woes.

**Dodge** · 25/10/2011, 6:52 PM

For someone having a pop at the media for using this presidential charade to avoid talking about the real issues, you don't half post some waffle Spud

Who are you voting for and why...

**Spudulika** · 25/10/2011, 7:12 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

For someone having a pop at the media for using this presidential charade to avoid talking about the real issues, you don't half post some waffle Spud

Who are you voting for and why...

Just like the average voter Dodge, you don't dig or read and go by what the latest goldfish news gives you. Read back through the posts and see. I stated the real issues, the obfuscation of the political ruling class and their financial cronies of the real problems and matters in Ireland with the happy help of the media. Simple as that.

**Macy** · 25/10/2011, 7:17 PM

Oh the candidate I'm supporting isn't going to win. It's all the media's fault for focusing on the issues and not coming up with random stuff to attack those with nothing to hide who haven't been busted rapid. Sure aren't they all the same anyway...

What dummy spitting tosh.

**Dodge** · 25/10/2011, 8:37 PM

Originally Posted by Spudulika

Just like the average voter Dodge, you don't dig or read and go by what the latest goldfish news gives you. Read back through the posts and see. I stated the real issues, the obfuscation of the political ruling class and their financial cronies of the real problems and matters in Ireland with the happy help of the media. Simple as that.

As I suspected. Usual Spud speak.

**jebus** · 25/10/2011, 9:12 PM

I don't think getting rid of FF will cure this country of it's ills, I don't believe i have ever said that but well done for putting words in my mouth so you can have an argument with yourself.

I do think FF should be held accountable for their rampant greed that has crippled sections of this society. People need to be held accountable for what happened before people can start moving on, FF still being around are a large part of that.

**BonnieShels** · 25/10/2011, 10:22 PM

VB going hammer and tongs with this Gallagher yoke. Come on.

**Spudulika** · 26/10/2011, 4:40 AM

Originally Posted by Dodge

As I suspected. Usual Spud speak.

In
stead of being a WUM could you not add to the discussion?

**Spudulika** · 26/10/2011, 4:45 AM

Originally Posted by jebus

I don't think getting rid of FF will cure this country of it's ills, I don't believe i have ever said that but well done for putting words in my mouth so you can have an argument with yourself.

I do think FF should be held accountable for their rampant greed that has crippled sections of this society. People need to be held accountable for what happened before people can start moving on, FF still being around are a large part of that.

I'm personally not going to be happy until Fianna Fail as a party is out of existence and it's supporters issue public apologies to everyone they meet on the street for the next 20 years.

Fair enough, but going after one party seems a little ott when the current ruling pair are as bad. Again, perspective. FF, in cahoots with the PD's, then Greens, and independents, were let run riot, and the country backed them. If FF came up with a magical solution in the morning to solve all our ills, and won next years election, I have an inkling that the sins of the recent past would be forgotten until the next time the people need a scapegoat. And regardless, blaming politicians for everything only reaches so far. Better to start off with the supposed captains of industry, high ranking civil servants and the dealers who sold Ireland out.

Again, FF behaved badly, as do FG and Labour, better to get them all out than just one.

**osarusan** · 26/10/2011, 5:49 AM

Originally Posted by Spudulika

Fair enough, but going after one party seems a little ott when the current ruling pair are as bad.

FG and Labour have been in government for 8 months, after 13 years in opposition to FF. What credible evidence do you have to support the claim that FG and Labour are 'as bad' as what they've replaced?

**Dodge** · 26/10/2011, 7:38 AM

Originally Posted by Spudulika

Better to start off with the supposed captains of industry, high ranking civil servants and the dealers who sold Ireland out.

Voters cabn't do aything about captains of industry and pretty much every high ranking civil servant was appointed by FF.

Again, FF behaved badly, as do FG and Labour, better to get them all out than just one.

Go on then, explain to me how the presidential vote will make this happen

Originally Posted by Spudulika

In
stead of being a WUM could you not add to the discussion?

And what, exactly, have you contributed to the Presidential vote discussion?

**Macy** · 26/10/2011, 8:07 AM

Originally Posted by Spudulika

Fair enough, but going after one party seems a little ott when the current ruling pair are as bad.

They haven't even had one budget yet, how can you possibly make that judgement call?

FF were in power for all but 2.5 years since 1987. Politicians are the bosses of the civil and public servants, they set the regulatory regime for captains of industry, they set the regulatory regime of domestic dealers. And for the bulk of our history, those politicians have been FF ones.

Maybe the current Government will fook up and turn out to be no better, but it's far to early to tell. I want FF to die on the basis of what they've continually done to this state over the years, and especially what they've done over the last 10. But I'd settle for the cycle of them only being out of power for one Dail term broken and give other parties a genuine chance to cleanse the apparatus of the state of their malign influence.

But this still has fook all to do with the presidential election. Is this a distracting tactic to shift focus away from Gallagher?