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Posters advertising a public meeting with Declan Ganley have been appearing around Dublin this week Hugh O'Connell via TheJournal.ie

Ganley: No political party represents the moderate, pro-life constituency

Businessman Declan Ganley is holding a public meeting next week as efforts to form a new political party gather pace but he is coy on whether or not he’ll definitely form a new party.

BUSINESSMAN DECLAN GANLEY is holding a public meeting next week as efforts to form a new political party gather pace although he insisted yesterday that there is no firm decision made on whether or not he’ll set up a new party.

Billboards advertising ‘Alternatives for Ireland’ with a picture of the Libertas founder have begun appearing around Dublin city centre this week ahead of the meeting planned for next Wednesday where UCD banking and finance professor Ray Kinsella will also speak.

Ganley told TheJournal.ie yesterday that the meeting will be “discussing alternatives to the current status quo in Irish political thinking” on a range of issues from economics to abortion.

“There is a sort of political status quo that holds sway in everything right across the board, from economics, policy towards job creation, and taxation,” he said.

“You couldn’t put a cigarette paper between all the main parties on these issues.”

He said meetings had taken place with people of no strong political affiliation as well as people currently in existing political parties in recent weeks but was not definitive on whether or not he will be forming a new political party.

He added: “If it is to happen it has to be from the grassroots. It can’t be about one person. It can’t be about, for example, me. It has to be a real movement that is addressing issues that are of core relevance.”

Ganley has previously said that the need for a new political party in Ireland is “obvious”.

‘Conviction politics’

Speaking yesterday, he said there was a lack of “conviction politics” in Ireland: “There is a significant portion of people out there who are in something of a stupor, who have deliberately tuned out of politics.”

Ganley, whose pan-European Libertas movement failed in the 2009 European elections, also said a significant proportion of the population are not being represented” on the issue of abortion, raising concerns about the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill’s clause concerning suicide and the lack of term limits.

“What is surprising is that there is a middle of the road, moderate, pro-life constituency that is very significant in Ireland that has got no voice,” he said. “There is no political party that is representing that voice in the Oireachtas.”

Ganley claimed that the Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, who supports the legislation, is “way to the left” of the Labour Party chairman Colm Keaveney, who has outlined his opposition to the Bill.

“It’s a bizarre situation where you find the leader of Fianna Fáil out to the extreme left of the chairman of the Labour Party,” he said.

Ganley has also previously spoken of the need for a United States of Europe and the federalising of eurozone debt.

Previously: Declan Ganley says need for a new political party is ‘obvious’

Read: ‘It doesn’t stop here’ – Man promises new political party after 123 mile walk

Read: Could Ireland change how it elects its TDs? Here are the options

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128 Comments
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    Mute DublinCity
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    Jun 6th 2013, 7:22 AM

    I know our government are crap but who in their right mind would vote for this idiot?

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    Mute John Campbell
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    Jun 6th 2013, 7:25 AM

    I would.

    115
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    Mute Robbie Redmond
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    Jun 6th 2013, 8:12 AM

    As opposed to the other idiots, is that what you mean ?

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    Mute Ted Carroll
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    Jun 6th 2013, 8:32 AM

    He is no better or worse than the rest of them! Self serving! Real change won’t come from Declan Ganley or anyone like him! Perhaps a true revolutionary figure will come from this recession that will unite the people of Ireland for the good of the people of Ireland but I have my doubts! Irish political parties are too well funded for any new movement to succeed!

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    Mute Sean Hyland
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    Jun 6th 2013, 9:42 AM

    Direct Democracy Ireland

    26
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    Mute Sean ORegan
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:10 AM

    Disaffected Defeated Idiots = Fianna Fail by another name

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    Mute Rick MacRory
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:12 AM

    Ted
    Democracy isn’t good enough for you and you want a Revolution with a Leader at its head that emerges from economic difficulty. What a funny world you inhabit in this modern age.

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    Mute Marion Murphy
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:29 AM

    It is idiot’s that are running the country.

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    Mute Bridget
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    Jun 6th 2013, 12:25 PM

    I did before and I would again.

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    Mute Ted Carroll
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    Jun 6th 2013, 3:38 PM

    I never said a revolution, I said a revolutionary person! I don’t think the system is broken but we have so many corrupt people involved that the system can never serve the people!

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    Mute Colin Otf Ryan
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    Jun 8th 2013, 8:45 PM

    Really Sean?
    I know all the people running it personally and none of them ever voted for Fianna Fail. So where do you get your ides from?

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    Mute Colin Otf Ryan
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    Jun 8th 2013, 9:06 PM

    That’s interesting Sean
    Where did you get that idea from ?
    Cos I know all the people running it personally and none would ever have voted Fianna Fail or anything like it
    Hmmm?

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    Mute Kevin Twomey
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    Jun 6th 2013, 8:24 AM

    The abortion debate and marriage equality debates have dragged the extreme right of Irish society out into the open. They now need a vessel for their 18th century ways.

    Ganley is looking to start up Ireland’s version of the UKIP party basically.

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    Mute Sean Hyland
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    Jun 6th 2013, 9:23 AM

    Kevin, Totally wrong! Declan Ganley is a Euro Federalist. He wants a United States of Europe with its own army etc USA style. UKIP would balk at this.

    I don’t think the Irish electorate would have the stomach for more EU whether its US style federalist or Barroso USSR federalist.

    Barroso has hinted he might go the way of a US federalist system but who would trust a former Maoist.

    Mc Dowel is thinking of coming back with a less EU agenda. Ie: bring us back to the early 90s EU when we had our one currency and more control over our finances.

    I think the EU will fall apart in the long run purely by default and incompetence. It’s very unstable at the moment despite the propaganda via RTE etc.

    I hope it does for all our sakes.

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    Mute Gerry Mccormack
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    Jun 6th 2013, 9:31 AM

    You nothing of Ganley if you think he is a federalist. He is the Irish ( more US type) of the UKIP party. They are extreme right wing and many of their members are racists. NO Ganley please

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    Mute jeremy34
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    Jun 6th 2013, 9:37 AM

    It looks like the union members on here are getting worried. I wonder why.

    42
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    Mute Marion Murphy
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:26 AM

    The Pro-aborts & anti-family extremists have brought Ireland & society to the far left where we dare not have an opinion or a voice opposing their views which is akin to the former USSR.

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    Mute Conor Farrell
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:52 AM

    God’s sake, Marion. If you’re not busy comparing pro-choice people to Nazis, you’re comparing them to the Soviet Union. No wonder the public doesn’t take the anti-choicers seriously: you’re your own worst enemies when you come out with drivel like that.

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    Mute Aidan Clarke
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    Jun 6th 2013, 11:30 AM

    Anti-family? Get a grip. No one is telling anyone to shut up Marian. Actually I’m lying-I’m telling you to do just that.

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    Mute jeremy34
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    Jun 6th 2013, 11:33 AM

    Public sector pay and pensions are higher than most other Eurozone countries. A leading economist and senator warned just days ago that the public pay bill is up to 35 per cent higher than the OECD average and our entitlement spend is 29 per cent higher than the average.

    Public Sector current expenditure is more than €51bn.

    —————————————————————————————————————————–
    Public Sector Average Weekly Earnings (2000 to 2008):

    http://www.cso.ie/quicktables/GetQuickTables.aspx?FileName=PSA01.asp&TableName=Public+Sector+Average+Weekly+Earnings&StatisticalProduct=DB_PS

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    Mute Freebies England
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    Jun 6th 2013, 11:49 AM

    Declan Ganley has stated on the Vincent Browne show that he wants a Federal Europe , It was about a year ago and if you look up the archives you will find the episode .

    He is another Europhile and the reason he is forming a party is to confuse the Irish People and divert their attention away from the fact that the Ireland is losing Sovereignty .

    In previous EU referendums Declan Ganley and the Government Forces where working Off each other to get a Yes Vote , they really both wanted a yes vote and in order to achieve this they had to confuse people by bringing Declan Ganley into the arena to pretend he was representing Irish Peoples interests and focus Irish People way from the loss of Sovereignty issue and onto Aspects of EU policy.

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    Mute Stephen Browne
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    Jun 6th 2013, 11:50 AM

    You are completely wrong…I was at a conference where Ganley was the key note speaker and he is very much in favour of a United States of Europe

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    Mute geri
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    Jun 6th 2013, 12:08 PM

    I’d vote for him

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    Mute Bobby Murray
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    Jun 6th 2013, 12:08 PM

    Sean I totally agree and what you have stated is fact! The EU has not only failed it never was successful from the outset! We entered into the EEC in the 70′s by the end if that decade and right through to the late 80′s early 90′s we were in a recession and now back again but much, much worse! We have a country and population that should and could be sustainable. The principal and concept of the EU was to remove border control for trade, but they have destroyed that concept and destroyed Individual countries like Ireland!

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    Mute Sean ORegan
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    Jun 6th 2013, 12:21 PM

    Your stats are five years out of date

    12
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    Mute Sean ORegan
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    Jun 6th 2013, 12:30 PM

    You are absolutely right Bob… joining the EU was a disaster for Ireland. We really should get back to the eminently and evidently succesful economic policy of “wheres your Da” De Valera, ensure women vacate jobs on marriage so that men can work, restore our economic sovereignty by linking the new Irish pound to Sterling, toss out all the multinationals who located here because of our EU membership, stop kids participating in Erasmus programmes, make the banks ruch with forex commission, push up air fares to keep us on the island, definitely get rid of marks and spencer, debenhams, argos, vodafone, zara, h and m,…. you are beginning to convince me…

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    Mute Freebies England
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    Jun 6th 2013, 1:09 PM

    Sean , Irish People are more than capable of sitting around a table and producing policies and laws in the same way as they do in Brussels , We as a people are more than capable by ourselves of producing political policies that would be even better than anything a eurocrat could do in Brussels . We have a right to rule ourselves and decide our own lives.

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    Mute Sean ORegan
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    Jun 6th 2013, 2:24 PM

    We do that.. and we do it with other EU member states.. and most people on here are too young and too influenced by rupert murdoch to remember or understand the very many positive benefits which our eu membership has brought to our little island

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    Mute Freebies England
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    Jun 6th 2013, 2:30 PM

    No Sean , what we do is transpose policies from Brussels into Irish law , what I’m talking about is Irish people themselves deciding for themselves the kinds of policies they would like to have , Irish People being the final and ultimate decision makers at Policy making for their own country.

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    Mute Sean ORegan
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    Jun 6th 2013, 3:40 PM

    You clearly do not understand the european legislative process. The commission makes proposals, the member states and the european parliament debate the proposals. The european parliament which you elect and the member states amend the proposals. The member states agree the proposals they have amendd then the pols bring it home and blame the commission for the decision they took.

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    Mute Freebies England
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    Jun 6th 2013, 6:08 PM

    Sean , the european parliament is a collection of politicians from every EU country , Its Job is to represent all of the people living in the EU and every Country within.

    what I’m talking about is an Irish Parliament made up solely of Irish Politicians to represent the Irish People alone and nobody else and for that Parliament to have Supreme Independent authority over the Countries affairs….. what we had pre Maastricht .

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    Mute Sean ORegan
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    Jun 6th 2013, 6:13 PM

    Again you betray your ignorance of how the EU works… post Maastricht, member states and the parliament have more say in european legislation. To get what you want Ireland would have to revert to pre 1973 law. Again you betray the agenda of an old australian who has taken us citizenship and who clevetly manipulates people lkke you.

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    Mute Freebies England
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    Jun 6th 2013, 6:27 PM

    Sean , you seem to be confused about what the word sovereignty means so I’ll explain it to you.

    sovereignty is the quality of having supreme , independent authority over a geographic area ,

    Ireland does not have this , every time the Irish People vote for an EU treaty they are handing over the “Final say” in a number of policy areas (listed within the treaty) to EU Institutions , thus they are locking themselves out of being the Final Decision makers in the running of their affairs.

    Before the Maastricht Treaty , Irish people had full control over every aspect of political policy , now they have very little and its getting even less , day by day , every day that passes a policy is proposed in the european parliament that takes precedence over any Irish law and must be transposed by Irish politicians who are now just guinea pigs .

    People will make up their own minds , all they have to do is look around them , see how little say they have now in the running of Ireland.

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    Mute Na Fulacht Fia Moore
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    Jun 9th 2013, 5:02 AM

    As the guard said ‘ Ná taim anois Andy ‘ I shall never respect a lad like Ganley in public office in the same way I would never respect him hiding out in a builders hut in Islington nor Hammersmith ! Balfour Beatty or any of his Dis-employers !!!

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    Mute Tom Rooney
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    Jun 12th 2013, 10:46 AM

    What makes you think company’s set up here because we are in the EU?
    It is far more likely MNC’s set up here due to our low tax rate and our young well educated English speaking workforce who also have a reputation for working hard.

    The EU gained far more from Ireland’s membership that Ireland ever did.

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    Mute Robert Donohoe
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    Jun 6th 2013, 7:38 AM

    I agree with some of what he says, but his views on abortion are very backwards. Shame as Ireland does need something new.

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    Mute Marion Murphy
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:29 AM

    Actually Ganely’s pro-life stand is ahead not behind abortion is a backward & medieval practice that is the major cause of an aging population throughout Europe. In the US over 50% of under 30′s oppose the abortion culture for the first time in 40 yrs so cut while we are ahead.

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    Mute Sean ORegan
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    Jun 6th 2013, 11:54 AM

    Hardly the main reason for aging of Europe… that would be women choosing not to have as many babies as in the past… condoms, the pill, iUDs, implants, injections have a role to play in that

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    Mute guardian
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    Jun 6th 2013, 12:12 PM

    We need a party that jusy come out and state they are health amd commin sense that they are pro choice. Its fairly clear the majority support it

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    Mute geri
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    Jun 6th 2013, 12:25 PM

    Actually no it’s not.

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    Mute Scarr
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    Jun 6th 2013, 7:49 AM

    Keep your rosaries out of policies, ganley.

    153
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    Mute Keith Fealy
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    Jun 6th 2013, 7:35 AM

    I’m sure the is a need for a new party in this country, just not one run by Declan Ganley.

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    Mute jeremy34
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    Jun 6th 2013, 8:30 AM

    A new political party should have the courage to stand-up to the unions and interest groups that the mainstream went into bed with.

    29
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    Mute Marion Murphy
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:33 AM

    Somebody that has the courage to stand-up for something.

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    Mute Nick Beard
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    Jun 6th 2013, 11:05 AM

    Exactly how would this “new party” be different than Libertas? Did he not already try and fail?

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    Mute Bridget
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    Jun 6th 2013, 12:27 PM

    Very true Marion

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    Mute geri
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    Jun 6th 2013, 12:28 PM

    So if something fails once it should be just given up? Pity the government didn’t do that in regards to Nice 1,2 and the Lisbon treaties

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    Mute Nick Beard
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    Jun 6th 2013, 12:47 PM

    I’m sure you feel the same way about the X case referendum too? Oh…wait…

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    Mute Begrudgy
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    Jun 6th 2013, 7:48 AM

    “What is surprising is that there is a middle of the road, moderate, pro-life constituency that is very significant in Ireland that has got no voice,”
    So this is where he is pitching his tent is it. Strikes me as exactly the same as the clowns that are in the Dail already.

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    Mute Mark McGrail
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    Jun 6th 2013, 7:59 AM

    Exactly. What are FF and FG then? FG being dragged screaming to comply with the minimum demanded of it by the SC the EU and two referenda is hardly “liberal”

    64
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    Mute Marion Murphy
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:32 AM

    So are you suggesting that nobody ever run for election here just close the Dail down altogether?

    16
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    Mute Paul Wallace
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    Jun 6th 2013, 8:37 AM

    I really wish they would stop using the term “pro life” they are “anti choice” and they are the minority in this country.

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    Mute geri
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    Jun 6th 2013, 12:22 PM

    Most Pro Life people don’t mind what title you give them because they know exactly what we stand for.
    The only “choice” we are anti is abortion.
    Then ask yourself what are you “Pro Choice” Answer: Abortion
    So you are not really pro choice at all but Pro Abortion.

    19
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    Mute Sean ORegan
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    Jun 6th 2013, 12:34 PM

    Oh no Geri.. pro choice is pro a womans choice to decide for herself, unfettered by religiously inspired bigotry whether to be pro life, pro health, pro work, pro study, pro children, pro marriage, pro environment, pro lifestyle while all you can be anti abortion

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    Mute geri
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    Jun 6th 2013, 1:12 PM

    No Sean your only kidding yourself Pro Life is exactly what it says it is.
    Nothing more nothing less.
    ALL Life us priceless.
    Pro Choice on the other hand really only want abortion.

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    Mute geri
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    Jun 6th 2013, 1:14 PM

    Because all the other Pros you mentioned are available here, just not abortion.

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    Mute Nick Beard
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    Jun 6th 2013, 1:17 PM

    Abortion is available in Ireland. Women just have to fear arrest if they inform their doctors.

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    Mute Bridget
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    Jun 6th 2013, 1:46 PM

    No Nick your wrong deliberate Intentional Abortion is not available in Ireland. Life saving treatment is.
    The right to travel is but Intentional Abortion No thankfully it’s not.

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    Mute Nick Beard
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    Jun 6th 2013, 1:56 PM

    Ending a ectopic pregnancy is both medically and legally defined as an abortion – you might adhere to the Thomas Aquinas religious doctrine which distinguishes, but most prefer medical law and practice, thanks.

    And abortions happen in Ireland, regularly. They’re just illegal and if women report complications to their doctors, they may go to prison. Pro-woman, eh, Bridget?

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    Mute Bridget
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    Jun 6th 2013, 2:19 PM

    You both know we are not talking about ectopic pregnancies Nick, we also both know the terminology and at this stage we also both know that it’s all in the intention!

    11
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    Mute Nick Beard
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    Jun 6th 2013, 2:22 PM

    The Offences Against the Person Act (currently in force in Ireland) disagrees.

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    Mute Sean ORegan
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    Jun 6th 2013, 2:34 PM

    So you a pro the life of the mother when her baby is killing her? You will never and have never contributed to the social climate which forces young women out of education or employment or into poverty because of an unwanted and or unplanned pregnancy because your ilk make safe and reliable contraception unavailable?? If I saw you campaigning for better sex education, more protection for the victims of rape, state creches for mothers in work and education, destigmatisation of unmarried mothers and so on your argument about being pro life might begin to be credible. As it is you are a one issue campaigner and damn the consequences. Remember Anne Lovett and her life.

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    Mute Bridget
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    Jun 6th 2013, 2:38 PM

    With what exactly, intentional ending a life?

    11
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    Mute Bridget
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    Jun 6th 2013, 2:47 PM

    Sean your talking rubbish, you obviously know nothing about me as you wouldn’t make such sweeping statements.
    I personally know several young girls including family who had babies at a young age returned to school, college.
    All working now, one as local teacher, another nurse in LK hospital, another running a play school not one “wasting her life” as some would say.
    Maybe Not all are as lucky to have support from families and friends to continue in education but you can’t say they are all the same.
    Again I don’t know anyone who critiques a single mother, not one but maybe that’s just the area I live in or the circle of colleague/friends.

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    Mute Nick Beard
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    Jun 6th 2013, 3:19 PM

    Really? Check out Geri’s comments on this article: http://www.thejournal.ie/pregnant-women-chemicals-to-avoid-939053-Jun2013/. That’s pretty critical of mums.

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    Mute Bridget
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    Jun 6th 2013, 3:44 PM

    Nonsense, I don’t find that is critical of women at all.!
    Simply stating that she would avoid something harmful if she was pregnant, think you are just fishing for an argument

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    Mute geri
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    Jun 6th 2013, 3:49 PM

    Sean are the pro abortion crowd not always saying that no contraception is safe?!? Is that not one of your many reasons for wanting abortion.

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    Mute Nick Beard
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    Jun 6th 2013, 4:11 PM

    Of course you don’t. Since you judge people.

    It depends on the contraception, Geri – LARCs are the most effective and if all women were offered free LARCs, the abortion rate would drop dramatically. You support that, right?

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    Mute Bridget
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    Jun 6th 2013, 4:16 PM

    Who’s judging Nick?

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    Mute Nick Beard
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    Jun 6th 2013, 4:22 PM

    Anyone who would consider a financially desperate pregnant woman who eats off a non-stick pan to be a bad mother.

    You support free LARCs being given to women, Bridget? As it would reduce abortion rates a lot more than current laws.

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    Mute geri
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    Jun 6th 2013, 4:35 PM

    You think Free LARC will solve all.
    I Don’t think they are all that good to be honest.
    My Sister had IDU inserted and just delivered her last baby last night at 4:30am
    Two of my close friends had hormone treatment, one patch, one injection, both gained huge amount of weight, so swollen, one never lost all the weight, still complains about it.
    Personally I use Natural Family Planing, I was taught it while at school, got informed myself as I got older, works for me. Never considered the pill as I personally didn’t like all it plus lots got pregnant while on it.
    So in a way no I’m not in favour of it.

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    Mute Nick Beard
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    Jun 6th 2013, 4:38 PM

    Neither the patch or the injections are LARCs – and a baby cannot be delivered while someone has an IUD. You don’t actually seem to know much about it nor do you offer any scientific evidence (hint: natural planning has been academically shown to be far less effective than LARCs).

    So I guess you don’t actually care that much about reducing abortions. Speaks volumes about you.

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    Mute Sean ORegan
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    Jun 6th 2013, 6:08 PM

    No bridget I dont know you personally but I know what you represent and what you represent is a an intolerance of different opinion, an ignorance of reason , and a refusal of truth. That some of your best friends are single mothers is wonderful but tell me why do so many women in Ireland , at least 5000 a year, feel they cannot proceed with a pregnancy? Why do women choose abortion rather than pregnancy? No woman I know who has had one took the decision lightly. No woman I know felt she in her personal circumstances had a choice. And you and people like you play a part in yheir feelings. How many abortions are you responsible for because of your attitudes.?

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    Mute Sean ORegan
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    Jun 6th 2013, 6:23 PM

    Geri no contraceptive is statistically 100% reliable but you really have to understand the stats. When they say the pill is 99% safe it means that one woman in a 100 using the pill over a year is going to get pregnant. For your preferred method the real figure is about 30 women in 100 per year. That is 30 abortions against one. What do you prefer? 30 babies killed or one. I know you want none killed. But whether you like it or not abortion is legal in ireland, technically up until the time the baby is born healthy if the life of the mother is in danger, practically only if you can find a doctor who is prepared to do it… and there are doctors who are willing to risk jail.. and for the women who cannot find one there is the boat.. and all these rights guaranteed in law because you and your pals demanded a constitutional amendment… bravo for introducing legal abortion to ireland.

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    Mute geri
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    Jun 6th 2013, 8:05 PM

    Nick your the one who seems to be good at judging people and putting words in their mouth.
    NFP works alright if used properly
    I’m married over 24 years and only have the kids I wanted when I wanted so yea it worked for me with, no chemical added

    They are LARC http://www.fpa.org.uk/helpandadvice/contraception/longactingreversiblecontraceptionlarc#contraceptive-injection

    Obviously she didn’t deliver with it in.

    And of course I want intentional abortion reduced, even stopped altogether.

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    Mute geri
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    Jun 6th 2013, 9:53 PM

    Sean i don’t particularly care what contraceptives anyone uses.
    stats are one thing but are you seriously, actually really saying 30% of female who use NFP, gets pregnant accidental and has an abortion. Not true at all.

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    Mute geri
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    Jun 6th 2013, 9:56 PM

    Also Sean I’m glad to see you describing the unborn as babies a lot of pro abortion supporters don’t believe they are.

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    Mute geri
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:34 PM

    Nick
    nobody said a preg woman who used a non stick pan a bad mother, you are good at twisting conversation into statements to suit yourself, congrats that’s quite a skill. ;)

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    Mute Peace for All
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    Jun 7th 2013, 6:25 PM

    @ Sean – “an intolerance of different opinion, an ignorance of reason , and a refusal of truth”.

    There is plenty of truth in the statement that intentional abortion destroys the life of another human being.

    What twisted doublespeak can you muster to twist that real truth into your seemingly non-ignorant and very scientific opinion of the truth?

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    Mute Alan Burke
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    Jun 6th 2013, 7:46 AM

    I welcome any plans for a new political party and have an element of respect for Ganley. However he is a very religious man and would do well to keep those beliefs out of his politics.

    Until more is known about his potential party and it’s policies I’ll hold fire on judgement.

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    Mute Adam Power
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    Jun 6th 2013, 7:28 AM

    I’d be happy to devote the time to listen to what any new political party has to say in Ireland. I am now a refugee voter given the majority of Labour’s policies since the Lisbon treaty.

    On the EU no to the United States of Europe, it won’t work as there isn’t a universal nationality or culture to unite under but yes to the Eurozone sharing the debt (the quickest & most prosperous solution to the crises)

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    Mute Peter Gavin
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    Jun 6th 2013, 7:41 AM

    I think any alternative voice in politics at the moment is to be welcomed. Let’s see what they have to say and then decide. I’m frankly stumped as to who I’d vote for at the next election so maybe this will help shake up the status quo

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    Mute Rónán O'Suilleabháin
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    Jun 6th 2013, 11:05 AM

    No, “any alternative voice” is not a good selection criteria. We need new politics, not a bunch of “anyone but FF/FG/Lab” merchants.

    So while a new political party is to be welcomed, I’m not sure that a Christian-conservative-right is what Ireland needs. It would certainly mop up a few votes from the big parties though, and would end up a party in government by default, as the left in Ireland is so fractured.

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    Mute Gerry Mccormack
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    Jun 6th 2013, 9:23 AM

    Ganley and his gang are extreme right wing and dangerous. Beware

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    Mute Marion Murphy
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:36 AM

    Paranoia typical USSR syndrome.

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    Mute geri
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    Jun 6th 2013, 1:16 PM

    As dangerous as who we have in just now, who are voting in favour of killing in the womb. What is more dangerous than that?

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    Mute John Everyman
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    Jun 6th 2013, 3:55 PM

    @ Marion Murphy

    Can I buy some of what you are on?

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    Mute Stephen O'Hara
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    Jun 6th 2013, 8:41 AM

    I thought Mr Ganley said he was done with politics after his European election experience. I suppose he is a true politician after all, going back on his word.

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    Mute Duirmuid Mac Sean
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    Jun 6th 2013, 8:24 AM

    If ever there was a man in search of an idea it’s Mr Ganley.

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    Mute Diarmaid Mac Aonghusa
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:10 AM

    Describing Micheál Martin’s position on abortion as “hard left” is simply bizarre. That line alone shows that honesty is something that Ganley is not offering. And there is something slightly ironic in someone who makes his money in business with the US military describing themselves as “Pro life”….

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    Mute Marion Murphy
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:36 AM

    The abortion culture was & continues to be rife in the former USSR/Russia. It is always the extreme lefties who claim to represent the working person that want it on demand.

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    Mute Diarmaid Mac Aonghusa
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:53 AM

    @Marion – I’m not making any comment on abortion – I’m simply stating that to suggest that Micheál Martin’s position is “hard left” is ridiculous.

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    Mute Alan Kennedy
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    Jun 7th 2013, 12:17 AM

    “And there is something slightly ironic in someone who makes his money in business with the US military describing themselves as “Pro life”….”

    His company provide technology to aid communications in disaster situations, such as the recent hurricane, and helps first responders save lives. What a horrible person he must be to do such an awful thing.

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    Mute Ferdia O'Brien
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    Jun 6th 2013, 9:15 AM

    The Declan Ganley Party sounds great, a salutary mixture of pandering to Big Business and the rich, and totalitarian Catholic laws.

    Or how about we realise that we don’t need to wait for ‘the right party’ to appear so we can line up behind it and funnel our ticked pieces of paper into it. Mass movements are the only way to effect real and lasting change in society.

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    Mute Joe Sixtwo
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:14 AM

    When you look at the CV’s of Mr Kinsella and Mr Ganley they represent almost everything that is wrong with this country at the moment.
    Quote from Mr Kinsella :
    “A culture of greed was allowed to subvert and undermine financial institutions, and to fan the flames, at management level, of a quite lethal set of perverse incentives geared towards maximising short-term shareholder values.”
    I find the above quote a vomit inducing spin on what really happened. The so called “Culture of Greed” was born and bred within those financial institutions, it is still there and will always be there as long as they are allowed to continue and own our Governments. He also served on the Irish Bishop’s Conference for Justice and Peace which kind of put a large doubt in my mind as to their “moderate” pro life stance.
    In my opinion the foundation is old and rotten nothing new or even worth considering here. Urine is urine no matter how fancy the bottle is.

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    Mute FlopFlipU
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    Jun 6th 2013, 8:11 AM

    Ganley is only floating the idea of a new party as I read it he said it must come from the grass root’s
    and he is right He may not have any more a input in it than anyone else that gets involved

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    Mute Stephen
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    Jun 6th 2013, 9:20 AM

    Pro life , Pro Choice stupid terms or phrases , I am Pro minding my own business

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    Mute Oliver Golden
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    Jun 6th 2013, 8:58 AM

    Pro life or pro choice ? I respect everyone’s views can we all not do the same !!

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    Mute Brian Houlihan
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    Jun 6th 2013, 9:40 AM

    So another centre right party to fill the void currently occupied by twins seperated at birth, FF and FG

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    Mute Joe Sixtwo
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:32 AM

    Brian he is far right not center right.

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    Mute Marion Murphy
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:38 AM

    Evidence & back-up to your argument other than what the Workers Party crew in RTE have claimed.

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    Mute Joe Sixtwo
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:46 AM

    Read Kinsillas and Ganley’s CV and their linkin profiles Marion. Plenty evedence on line about these people.

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    Mute Aonghus O'Flaherty
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    Jun 6th 2013, 9:35 AM

    Agree with him on the need for a new political party – but specifically a right wing party to balance the debate – although he’s choosing his word carefully.

    Current flock occupying the uncertain ‘moderate-to-left’ or ‘moderate-to-right’ with no real set of beliefs. Proof of this is our indecision on legislating the x-case, abortion, gay marraige etc! They’re more concerned about not offending than they are of making real economical and social progress.

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    Mute Adam Hurley
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:03 AM

    It would only be the likes of Declan Ganley and his ilk who would start arguing immediately for de-regulating banks because you see the real problem we had was the banks were too regulated *rolls eyes*

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    Mute Neil Murphy
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    Jun 6th 2013, 5:29 PM

    The real problem we had was not having separated commercial and investment banking and letting failed investment banks go to the wall

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    Mute Alan Kennedy
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    Jun 7th 2013, 12:19 AM

    Where has he ever called for such a thing?

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    Mute Ciaran Bolger
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    Jun 7th 2013, 12:37 AM

    Be ready for an onslaught of what he said that he didn’t say…..sure that’s Irish politics.

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    Mute B Collins
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:59 AM

    Ah yes, the cyclical return Declan “I’ll represent whatever you want in order to get into power” Ganley is back. And he says there’s a lack of “conviction politics” in this country. Well, no man has been better able to embody his own opinion. Three years is about his timetable, isn’t it?

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    Mute richardmccarthy
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    Jun 6th 2013, 8:17 AM

    Of course there is a need for alternative parties in this country,but would you trust him enough to vote him in as leader of the country,just witness what happened to his party Libertas,and in the presidential election,despite radicals getting elected, politics is a very conservative ocupation,and Irish politics even more so,trust is extremely inportant,even with the best will in the world, if you are not trusted you will be rejected,in this country the devil you know is still far better than the one you dont,we are a conservative bunch.

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    Mute Lou Brennan
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:09 AM

    Is it not the people of Ireland who run Ireland. Everyone here knows all the present parties are useless incompetents, yet you shoot down anything that’s new and unproven. $h!t scared to look anywhere else. Prefer to be beaten by the strap you know then take a chance on unknown. What do you really have to lose. O yeah , I forgot, your petty little existence in an apathetic browbeaten life that is Ireland 2013. Give new ideas a chance, lets hear what he has to say and what expertise his team will bring to the table. Alternatively all I see is a poll showing FG and FG level and out in front. Mr Ganley, I think you’re wasting your time trying to inspire and lead such deaf, dumb,blind and stupid people.

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    Mute Joe Sixtwo
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:39 AM

    Lou this guy is a right wing nut job and his buddy is a banker’s apologist if you can get inspiration from these sort of people then I really feel sorry for you.

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    Mute Lou Brennan
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    Jun 6th 2013, 10:55 AM

    I didn’t say that Ganley was necessarily the answer. He hasn’t shown his hand but why not wait until he does. What’s his team. Your description of “nut Jobs” have been running the asylum for the last decade. Love to know what inspiration you’ve taken from any of those scurrilous con men and just why anyone with more than one brain cell would choose to put a tick next to those same party candidates name next time.

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    Mute Joe Sixtwo
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    Jun 6th 2013, 11:46 AM

    I disagree, Ganley has shown his hand and Kinsella is partnering him, what do you expect there? I never found anything inspiring about mainstream Irish politics. Our constitution is a joke and prevents any political progress in this country, it guarantees rewards for corrupt politicians immunity from prosecution. Demands respect for superstitious nonsense and tells us that god is our boss.

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    Mute Seán O'Reilly
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    Jun 6th 2013, 9:45 AM

    The chap couldn’t capitalise on the greatest anti-European sentiment this country has ever seen. OBVIOUSLY WE SHOULD GIVE HIM ANOTHER SHOT.

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    Mute Kerry Blake
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    Jun 6th 2013, 9:13 AM

    Doubt I’d vote for him but I welcome the possible formation of a new party.

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    Mute Dermot O'Reilly
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    Jun 6th 2013, 2:00 PM

    It’s time for honest politicians in Ireland

    In future elections all TDs should be asked to swerve an oath that they will not accept bribes or money for favours!

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    Mute Republic Of Zen
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    Jun 6th 2013, 9:18 AM

    How come the Journal does give us the details in the article so we can attend the meeting? Biased?

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    Mute Conor Farrell
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    Jun 6th 2013, 11:00 AM

    Because the article isn’t about the meeting, it’s about Ganley’s political idea. If you really want to know, I’m sure you can Google it or just look at the photo in the article.

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    Mute Ciaran Bolger
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    Jun 7th 2013, 12:24 AM

    Declan Ganley is entitled to start a new party and in a democracy that should be welcomed. Oops did I say a democracy…;This present Government is putting Irish Democracy in the same category as Santa Clause & the Tooth Fairy.

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    Mute Jim Walsh
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    Jun 6th 2013, 11:06 AM

    There is always support for people to set up a new party when we talk in the abstract or in vague general terms. However it’s not as easy at it seems. When you set up a party you have to define policies for it and once you start getting into the formation of actual policies then people suddenly start to disagree with each.

    For example: Let’s say in general terms that you say that your party would ensure that public spending would never exceed a certain amount of government income. That might seem quite a sensible policy in the abstract and get a lot of support. However if you then went into detail and decided that this meant that when government income decreased public sector salaries would automatically decrease at the same rate then you’d find a lot of people might not support such an idea.

    It’s easy to be in favour of and support abstract notions. It’s far harder to gain support for a full and comprehensive set of defined policies.

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    Mute Colin Otf Ryan
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    Jun 8th 2013, 8:53 PM

    Jaysis Journal. This mantra of “we need a new party” nonsense is getting a bit tiresome. You have joined the propaganda press in the mainstream on this idiocy. Oh we need a new party…. you have one. You have been reporting on their progress since the start of the year.. You reported on them beating Labour in the by-election. You see them on Vincent Brown. What more do you want?

    So Direct Democrcy Ireland has done all that and you still go on with the deliberate ignoring the elephant in the room like RTE or the so called broadsheets. I would seriously question your motives here doing this. Ganly why would he suddenly appear from nowhere again just when a decent alternative party turns up and makes waves. Controlled opposition brought in by the establishment to control the debate and lessen the effectiveness of real opposition with a good idea that would give people power back. Not something Ganley is proposing as he is a European federalist now. Some 180 degree turn that was from Lisbon huh?

    Are you becoming part of the same government propaganda machine as the rest of the mainstream press?

    Very very disappointed in you

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    Mute GerryM
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    Jun 6th 2013, 1:40 PM

    Ganley…..not again!!!!!!

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    Mute Freebies England
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    Jun 6th 2013, 2:56 PM

    “Alternatives for Ireland” is the header on his poster.

    I’m no Einstein but how is replacing one group of Europhiles with another group of Europhiles an alternative ??

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    Mute Laura McDermott
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    Jun 6th 2013, 6:16 PM

    If this backwards misogynist self-appointed martyr is successful, then our future as a country is proper screwed

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    Mute Daisy Chainsaw
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    Jun 7th 2013, 12:34 PM

    Will Ganley be providing free buses to this meeting?

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    Mute Peace for All
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    Jun 7th 2013, 6:38 PM

    Daisy you seem to refer to these buses all the time, what gives?

    Surely if you believe strongly in your position and have such a huge majority of support then you would be as well organised and well funded as any other lobbying group. The problem is that but in the rare cases of pregnancy having a valid and highly dangerous effect on the life of the mother the vast majority of people do not agree with the Pro Choice position of abortion on demand with no limits as a lifestyle choice, which is what you are demanding. You’ll never get that level of support because your position is flawed and wrong, immoral unethical and deeply disgusting. None of the hype and abuse of other womens suffering like Savitas case will emotionally blackmail people in the long run, because like any issue of this kind time moves on and people see where the hijacking and abuse was used to further a short term quick-fix mentality cause.

    “Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary emotion”

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    Mute Daisy Chainsaw
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    Jun 8th 2013, 12:25 PM

    14% of so called pro-lifers would prefer a pregnant woman die than have a life saving abortion. The rest are a bunch of control freak NIMBYs who want to continue to export Ireland’s women. 180,000 women who gave Irish addresses have had abortions since that hateful, evil, anti-choice referendum passed in 1983. It killed Sharon Hodgers, it killed Michelle Harte and it killed Savita Halappanavar. The anti-women, anti-choice, hypocrites have failed to keep Ireland abortion free. They’ve just made it a less safe place for a woman to have a crisis pregnancy.

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    Mute Peace for All
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    Jun 9th 2013, 3:13 AM

    Your entire comment and more importantly your views are completely and utterly incorrect.
    You presume far too much about those who hold the value of life paramount.

    And while you are throwing out the prolifers kill everybody routine how’s about a name for you Alesha Thomas http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/health/article1964500.ece , now who killed her or is she and her baby just more collateral damage in your demands for choice? Do you think she would have lived if she was counselled and assisted with her pregnancy? Is it the safe UK abortion industry or you going to blame some other “evil hateful” cult like the Pro-Life movement?

    Prolife people are not NIMBYS in terms of abortion , they value life everywhere.

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