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HUNDREDS OF GARDAÍ will, once again, not receive allowances for the unsocial hours they worked over the last month before Christmas, despite being assured payment delays in recent years would be resolved.
A legacy issue had meant that allowances for night duty and weekends, as well as overtime for November, would be held over until January. However garda representatives had received assurances from officials that members would receive these payments before Christmas this year.
In some garda districts, everyone has received their full pay this week, but others are finding out just days before Christmas that they will be left out of pocket.
In the Donegal division, some 300 gardaí are affected. Brendan O’Connor, who is the Garda Representative Association (GRA) representative for that division told TheJournal.ie that members “who are expected to be away from their families at Christmas at least expect to have their wages on time”.
At a time when many workers are getting bonuses, people who are making sacrifices this Christmas aren’t even given what they’re owed.
O’Connor said this issue highlights the “inefficient structures in place” with members now left waiting for between €150 and €500 until after Christmas.
“It’s disappointing because people were assured this wouldn’t be an issue.”
Jim Brennan, representative for the DMR North Central division said that as far as he was aware, none of the members he represents had been paid their monthly allowances -which make up part of their core pay – or overtime they worked.
He said people were “gutted” and that this is just another issue that leaves them “feeling isolated”.
‘Ambivalent attitude’
In the Cavan/Monaghan division, 75% of members have not been paid their allowances. GRA representative James Morrisroe told TheJournal.ie he feels this is the “typical ambivalent attitude from the powers that be.”
Every year we are promised that this will be sorted but, again, nothing. We are the ones on duty all over Christmas and we are struggling financially. It’s a disgrace.
Isn’t it amazing that Bailieboro district with all its perceived shortcomings can process these payments and yet members in the other districts don’t get their entitlements on time.
This year, there were just two days after the last roster ended for allowances to be claimed and processed and it is believed this caused the issue.
In Ray Wims’ Sligo/Leitrim division, about half of the gardaí have been paid. He said he could not understand why this was not the case for all districts, considering management in Sligo – one of the busiest districts nationally – put a system in place to ensure people would be paid before Christmas.
Similarly, administrative staff in all of the Louth districts managed to process the payments on time.
“It is not acceptable that members will not have money for Christmas depending on where they are stationed,” he said.
Agarda spokesperson said they had been assured that all allowances and overtime for December will be paid before the end of the year – but not before Christmas.
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It sickens me to hear the minority of plebs getting interviewed or posting their upset with the status quo but also state they didn’t actually vote. For me I believe voting should be mandatory
Completely agree. Voting is so important. The local statistics in my area alone was shocking. I talked to one person while trying to rally the troops and she was simply uninterested, her response was “it’s just not my thing.” Like i was talking about square dancing. I understand “I won’t vote because I have a poor selection on my ballot” but “meh” ?? Is that the politicians fault for not engaging with their community and making policy relatable or people too busy with themselves and their own lives to care about the rest of the world? Genuine question.
It sickens me to hear Healy Rea saying that the electorate voted for change….. how would he know how to put together a government when he can’t even make up his own mind which party he will support.
Epo Eire it’s the politicians fault alright. Piss poor selection of candidates nationally. A bunch of lying self serving pocket stuffers. Maybe if they started with some honesty and integrity we could move on from there, but I can’t see it happening in my lifetime.
Epo not sure why you are getting red thumbs ,I can’t believe some dumb as saying its not my thing the same person will spend hours on a mobile talking drivel but can’t give five minutes to take part in the election of a government which effects everything she does,as for the army of red thumbers either express a view if capable or go and play marbles.
AlanH I can’t understand why the voting is never on a Sunday?, most people are off on a Sunday, so work commitments won’t be an excuse or those who were too shagged after work that they never bothered to vote, and those that do work say in shops they usually open a little later on Sundays and close earlier the same with the bookie shops and the pubs are not open to 12.30, you won’t get everyone out because some people never vote but I guarantee the average of electorate turnout would be far greater than having it on a Friday?.
He’s an independent Chris. He doesn’t have to support any party that’s the point. He voices his opinion. He does what he feels is right for his constituency issue by issue. And if there isn’t another election it’s probably something you’ll have to get used to considering the amount of independents and the direction it’s heading. And I agree Stephen Brady. If you come from a constituency with nothing but FF or FG on your ballot paper you won’t want to vote.
I agree but I was in a lecture where we were talking about this and a political scientists basically said to keep a fair and equal democracy you can’t have compulsory voting. I agree with this, you can’t be forced to vote because some people won’t care about who they vote for and they won’t educate themselves on who to vote for
@Stephen. What a generalisation! Why not do away with democracy and just have a dictatorship then. The candidates are from the population and who are interested in politics. The TDs are those that we elected. Ultimately, we are responsible for our choices.
Sure most of ye said, not voting for fg ff lab… The hole thing is fixed from the start … As christy Moore said very one down the graveyard votes the same…
Chris Kirk.. Never trust a man with a permanently attached cap!
He left out Sappone in his meetings cause she was involved in equality and the LGBT vote. Catholic parish pump politics are in his agenda and his local community. This was a general election not a local election.
we absolutely need to bring in mandatory voting with a financial penalty for non voters. no more apathy please
they would never allow that, they are happy with their core supporters who do vote, those that would be forced to vote would be a danger to their established agendas
Chris Kirk, Why should he or any other independent support any party? Surely TDs are elected to support their constituents.
If people are too stupid to vote in the first place do we really want to force them to the polls?
Ray we are responsible for our choices. But when you have to choose between tweedle dum and tweedle Dee what choice is that. You are right about the generalisation though. There are a few worthy and honest politicians but they are very much in the minority.
Francis you should let the td’s know that. They seem to have forgotten.
What about the liebour party who had their snouts in the trough for the last 5 years and done nothing on feathered their own nest and even the few of them that’s left now can’t wet to be back in government again. Just because someone is anxious to get into government doesn’t mean their doing it for the right reasons as Burton, howling, Quinn,rabbite etc have shown.
@epo. When you have two parties which dominate the political scene in your country and they are so similar in both ideology and policy, it can seem pointless to vote at all. In academic literature Irish politics is referred to as a “two and a half party system” with Labour making up the half. These parties dominate the political scene and make it impossible for any Independent or fringe party to make changes to the governance of the country. Add to this the rise of career politics which causes TDs to prioritise the next election over the issues of the day. This has led to the all too familiar avoidance of difficult issues which plagues modern politics. In Ireland this is often shown by the establishment of an investigative body to later advise the government on how to deal with the issue. Usually this leads nowhere, but it is intended to give the appearance of progress without having to risk ones career to do so. The result is a disconnect between the leaders of the country and the people they are supposed to serve. A vote for a representative of the major parties is a vote for no change and a vote against them seems pointless as they are statistically certain to get elected. There is also the philosophical opposition to voting which compellingly argues that the ability to win a popularity contest does not share a skill set with the ability to run a country.
For whoever that never voted last time , shame on you, if you give out about the state of this country…now is your chance to be part of a change towards it.. For people that voted FF/FG/Labour last time you all must have amnesia.
I’ve never missed a vote while living in Ireland. But my constituency has no viable alternative to FF/FG/Labour. The other parties seem to have decided it’s not worth contesting the election in my area because it would be a wasted effort. It feels like the election has already been decided for us. I’ll likely vote again but I realise I’m just pissing against the wind. I’ve been enjoying having no government actually. I’d rather do that for the next five years.
I didn’t vote last year, never have and most Likely never will … Cos it’s all fixed
Not voting is still complicity in retaining a neoliberal and damaging government.
Not voting is like doing nothing, when someone needs help and don’t moan when the Lowry’s and Healy Rae’s get in. Even though, you can’t do much about the thicko’s that elect them and keep voting for them. At least try to make your vote count, FG/FF/L/SF love it when you don’t vote and it helps them.
What about the time ye voted in the Lisbon treaty, after how many times..
@Eamonn, and those of you voted SF, AAA, or the mad clatter of independents have really helped in forming a stable government.
Joe are you happy to see your party leader, Michael Martin, put enda Kenny back into power?
Imagine how it feels to vote here and then retain a neoliberal and damaging government even if formed. whoever voted for FF and FG does not know austerity.
How so Fiona? Surely not voting is refusing to be complicit in the formation of a government. Meanwhile, voting in any form , even spoiling your vote is providing tacit consent for the status quo. Spoiled votes are still counted as voter participation, the only way to truly show that the people do not support the system is not to vote. That said, if there is another election I will certainly be voting as I believe every vote against FF, FG, and Labour is necessary for the formation of a stable government which puts the issues of the Irish people above the petty squabbling of party politics.
The only stable government possible at the moment involves FF and FG as they have the numbers to vote down any other coalition’s attempts to run the country. But they don’t want to back down on the issues that got Independent TDs elected. If FF and FG would stop squabbling and start discussions on issues such as homelessness, healthcare, and Irish Water, they would find the independents much more willing to cooperate.
@eddie. How did a person like you get a vote -because your over 18 but have the mind of a 2 year old. People with a similar view like yours, are pathetic. U just couldn’t be arsed.
Putting SF in that group is. quite simply, ridiculous. They are one of the only parties who work actively on the ground in their constituencies to ensure that people get registered and get out to vote. How do you imagine people not voting helps them as they try to grow their representation?? Low turnouts suit the sitting government and establishment parties and nobody else.
THERE SHOULD MAKE IT AN OFFENCE AND A FINE IF YOU DO NOT VOTE AND GO BACK TO ONE VOTE ONE PERSON NO CARRYING OVER ELIMINATED VOTES TO PEOPLE WHO WERE NOT VOTED FOR IN THE FIRST PLACE..IF FOR INSTANCE I VOTE SAY FOR TOM OR MARY IF THEY HAVE NOT GOT ENOUGH VOTES TO BE ELECTED THEIR VOTES SHOULD BE DESTROYED AND NOT GIVEN TO SOMEONE ELSE
I’d use my vote again but wouldn’t have changed my mind about who I voted for. They should just suck it up and form a government, if it doesn’t work, they could try again in another election but they could at least give it a go!
Am I the only one who sort of feels much happier not having a proper government? Sure the laws are grand for another few years and we can just copy last year’s budget. It beats having to listen to their sycophantic insincere rhetoric while they stab us in the back every chance they get and continue to line their pockets. They’re still lining their pockets but they’re much easier to ignore.
I would vote, reluctantly. FG & FF have made a mess of this country over the decades whether it was crashing the country, privitising toll bridges, Moriarty, the bailout, lack of flood planning, lack of housing planning, our homeless crises, water charges etc…. Now they have sat on their hands not forming a government while they spend most of their time trying to lay blame on small parties that won’t make the majority happen purely because the numbers aren’t there. If there’s another election I’m still not voting for FG, FF, Labour & Renua for the same reason I want a fair and sustainable Ireland.
That sums up my viewpoint. FF and FG are proven failures with a track record of incompetence and subservience to powerful vested interests. FF and FG have no interest in change or in implementing a better vision from Ireland. Eventually more and more voters will wake up to this. It will take time but eventually the hegemony of FF and FG will disappear as a consequence of the messes each party makes.
You are correct that the new narrative is to blame the smaller parties and independents.
As for the Moriarty Tribunal, look at Lowry’s support for FG and Kenny. FG is a political party which was always keen in offshore accounts.
Because FF and FG can’t work together they have signed each other’s P45s. It will take a long time but already FF and FG are becoming less relevant. They are part of the problem, not part of the solution but traditional loyalty and self interest from supporters means that their severe decline will not be immediate. Each general election will diminish FF and FG further so that it will no longer be a choice between one or the other.
Of ciurse, it was the massive emigration which removed the many yiunger voters who left because of the successive failures of FF and FG.
The finger of blame points clearly against FF and FG. They will eventually inherit the consequences of their multiple failures. It just takes time.
No point blaming past governments for the mistakes of county councils though. It is plain to see that counxils are to blame for a lot of this countries problems because their short termism fails to take account of comunities.
Chris the Dail legislated the remit of councils. The Dail is also the place where most councillors try to end up. The Dail can pass legislation tomorrow that requires 10, 20 & 30 year plans from all councils to be made public with regards to transport, housing, infastructure etc… If the dail wanted to. Part of the problem is certainly in the council’s but the solution to the problem can be legislated for in the Dail
Good for you,they are trying to force out independents and the smaller parties so they can go back to playing the cosy twosome they have had for the last hundred years.
Chris the councils have little or no power except for planning. I don’t see how you can blame them ahead of government.
Yes I would vote again. We are paying them far too much for the carry on they are going on with. Pascal Donohoe is bringing in a law for bald tyres today but what about the state of the roads. After all the study showed that most cars in Donegal involved in crashes were the ones with the bald tyres. But of course it all about fleecing the public. And how did they get away with signing into law expenses being safe from freedom of information queries? It’s public money so WE ARE entitled to know. Sick of Enda and his band of fiddlers
Mary they got away with it because they had a massive majority and they write the rules.
They also hold the election on a day when everyone’s in Work!
Unless everybody was working 18 hour shifts that’s hardly significant.
It is significant in younger voters. Many are studying or working away from their home town. When young, they have not necessarily put down roots in the place they work, instead using parents address for official stuff, including electoral register.
Excuse me neal It’s extremely significant. My friend in work lives in dublin but is registered in roscommon. Explain to me how they vote in roscommon when their shift ends at 7pm in dublin 4?
If your friend works and lives in Dublin, they should vote in Dublin.
Polling stations are open from 7am – 10 pm. Surely if you were interested you could find ten minutes in all those hours to go vote?
The polling stations are open from 7 am to 10 pm so being in work is no excuse for not voting. I work full time and used to have to commute for more than an hour and a half to get to my job but I still managed to vote in every election since I have been eligible to vote.
The main reason for the pressure for many years to have the vote moved to a Friday is that most university students finish at lunch time on a Friday and this gives them time to get to their constituency before polling closes. If you are working away from home then you really should be registered to vote in the constituency in which you live rather than where your parents live.
I would vote for anybody but FF FG and LAB. Any person who votes for either of these three is deluded.
Don’t worry about Labour. It’s intent of self destruction. Labour is gone.,it will be lucky the get 5 next time around., it’s FF and FG, Punch and Judy, which are the problem.
Well said Dan. Your opinion is the only one that matters. Also if you suggest that you are deluded if you vote for either of these you suggest that they’re are only 2 (maximum) to choose from yet you gave three parties. I think I should listen to what you have to say as you clearly know what you’re talking about.
well said
I will vote again. FF and FG have reinforced their inadequacy and unsuitablity. I will vote for change and against the damage done by FF and by FG.
The continuation of right wing neoliberal policies will continue to produce the same dismal results and continue the housing crisis, the health crisis, the education crisis, child poverty, the debt crisis and ensure a dysfunctional management of our resources.
So long as we vote for FF or FG, we will continure to get the same failed policies with the same failed results.
Who will you vote for?
I voted for the Social Democrats in the last GE and I will vote for the Social Democrats in the next GE. It’s a long term strategy. It will take a long time for the Social Democrats to establish itself properly but its policies are different and hold promise.
I’m opposed to the “Zombie Doctrine” of neoliberalism.
@Fiona.
Read George Monbiot’s article in the Guardian which elicited one of the biggest responses off any article in years, most of it in agreement by the way.
Brilliant piece.
Have you seen ‘Requiem for the American Dream’?
Absolutely superb documentary in which Chomsky distills his world view into roughly an hour’s conversation.
Truly enlightening.
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/requiemfortheamerican
Watch here.
http://www.primewire.ag/watch-2775884-Requiem-for-the-American-Dream-online-free
Cal, I will check out these links. They sound interesting. I see great insight in Chomsky’s work.
Would vote again , still would be a no to ff and fg .. Didn’t have to worry about labour as there was no one in Offaly..
A vote for Labour is a vote for FG.
Labour has as much political relevance as Renua.
SF are staying so very quite ? Leading up to the general election they were everywhere what is going on?
FF and FG will always seek to offload blame on to SF. It’s easy to do but it does not advance the debate.
We need new policies and an end to the zombie doctrine of neo-liberalism.
Because the only story in media is forming a government with FG ignoring the fact that the majority voted against FG Lab getting back into power
@Alan they’re being quite clever I think. They’re sitting back and letting the main parties dig themselves into a hole. Mary Lou’s virtual banging together of heads last week was a joy to watch.
I wouldn’t vote for a group of hurlers on the ditch.
So are you ruling out AAA/PBP SF SOC DEMS GREENS and unalligned Indos ?
Include FF in that group as well, what have they actually done to form a government, sweet f*ck all!
FF attempted three times to change the government but they had no support from other parties. They are now in talks about the formation on FG minority government. So hardly sweet f*ck all.
More than sf, if we can’t be striker then we’re not playing
Why is the debate centred around who tried harder to form a government when the only numbers for a stable government was FG + FF ? I mean seriously do people really think having FG + Independents + Labour greens and soc dems would even make the 79 seat number let alone anything stable? Such a silly tine in irish politics
Rod have either Enda or Michael rang Gerry and asked SF in for talks? If not then what are you on about?
Is this the same “we’re not going into government as the junior partner” Gerry
SF in talks is meaningless. There is no number combination with SF that makes sense. Mathematically illogical to partake in talks
Sf + labour + fg = majority
FG/FF might have the numbers N0 2 but it would hardly qualify as a stable government?
If you think FG + Lab + SF is stable let alone plausible then you know nothing about irish politics. FG + FF is very stable number wise, very stable when it comes to vision for Ireland. Unstable from the perspective that both will be looking for a good exit strategy but at least we would get 2/3 years of governance and not a 2nd election with the same results
So your real argument is that you don’t think it would last rather than you think it shouldn’t happen
Anyone that votes SF need their head examined. They never had any intention of goin into government. They’re just happy to shout from the opposition benches.
its a straight choice between FF and FG, everyone else is irrelevant
No we are happy to not compromise our election promises – now there is a new concept in Irish Politics!
Please explain your logic Paul J.
Sinners only a protest party
Shinners.
Sf as a majority party will be my next vote nothing for the establishment partys waste of time
FF & FG have both repeatedly stated they won’t go into government with SF. But yet the two cheaks of the same Arse that are FF/FG WON’T COME TO AN AGREEMENT. / NOT CAN’T COME TO AN AGREEMENT. While the play who blinks first.
I suppose its all up to FF whether there’s another GE soon. They will probably allow a FG minority ( give them enough rope..) If they climb over 30% in polls in the coming months they pull the plug over some issue that makes them look good to voters and have new GE. Indos who supported Kenny will take a hit in rural areas especially and LAB parasites also, probably benefiting FF. Its all about tactics now…
FF and FG are the opposite sides of the same bent coin.
FG does not trust FF.
FF does not trust FG.
The electorate would do well to trust neither of them.
Of course I would vote , but the outcome would be the same . FG or FF still wont be able to form a government on their own . They have been rejected already .
But rejected for what? There is no clear message. The Refuseniks who are refusing to do anything constructive cannot find common cause even with other, apart from pushing themselves in front of every camera and microphone that they see.
The problem in Ireland is the alternation between FF and FG. Until bith FF and FG are electorally sude,ined, we will continure to have the same policies with the same results.
Vote FF and/or FG only if you think that Ireland is competently governed. Vote FF and/or FG if you don’t care about health, housing, education or the level of political corruption in Ireland.
One thing that the smaller parties and independents can’t affor is to be hand maidens to the big parties of self interest. Facilitating and supporting the big parties in their times of decline will only delay reform and change.
Let FF and FG make up a Givernment ir let’s have a General Election and but FF and FG to the treat again. Each GE will be a progressive integration if weakness in these old moribund parties which favour vested and powerful interests.,
PR ensures that you will almost always get a coalition government, Bin it!
Electorate won the last Election 2016 and will win the next one also.
46% now sum of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail support and rightly declining …
Voters have taken back their rightful power from the Political Parties (private clubs who operate whip systems)
Financial Predators
- Landlords who max your Rent
- Banks who max your Debt
- Political Parties who max your Tax .. and use it with largesse to further their own ends.
Small voter swing gives Electorate back its power to build a successful society .
- no 300,000 exported
- no crash paid for by voters…
- no 500,000 health waiting list
- no regressive taxes WT, LPT, Car Tax, IT, VAT on new homes
- No home crisis .. referendum on Right2Home as in German Constitution else your grand kids will continue to be abused.
- FTT .. now in 11 other EU countries
- …….. etc
What have the electorate won exactly? Have they all spoken with same voice? What do AAA voters and Healy Rae supporters have in common? Is a Shane Ross voter the same as one who votes for SF?
6 weeks since the election and still they hav’nt started the job they are over paid to do
I bet if their salary was docked the 6 weeks pay we would have a decision very quick
If You don’t VOTE you’ve NO Right to Complain. That’s how I feel anyway
I would use my vote to further erode the FF/FG clinging to hubris.
FF, FG and Lab all fear another election right now. People have seen their true colours since the election, and it’s more of the same that we have had for over the last 10 yrs.
Everything will be done in Party interest, Bank’s interest, Corporate interest, Privatisation of water interest, DoB’s interest, Vulture fund interest. All of that is the EU’s interest. There might be a few crumbs left for the rest of us.
Who really wants another 5yrs of that.
If you vote for sf you might as well not vote because they are not interested in forming a government. Don’t waste your vote on them
I think there interested in a majority, not interested in being a political mud guard like Labour
SF are only interested in the “Project”…
SF have no interest in power, they are intent on shouting from the sidelines, pretending to be the party of the people, they have a mandate but they refuse to use it. Don’t waste your vote.
Oh I’ll vote. But not one Independent TD is getting my vote. They appear to be more interested in local issues than what’s good for the country. The time to fight for changes locally is when one is already in government. They shouldn’t be used as a bargaining tool.
Nobody worth voting for to be honest, we all know once in power, they just go about doing the exact opposite they were voted in for,which is why I will spoil my vote again if another election comes around.
Soc Dems AAA-PBP Sinn Féin Left independents like Catherine Connelly, Clare Daly etc… None of the above have traded principle for power, except for Sinn Féin up north.
I most certainly will not vote for an independent they are only grandstanders, total waste of a vote.
Why should social democratic and social justice focused independents and small parties, favouring change, support the big monolithic twin pillars of neoliberal politics and economics in Ireland, namely FG and FF?
Putting in a similar Government to the last two Governments will just produce similar results.
I always exercise my vote but I really don’t want to vote again.. Make more sense if those two clowns just got it together & form a coalition being honest…
FF are pushing for another election. 27% in opinion polls now. People are so stupid. So stupid. That said kenny lost 20 seats for FG in Feb. Not a leader , a moron.
Those that have sat on their hands will be punished…
So every party and independent will be punished…?
The President should give FF and FG the 2 largest parties, FF and FG, a 2 weeks ultimatum to establish a joint party coalition Government and to come back to him, if they fail to do so. Once FF and FG come together, the independents who are conservative will support that
If FF and FG fail to establish a Government, the electorate will know who to blame.
Eu referendum all over again….. The establishment will keep us voting until they get the result they want. And the prospect of a fg/lab coalition again is an utter farce!!!!
Look at the cost of another election, but they don’t give a dam, they’ll not have to pay for it
if they’re wages were stopped, they would not be long making their minds up quick smart,
There should be a option: Yes, but I’m not changing my vote.
As an Expat, i wish I could vote, but it is not available to those of us overseas.
People who refuse to vote because they don’t believe in government, are like people who refuse to use money because they don’t believe in capitalism. They think they’re being principled, but they’re really being kind of silly. Voting is the system we have, and we need to use it until there’s a better system, if there ever is.
The debate should not just be about forming a Government, any old Government, continuing the same policies which perpetuate the same results.
There is a new documentary called “The Divide” by Alexis Goldstein, showing the adverse impact of inequality and the damage which it does to all.
There is a good article on this in the Guarudian.
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/apr/11/the-divide-inequality-documentary-katharine-round
What kind of society do we want? What socio economic policies do we want? Do we the electorate want more of the same, producing and continuing the same crises and dysfunctionality, or do we want a better and fairer society?
FF and FG will just give us more of the same but I think that the electorate need more time to see this and to recognise the reality. Onky when the electorate decides that it wants change, will there be change. Change will only happen when FG and FF decline and eventually merge when the old guard in each party is gone.
We need a new election to provide stability for our country NOW.
Couldn’t vote last time so yes
I would vote again, instead of voting 1-16 the number of candidates in Louth I would vote 1-5 the number of seats there are, will be giving no vote to FF, FG or Labour. I don’t think there will be much change in the results though. Only chance of getting change is to do away with transferring votes, there are a good few that got in who would not have a hope of being elected Joan Burton for example.
The logical government would have been a FF-FG coalition, since there is little difference between them. Since they can’t bury their differences for the sake of the country, people should leave off voting for either of them in the coming election (i.e. leave them off the list completely). If they can’t get their act together and form a government, we shouldn’t vote for them. This time around, I will vote for independents and one or two of the smaller parties, and that’s it.
Yes committed voter here.
We need to consider separation of the executive from the legislature. Its wrong that govts that lose their majorities get to stay in power forever until the next election. We need to replace the ceremonial presidency with an elected one, but with legislative power remaining with the Oireachtas.
The electorate dealt a death-blow to Civil War politics…about 80 years too late. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have selfishly been trying to keep it alive ever since. It’s time we had a clear choice like they do in proper democracies and that means the blueshirts coalescing with their ideological kin in Fianna Fail.
Sf should be worried, and endas independents.
Will there be a ‘none of the above’ option?
If I was voting again it would be for one party only as this is the only way to achieve a strong government this crap about using your full vote from 1 – infinity only creates the kind of mess the country is in now
No party gave a crap about young people. So I’ve no reason to vote as nothing I’d vote for would make a difference in my life anyways.
Sorry meant *anything
By not voting, you will assist to prolomg either FF and FG in power because, although the support for these parties is declining, the 2 big parties have armies of voters who suffer from tribal loyalty. The only hope for change is the involvement of a new breed of passionate young voters who are more interested in policies than life long support for a political party regardless of its faults and failures.
It is the young voters, those left in Ireland after all of the emigration, who are the last hope for change.
Please vote. It is the only hope.
Well if young people did vote politicians would have a reason to listen to them.
A poll asking people if they’ll poll!
have your say