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Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald spoke at a rally in Liberty Hall this evening Niall Carson/PA Images

Mary Lou McDonald: Sinn Féin will not take part in protest calling for change of government

People Before Profit are organising a protest for change on 7 March.

SINN FÉIN LEADER Mary Lou McDonald has said her party will not partake in demonstrations or protests against Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

People Before Profit are holding a demonstration on 7 March calling for a change to Ireland’s government.

Posters for the event which were distributed outside the meeting describe it as a march against Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael returning to government.

But speaking at Sinn Fein’s public meeting in Dublin’s Liberty Hall this evening, McDonald answered a question on whether her party would join the demonstrations by saying it would instead seek to negotiate with other parties about forming a Government.

“You don’t need our permission to go and organise and protest,” she said.

“I would say this to you – the focus of our work is on negotiations with other parties and of course talking to all of you and engaging with you.

“We need to have conversations with all of you but also detailed conversations with other parties and then it comes down to numbers because this is a numbers game, it is about policy but it is also about political will.”

‘Respect our mandate’

More than 800 people attended the party’s first public meeting in Co Cork on Monday night, aimed at drumming up support for them to be in government.

Tonight’s event saw Liberty Hall packed to capacity, with the party’s finance spokesman Pearse Doherty having to address those who were unable to make it into the venue outside. 

During the event, McDonald also criticised the leaders of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail for refusing to meet Sinn Féin for government formation talks.

She said: “I have a message for the leaders of those parties who have decided not to speak to us. I say this: we respect your mandate and now it is time that you respect ours.

“I think it is very clear that we will talk to everybody because that is what adults do. I say to them, listen to the voices of the electorate and understand this.

“The vote for change was a vote to get Fianna Fail and Fine Gael out of government and not to put them back in.”

 

McDonald said the public meetings and conversations with the public will continue, adding that the party and its supporters wanted “real change”.

Meanwhile, the party’s deputy leader Michelle O’Neill told the crowd that Leo Varadkar and Micheal Martin have “done nothing” to prepare for a referendum on a united Ireland.

O’Neill also argued that planning for a poll on a united Ireland must begin and she expects one will be held within the next five years.

“Change is coming. It is an inevitable position that we are all in,” O’Neill said.

“I have no doubt in my mind that in the immediate future we will be voting in a border poll.”

Contains reporting from Stephen McDermott.

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    Mute John Mulligan
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:40 PM

    She’s jumping the gun on the United ireland referendum. You can’t unite a country by just removing a line on the map, you have to bring people with you.
    Sinn Fein will spook the rabbit, they need to be more subtle and more inclusive about this issue. This rabble rousing stuff is terrifying to unionists and is a very disunifying way to go about it.

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    Mute Connoroconner
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:46 PM

    @John Mulligan: jumping the gun is right, this is from the belfast telegraph in the past week:
    “Less than a third of people here would vote for a united Ireland if a border poll was held tomorrow, according to a major study of 2,000 voters.
    A total of 29% would support Irish unity but 52% would back remaining in the UK if a referendum was held imminently.”

    208
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    Mute John Black
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:47 PM

    @John Mulligan: I was formerly of this opinion but honestly don’t see why we should pander to unionists in the event of a United Ireland (an event I don’t expect to happen soon). There are more immigrants on the island than unionists and the gap is growing so why should we bow to them. I don’t mean to rub their faces in it but I don’t think we should have to change our flag or anthem etc. By the time a United Ireland comes around, unionists will be but a drop in the ocean.

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    Mute rumug
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:49 PM

    @John Mulligan: Explain what you mean by rabble rousing stuff John?

    43
    Eire
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    Mute Eire
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:49 PM

    @John Mulligan: A line on a map created a Boarder dividing our country.You can use all the excuses you want not to Unite our country but here’s one for you a United Ireland would also welcome the majority of people up North who wanted to remain in the European Union

    65
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    Mute Paul O'Sullivan
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:50 PM

    @Connoroconner: The Belfast Telegraph is a Unionist newspaper. If an An Poblacht did a poll of 2000 people it would be 2 thirds in favour… they know who to poll and they know who to poll.

    Propaganda.

    99
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    Mute Connoroconner
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:57 PM

    @Paul O’Sullivan: those questioned were from all sections of the community, nationalist and unionist

    47
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    Mute Brendan Walsh
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:02 PM

    @John Black: then you repeat the mistakes of the failed statelet that treated nationalists as second class citizens and subjected them to British flags, anthems, oaths. There will be almost 1 million Unionists. Fail to make them welcome then prepare for Troubles Part 2.

    75
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    Mute Paul O'Sullivan
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:03 PM

    @Connoroconner: and you believe that? I don’t want to hear of a poll of 2000 people I want to see the result of a bonafide Border Poll…. it’s that poll that is most important.
    But I will say in my opinion the majority would chose to remain in the UK..

    32
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    Mute Peter McGlynn
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:10 PM

    @John Mulligan: how about Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael get with the program. They have their head stuck in the sand on this issue.
    Even the unionists have engaged in discussions of it at forums that have occurred over this past few years. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael just don’t know how to handle it.

    42
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    Mute Brinster
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:11 PM

    @rumug:

    Possible by “rabble rousing” he means elected Sinn Fein representatives screaming “Up the Ra”.

    79
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    Mute Peter McGlynn
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:16 PM

    @John Mulligan: I could be patronising like you and say I know what unionists feel. Like perhaps they feel it’s irresponsible to state the IRA still exist when you said they were gone a number of years ago. #politicalInterference.

    29
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    Mute John Mulligan
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:22 PM

    @John Black: pandering is one way of looking at it, but avoiding divisiveness is maybe a better way.
    There was a lot of damage done by the murder campaigns of the UDA, the IRA and every other gang of lunatics that wrecked the north for thirty years. The real legacy of that period is the hurt and pain caused to thousands of families, something that won’t just disappear because somebody took an eraser to a map.
    If we want unity, we need to stop the coat-trailing and triumphalism that bar room Republicans love, and start encouraging unionists to consider unity. Brexit has cracked the door open, but sinn fein seems determined to spook them by yelling and hollering, like mad farmers trying to get sheep through a gate.

    57
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    Mute John Mulligan
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:25 PM

    @Peter McGlynn: I agree. I also think that the people voted for FF/SF in government, but Adams seems to be talking to groups who will never be part of thd solution.

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    Mute rumug
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:25 PM

    @Brinster: I know it’s terrible when some people take offence to a few words spoken, personally I take offence to 4000 homeless children.

    35
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    Mute Stephen Walsh
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:28 PM

    @John Mulligan: Boris will do more to bring about an United Ireland than anyone

    31
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    Mute Bobby wilson
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:30 PM

    @Connoroconner: lucid poll shows shows support for UI 45.4%…and stay in 46.8%…in six county state ..read on slugger O’Toole….

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    Mute Bobby wilson
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:34 PM

    @Paul O’Sullivan: ..read out on slugger O’Toole about border poll.

    7
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    Mute M Bowe
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:40 PM

    @John Mulligan: and how do you think nationalist and Republicans feel about Arlene Foster and DUP meeting recently with UVF and UDA leaders. Neither organisation has stood down or decommissioned weaponry???

    41
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    Mute Paul O'Sullivan
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:43 PM

    @Bobby wilson: thanks very informative.

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    Mute Bobby wilson
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    Feb 26th 2020, 12:03 AM

    @John Mulligan: border poll can be won if their is straight vote between Nationalist and unionists. if the Nationalist /republican can be maximize in the future six county elections ..trick is how you do that ,next year is 2021 census starts so it give a good indication as it stands in 2018.. 5l% Catholic school children…40% protestant school children and others are mixed and no religion…when. Six county state was set up it was 70% protestant because of the high Catholic birth rate the battle of the cradle thanks to the Catholic church we might get United Ireland after all that is ironic.

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    Mute Sean Fahey
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    Feb 26th 2020, 12:21 AM

    @John Mulligan: She hasn’t a clue, Sinn Fein are hated in the north and rightly so. There will be no United Ireland with Sinn Fein. They decided murder and terrorism was the answer, that can never, ever be undone. They have no place in Irish politics, I just feel sorry for the trucked a deluded souls who voted for them, most just want a viable left party but even then Sinn Fein don’t fit any political mold, anti gay marriage and anti abortion until it was populist and follow the lead of other Irish parties after years of education on why their anti-EU stance was moronic. Complete and utter bullsihtters.

    61
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    Mute Bobby wilson
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    Feb 26th 2020, 12:29 AM

    @John Black: the unionists/Protestant are one main two traditions on the island of IRELAND that go back centuries and yes I want them to be part of new all IRELAND .its very important they are on board because they are not going any where this is their island too ..so must respect both Orange and green cultures equally on the island if we all genuinely want a United IRELAND

    29
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    Mute Bobby wilson
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    Feb 26th 2020, 12:37 AM

    @Connoroconner: it’s how they framed the question..do want a United IRELAND tomorrow! Of course people would be for status quo if you said tomorrow ..

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    Mute Bobby wilson
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    Feb 26th 2020, 12:41 AM

    @Sean Fahey: you really don’t know six county state at all none of that made any sense what’s so ever.

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    Mute Sean Fahey
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    Feb 26th 2020, 12:45 AM

    @Bobby wilson: Don’t worry Bobby, I suspect a lot of things don’t make any sense to you.

    12
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    Mute Bobby wilson
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    Feb 26th 2020, 12:57 AM

    @Sean Fahey: as someone born and bred in the six county state and from a mix marriage family I have a good insight into the two traditions makes me a lot more qualified than you.

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    Mute Sean Fahey
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    Feb 26th 2020, 1:18 AM

    @Bobby wilson: So you’re saying that Sinn Fein aren’t a divisive political party in the north, despised by many for blowing up and murdering civilians in the region for decades? Bobby, you don’t understand, I’m so sorry, we’ve been grossly misinformed down here in the south, so tell me, really they’re a great bunch of lads, is it?

    You don’t sound very qualified if I’m being honest, you sound like you’re a shinner with the mandatory blinkers on talking the usual tripe, bomb the other one, will ya?

    27
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    Mute Moorooka Mick
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    Feb 26th 2020, 1:40 AM

    @John Mulligan:
    IMO, the South has to set the foundation of a United Ireland by:
    -replacing Co Councils with 4 strong Provincinal Governments (similar to the Canadian or Australian models) with a provisional Ulster of Donegal, Monaghan & Cavan Ulster to later accommodate the 6 Counties.
    -Delegating health, education & welfare to the provinces
    -return the VAT to the Provinces + grants for roads , infrastructure etc)
    -Change the constitution to that of a secular State
    -remove the Catholic Church form public education & public health
    -Federal Government to control Armed Forces, Police , Foreign Affairs and matters of State etc.
    -Build a new Political Capital in the Midlands
    -Reconstitute the Senate as a Provincinal house with equal representation from the Provinces (say 12 Senators by populuar vote from each province)
    -Halve the number of MPs
    -Seek EU & US & UK 7 Diaspora financial backing to achieve Unification.

    11
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    Mute Agenda21
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    Feb 26th 2020, 2:45 AM

    @Connoroconner: yaw

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    Mute Agenda21
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    Feb 26th 2020, 3:10 AM

    @Brinster: how’s sim0n

    9
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    Mute Gerry Campbell
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    Feb 26th 2020, 7:18 AM

    @John Mulligan: exactly,and rallies,who came up with that beaury,thank God someone vetoed handing out the Brown Shirts to the mob….

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    Mute Gerry Campbell
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    Feb 26th 2020, 7:19 AM

    @Connoroconner: and about 50/50 here, we cant feed our 26 children,solution,have 6 more ?

    3
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    Mute Bobby wilson
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    Feb 26th 2020, 7:42 AM

    @Sean Fahey: fact of the matter is that you could say same about Catholic /Nationalist /republican is divisive in lot of eyes and and same could be said about /unionist /loyalist /DUP/UDA/ FREE PS..etc are divisive. six county state itself is divisive since its foundation. when FG sold Catholic /Nationalist population for a new 26 county free state. Which FF people wouldn’t except this and went to war over it rather than abandon there fellow Irish men and women.in return for this a new six county orange state was established in which the Catholic /Nationalist population where trap in it for next 50 years and rule by unionist government with a iron fist they suffer pogroms discrimination in housing and employment .they where basically throw to the wolves to defend for themselves. and yes SF is the problem but they are the solution too like all the group’s who live on the island of IRELAND.

    10
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    Mute Niall Binéad
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    Feb 26th 2020, 7:44 AM

    @John Mulligan: would you ever read what you’ve wrote! Inclusiveness and subtlety is not in the dictionary of Ffg, but is blatantly evident from Sinn Féin since the GE, particularly in transparency and real, genuine leadership, as mandated by those that voted for them!

    14
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    Mute Joe
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    Feb 26th 2020, 8:04 AM

    @Niall Binéad: here’s the convicted terrorist again. @ the Journal he was convicted by
    The SSC Google it before you allow home to delete this comment. Can’t be defamatory because it’s true.

    7
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    Mute Nuala Mc Namara
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    Feb 26th 2020, 8:15 AM

    @John Mulligan: A’ working group was set up last September comprising of 13 academics from England, Northern Ireland and Ireland to examine how a united Ireland might come about ‘and is due to issue a Report in September 2020.Is important to note that ‘a united Ireland could need four referendums, constitutional experts have said.’
    ITs article:’A united Ireland could need four referendums says expert’ 12/9/19.
    It could take 10years or sooner if Brexit consequences are severe,I’d say.
    But it needs thoughtful inclusive preparation and be mindful of sensitivities of all people living in the North,that could take 5 years of preparation,that’s what SF suggest.

    6
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    Mute Pádraic Ó Braonáin
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    Feb 26th 2020, 9:43 AM

    @Bobby wilson: ……well said…fair and balanced.

    6
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    Mute Niall Brew
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    Feb 26th 2020, 9:54 AM

    @John Black: your attitude is exactly the reason there will never be a United Ireland.

    2
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    Mute Pádraic Ó Braonáin
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    Feb 26th 2020, 10:05 AM

    @Paul O’Sullivan: ….Good points Paul….. I’m guessing you may have based that opinion on the mess south of the border….but I would say, given five years a Sinn Fein led government could very well turn that all around. Then with the utmost respect to our Unionist brothers and sisters, invite them to unity through the dedemocratic vote.

    4
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    Mute Eugene Comaskey
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    Feb 26th 2020, 10:15 AM

    @John Black: What you say is correct, it will be many many years before a United Ireland happens. How could we take it on?, About 60% of Employment up there is Civil Service jobs, All the Area Councils there Employ loads of people. All paid by British Government. We could not sustain that .I’d say that a lot of Nationalists would vote to remain , Roads are way better up there. Another 50 years maybe.

    4
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    Mute Niall Binéad
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    Feb 26th 2020, 1:36 PM

    @Joe: and there you have it! The anonymous poster slinging his futile twopence worth of immature utterings into an adults article! You should try using your real name instead of being such a little coward!

    2
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    Mute Richard Russell
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    Feb 26th 2020, 4:27 PM

    @John Mulligan: all we have in common with the north is that we speak same language and drive on the same side of the road
    SF did not object when charge items we shared with the north. They remained silent when we broke the link with sterling, changed speed limits and system of new car registration even the line at the edge of the is different

    1
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    Mute Mary Ward
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    Feb 26th 2020, 6:48 PM

    @Connoroconner: Absolutely .. wh wld rahtehr then be part of some huge debt to the eu with no dail involvement

    1
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    Mute IRL77
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:47 PM

    Who do SF / IRA think they are…..nobody in the south is calling for a border poll apart from them….we are concerned about health, education and housing….they couldn’t care less about that which is why they promised the world to people and 25% of the public believe them….the other 75% saw through it because we can do basic maths.

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    Mute David Daly
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:00 PM

    @IRL77: what exactly is 25%? What do you think makes up that number?

    47
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    Mute IRL77
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:05 PM

    @David Daly: thanks for confirming my point that the 75% can do basic maths!

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    Mute David Daly
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:25 PM

    @IRL77: that wasn’t a trick question, please explain how you have arrived at 25% SF secured most seats by 1st preference vote. If were going % here FF,FG didn’t do so well. If SF had run more candidates there would have been a different % for you to throw around. Either way both FF and FG still didn’t do as well so you can also say they are still less popular, or a larger proportion of the population prefer SF

    39
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    Mute Amused Bystander
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:37 PM

    @David Daly: sf got about 25% of the 1st preference vote… ignoring the vote transfer bit….

    26
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    Mute Bobby wilson
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:38 PM

    @IRL77: speaking like true 26 county partitionist .definitely FG voter.

    33
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    Mute Dean
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:59 PM

    @IRL77:
    77% didn’t vote for FF.
    78% didn’t vote for FG.

    FF & FG didn’t even reach quotas in most cases.
    While SF received 24.5% first preference votes, along with massive surpluses.

    (FF didn’t even get 1 first preference vote across the country, while FG just got 2 first preference votes).

    30
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    Mute David Daly
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    Feb 26th 2020, 12:01 AM

    @Amused Bystander: yeah I’m just struggling to see what he is getting in his first comment seeing as neither of the parties he presumably voted for go near the same 1st preference votes and subsequently achieved a lower overall percentage. Then while trying to decipher the vomit he typed into the second comment I can only assume he mixed up his numbers while attempting to be smart and meant to write 25% which would make more sense but sure look let’s hope the 75% don’t end up running the country after all.

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    Mute Paddy J
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    Feb 26th 2020, 12:17 AM

    @Dean: that’s because FF ran multiple candidates on most constituencies while SF ran only one candidate. In many constituencies FF got way more votes than SF.

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    Mute Dean
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    Feb 26th 2020, 1:09 AM

    @Paddy J:
    If FF ran 2 candidates in most constituencies, and couldn’t even get one first preference vote with surpluses (for their other FF candidate), and this is across the entire country, what’s that tell you?

    You got in without even reaching quotas.

    12
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    Mute Dean
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    Feb 26th 2020, 1:11 AM

    @Sean Fahey:
    As for Sean, “in a world where you can be anything, be kind”. Nice stereotyping though, but I work in IT, having finished college.

    IT skills are useful, it turns out you’re a lawyer, working with a company called Pepper Hamilton. So I’m guessing you voted for FG (that is if you’re not still living in America), am I right?

    #BrassNeck

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    Mute Sean Fahey
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    Feb 26th 2020, 1:25 AM

    @Dean: you see Dean, it’s when you do the deep dive that you’re defeated, why else would you do it otherwise? You should contact your friend The Risen, (s)he’s been watching my home for weeks, I check under the car every morning.

    19
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    Mute Alan Deady
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    Feb 26th 2020, 3:01 AM

    @IRL77: only 48% voted for ffg and a lot of those votes were second, third,fourth, fifth,sixth preferences as in Martin’s case the rest in the majority were leftist votes. Including a lot of first preference. Stop giving us Shiite….The electorate have finally become aware and politically educated. I’m recently a pensioner and ffg have never done anything for me. Reason being I worked hard all my life. It’s time for change…..Now.

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    Mute Agenda21
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    Feb 26th 2020, 4:18 AM

    @Sean Fahey: fake

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    Mute Agenda21
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    Feb 26th 2020, 5:24 AM

    @Sean Fahey: Sean Bobby and Paul… The 3 stooges

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    Mute wanted to talk science, not politics
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    Feb 26th 2020, 7:06 AM

    @Alan Deady: basic maths for you: 84% of eligible adults DID NOT vote for SF. Ireland Inc had done nothing for you: Ireland has the 11th best pension system in the world. I’m serious you are being hoodwinked. SF want power more than Alan Kelly, and you’re collateral damage in their quest.

    17
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    Mute Jeremy Finn
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    Feb 26th 2020, 7:19 AM

    @IRL77: SF / IRA? Dunno who they are…… OH!! Do you mean SF? Sinn Fein? Ah yeah, I know who they are. There is no IRA part… you would want to read your history there IRL77.

    The IRA that’s active now has nothing to do with SF…

    12
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    Mute Nuala Mc Namara
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    Feb 26th 2020, 7:54 AM

    @Sean Fahey: Thermodynamics not thermal dynamics!

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    Mute Niall Binéad
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    Feb 26th 2020, 8:15 AM

    @Sean Fahey: ahhh….. there’s another one with the auld welfare stick! You sound like a dickensian gaoler!

    6
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    Mute Pádraic Ó Braonáin
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    Feb 26th 2020, 10:16 AM

    @Nuala Mc Namara: ……Brilliant!!! Well spotted …Hahaha..

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    Mute Michael Garvey
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    Feb 26th 2020, 12:09 PM

    @Dean: very intelligent. The reality is that Sinn Fein got about 1.5% more of first preferences than fianna fail. Hardly earth shattering. Obviously if you only put forward one candidate in most constituencies as opposed to typically 2 by ff and fg the votes for Sinn Fein candidates are not split. Hardly rocket science. I would point out that in previous elections Gerry Adams promised he would only enter government if Sinn Fein was the largest party. Mary Lou insists rightly that Sinn Fein won this election. So why do different rules apply to ff and fg. Especially as they got 43% of the vote between them with promises that they would not go in with sf.

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    Mute IRL77
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    Feb 26th 2020, 7:40 PM

    @David Daly: ah reading isn’t your strong point or democracy by the sounds of it…..minority rules….haha!

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    Mute Mark Dooley
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:58 PM

    So she wants FFG out but also wants to talk to them about a coalition. In a country where she argues we can’t house/police/sustain 26 counties she wants to add 6 more. Confusing times

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    Mute Joey Navinski
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:09 PM

    @Mark Dooley: only confusing to unambitious minds. And it’s only the partnership of FFG she wants out (at the moment).

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    Mute ITK
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    Feb 26th 2020, 12:06 AM

    @Mark Dooley: Yes it’s simple to fix housing and health you have a border poll.

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    Mute Paul Shepherd
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:17 PM

    So the party that won 3% of the vote are going to organise a rally demanding a change of government?

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    Mute Rory Mac Daibhéid
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    Feb 26th 2020, 3:59 AM

    @Paul Shepherd: 2.6% and they actually lost 1.3% of their vote!

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    Mute Donal Desmond
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    Feb 26th 2020, 3:27 PM

    @Paul Shepherd: It is the democratic right of every citizen to engage in a peaceful protest. Be it a social or political issue.

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    Mute Ann Harman
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:59 PM

    Does Michelle O Neill live in the Republic of Ireland?

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    Mute Paul Scully
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:06 PM

    @Ann Harman: No she lives some where in the North

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    Mute patrick malone
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:11 PM

    @Ann Harman: it seems she thinks she does, not elected down here as far as I know its amazing she of the opinion the Irish government did not do anything about a border poll in last few years, well I’d say that’s because they were doing her job as well in the brexit talks.

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    Mute XvSv
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    Feb 26th 2020, 1:23 AM

    @Ann Harman: No she lives in the North ……but I believe she was born in Cork and in her early years she with her family lived in Fermoy ….. I understand they were part the thousands catholic families refugees who were burnt out of there homes in Belfast and other places in 1969-1971 pograms which the loyalists conducted against families …….

    that’s why the British Army were originally deployed in Northern Ireland … to protect catholic neighborhoods from being burnt to the ground while B Specials and RUC looked on..

    If you are familiar with Shannon Town , Co Clare many of families living there were relocated from the North during the early 1970s..

    So as an Irish citizen and NI deputy first minister she probably has legitimate interest on how Sinn Fein does in the Republic..

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    Mute Colin Treacy
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    Feb 26th 2020, 2:07 AM

    @Ann Harman: She lives on the Island of Ireland.

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    Mute terricorrigan
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    Feb 26th 2020, 5:16 AM

    @Ann Harman: we are all Irish

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    Mute terricorrigan
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    Feb 26th 2020, 5:20 AM

    @XvSv: well said…people here in the south have no idea how tough it was for nationalists to survive in the police state that was Northern Ireland.

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    Mute Pádraic Ó Braonáin
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    Feb 26th 2020, 10:36 AM

    @XvSv: ……Good post…..but the B-specials and the RUC did not stand by looking on, they often participated……was pinned down by the rattle of their heavy machine guns up on land-rovers, only yards away, raking small houses full of terrified people.

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    Mute Donal Desmond
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    Feb 26th 2020, 3:32 PM

    @patrick malone: Well Michael Martin attempted to set up F.F. branches in the six counties. He publicly stated this in a blaze of publicity. In the last election held in the Six Counties FF/F.G. high profile politicians canvassed for the SDLP..Of course that bit of information certainly does not suit their agenda at the moment.

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    Mute Willy Mc Entire
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:45 PM

    FFG would not be what’s wanted. 100 years and the people want them out.
    Change has arrived Lieo and Mehole. You can try ride roughshot over that vote, but it will certainly happen.

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    Mute Paul Furey
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:48 PM

    @Willy Mc Entire: 43.1% of the voters do not agree with. Respect the electorate.

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    Mute Wheresmyjumper
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:54 PM

    @Willy Mc Entire: hi i’m Willy and I need a hobby or a job

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    Mute Jason Healy
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    Feb 26th 2020, 2:25 AM

    @Willy Mc Entire: another intelligent comment. Calling people names. Get a life.

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    Mute Agenda21
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    Feb 26th 2020, 3:14 AM

    @Wheresmyjumper: hi I’m a afraid SF will remove my jumper

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    Mute Marcus Kittel
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    Feb 26th 2020, 5:59 AM

    @Paul Furey: and 44% voted for left leaning, so who’s right and who’s wrong? Maybe they should all “act like adults” and talk to each other. Holding a party meeting to let the public know directly what is going on is no “protest” and is far better than dictating everything through the media via a managed message.

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    Mute Jeremy Finn
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    Feb 26th 2020, 7:21 AM

    @Wheresmyjumper: Hi Willy, would you like my job?? You’re more than welcome to have it!!! ;)

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    Mute Bitcoin Buddy
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:49 PM

    Mary Lou for Taoiseach

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    Mute Tony Mc Grath
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:54 PM

    @Bitcoin Buddy: Mary Loo as Taoiseach – that would cause some stink.

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    Mute The Risen
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:02 PM

    Was in Liberty Hall earlier. Packed to capacity plus 2-300 outside. Unreal

    The article is a bit disingenuous to be honest. She explained that at the moment SF were busy with and focussing on the meetings, and talking to other partys re: government formation, so could not be part of the protest.

    Realistically, for any protest to make a decent impact, it had to be organised by all elements of right2change together, rather than the smaller left party’s going on a solo run

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    Mute ITK
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    Feb 26th 2020, 12:19 AM

    @The Risen: Maybe you all could have helped the flood victims you all being so caring about your Country.

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    Mute Paul Furey
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    Feb 26th 2020, 1:52 AM

    @The Risen: wow! That many? Hundreds…wow!

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    Mute Nuala Mc Namara
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    Feb 26th 2020, 8:21 AM

    @Paul Furey: Read the comment again, hundreds outside that couldn’t get it!

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    Mute Donal Desmond
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    Feb 26th 2020, 3:36 PM

    @ITK: Well Leo like a lost sheep on his visit to the flooded areas yesterday. Suppose the Fact nothing was done by his government and his colition partners F.F. might have something to do with the look on his face.

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    Mute camio55
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:17 PM

    Great news from SF they are not going to take to the streets to challenge the outcome of the election.

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    Mute Bobby wilson
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:43 PM

    @camio55: leave that to hard left to take to street and call for workers revolution

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    Mute jamesdecay
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:14 PM

    I’m starting to read Mary Lou quotes in her voice. Should I see a doctor?

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    Mute Ro-your-nan
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:40 PM

    OMG – there’s a democratic process – is it that hard to play fairly?

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    Mute Bobby wilson
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:41 PM

    PBP how many votes did they get again?…

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    Mute lambda sensor
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    Feb 26th 2020, 12:23 AM

    From a policy perspective SF are completely different to either FG or FF. That is the real issue here and is why neither will deal with SF…. because it makes no sense. SF keep saying we voted for change but we really didn’t. We voted for a FF & FG coalition with a third party support. There is no other maths at play here.

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    Mute Agenda21
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    Feb 26th 2020, 1:04 AM

    @lambda sensor: did we

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    Mute Mirabelle Stonegate
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    Feb 26th 2020, 5:19 AM

    @lambda sensor: I didnt votefor ff or fg. They were left blank on myballot sheet. On the other hand, sf were 3rd or 4th preference for me,I think. Cant remember, exactly, other than I know they definitely went first,but I still gave them a vote when I wouldn’t wih the other 2.

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    Mute Niall Binéad
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    Feb 26th 2020, 8:51 AM

    @lambda sensor: get real! The people voted for change…. and Ffg know it!

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    Mute Pat Coyne
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:45 PM

    There should be not protests until the treat of Coronavirus passes.

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    Mute Pauliebhoy
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:47 PM

    @Pat Coyne: Wouldn’t call it a treat….

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    Mute Paul Furey
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:49 PM

    @Pat Coyne: there should not be protests.

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    Mute Pat Coyne
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:54 PM

    @Pauliebhoy: uups!

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    Mute Joseph Molloy
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:49 PM

    Loo hole pole Mary doesn’t know what SF want.. She wants everyone fall over them.

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    Mute Niall Binéad
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    Feb 26th 2020, 8:43 AM

    @Joseph Molloy: do you talk to your mother like that! What an ahole!

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    Mute Neuville-Kepler62F
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:51 PM

    2020 Election : Voters Program for Government :-

    “All politics is local and there is nothing more local than a man’s wallet”
    “Its the Economy Stupid … the domestic home family economy .. stupid!

    ”People are not angry with FG / FF … they are Furious!

    ———————————————
    - 2 Tier Family Homes … Owners and Landlords v the “Locked Out” – Rack Rents, No Affordable homes and Evicted Homeless. – Referendum needed to fix it permanently … https://www.change.org/p/irish-housing-crisis-referendum-on-family-homes

    - 2 Tier Car Tax … Post 2008 well off new car class on Low Car Tax v pre 2008 old car owners on excessive High Car Tax – irrespective of miles traveled . Incompetent Greens forcing us all into dirty toxic diesels … Refund backtax to those wrongly taxed by Green FF since 2008. https://www.change.org/p/unfair-irish-car-carbon-tax-law

    - 2 Tier Health … We have VHI (FG/FF) so we skip the queue v rest of you take your ‘Place’ in the Queue and wait …or take the Belfast Bus .. and 11% of GDP put into health. (This one is obscene)

    2 Tier LPT … A tax on Families who worked to own their own homes v NONE on families in social housing … next tax food – you cant tax Life Essentials (shelter)… TDs (and Media) just dont get it.

    - 2 Tier Pensions … 3 pensions (1 Private + 2 Welfare ‘PRSI’) v wait until you are 68 yrs for your only Welfare pension. Wrong answer FG/FF. One Man – One Pension to allow all retire at 65.

    - 2 Tier Mortgages … €30,000 forced deposit for some v no restrictions on Vulture funds or LA buying up homes … more obscene stuff

    -2 Tier Tax reliefs – Landlords get €780 Million HAP subsidy every year v USC on ordinary workers to pay for it …

    … add your own …

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    Mute Agenda21
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    Feb 26th 2020, 5:36 AM

    @Neuville-Kepler62F: that’s the most accurate analytical yet honest I’ve seen in a long time

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    Mute Neuville-Kepler62F
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    Feb 26th 2020, 8:33 AM

    @Agenda21: Thanks …

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    Mute Tim Oleary
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:59 PM

    Sinn Fein right here. Will of people

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    Mute Paul Scully
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:07 PM

    @Tim Oleary: No I’m sorry I have always been against Sinn Fein

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    Mute Andrew
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    Feb 26th 2020, 5:53 AM

    Sinn Féin will not take part in protest calling for change of government…… and Gerry Adams is not a member of the IRA.

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    Mute Keith Faherty
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    Feb 25th 2020, 11:47 PM

    Don’t think madd crowds with the virus scare is a good idea

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    Mute Mary Dunphy
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    Feb 26th 2020, 12:02 AM

    @Keith Faherty: Very sensible observation in the current climate.

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    Mute ITK
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    Feb 26th 2020, 12:17 AM

    Just seems like they have nothing to do PBP. They could go spend a day helping homeless people or flood victims instead. Do some real work.

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    Mute wanted to talk science, not politics
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    Feb 26th 2020, 7:13 AM

    @ITK: a mixture of middle class gouys just back from skiing in the Italian Alps, cheerleading their proletariat with the highest vitamin c deficiency in the country. I cannot see anything go wrong. If only the PBP leaders did medicine instead of arts.

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    Mute David O'Rourke
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    Feb 26th 2020, 12:57 AM

    “The vote for change was a vote to get Fianna Fail and Fine Gael out of government and not to put them back in.” That’s why you are desperate to talk to them. What a joker

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    Mute Tim Oleary
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    Feb 25th 2020, 10:58 PM

    Will of people demands respect?

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    Mute James Keogh
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    Feb 26th 2020, 1:41 AM

    More like People against Common Sense, what is wrong with ye guys running around like headless chickens. We know ye exist more is the pity, but why this constant need for notice.
    This nonsense will only get ye high on the bus journey to and from your mega march of petty disruption. Old pellet hitting the Battleship routine and (Well Paid) Boyd-BarRat leading the way.

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    Mute XvSv
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    Feb 26th 2020, 1:49 AM

    I’m not a big fan of PBP … and still have reservations about SFs manifesto; but I have no issue what’s so ever , with either party holding public meetings / rallies etc …….

    last time I checked we live in a free democratic country ..not a police state… so as long it’s law abiding etc ….then everyone has the right to free assembly and the right to meet in public as they wish.

    But I do hope in the case of our caretaker Health Minister that common sense prevails , and that he is not going to be politically dumb enough to invoke the Corona Virus issue , like he did tonight in trying to cancel the Rugby Match … as a potential excuse to ban these public meetings ….

    It’s not if but when the Covid19 starts killing people here, it sadly might fast track Government formation!

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    Mute wanted to talk science, not politics
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    Feb 26th 2020, 7:09 AM

    @XvSv: that, in a nut shell is a typically modern SF voter – concerned about the rugby, and can ignore a pandemic claiming it’s impinging their rights to wings.

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    Mute XvSv
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    Feb 26th 2020, 9:53 PM

    @wanted to talk science, not politics: not sure how came to a conclusion I’m a SF supporter . I didn’t vote for PBP or SF nor FG or FF for that matter….

    My argument was every PPL has to assemble publicly , protest lawfully etc…I was reacting to histrionicsfrom Leo Varadker last week and Daire O’Brien.. where they went completely over the top making claims such public meetings by SF in particular could cause civil unrest.

    FF and FG effectively lost out in this election so they should heed the electorate …drop the Hyperbole ..

    Not that it matters, I voted for FG in 2011 and 2016 GE but not this time ..
    and while coming from FF background I’m never likely to vote FF ever again…

    I have no issue with Rugby match being cancelled , so long as All flights from Italy are suspended.

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    Mute XvSv
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    Feb 26th 2020, 10:08 PM

    @XvSv: As I said last night in another post Harris pulled a PR stunt by coming last night on RTÉ news calling for the game to be cancelled by IRFU without ever talking to them . The first they heard of it was on the news …. what a way to communicate … this was complete political posturing ….

    As I said elsewhere in another post … “ it was the gasp sting of a dying Wasp “ ..

    Lots of people elsewhere explained of why cancelling the match on its own is pure political tokenism …btw his main backer is Dr a Tony Holohan , Chief Medical Officer , who denied there was ever a problem with Cervical Check and did his level best to block a independent inquiry called for by the courageous Vicky Phelan ..

    Thankfully, Harris had the sense to ignore that stupid bit advice from Holohan….

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    Mute Agenda21
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    Feb 26th 2020, 5:20 AM

    MLMD all the way, patience is a talent

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    Mute european liberal
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    Feb 26th 2020, 1:17 PM

    And seriously no one sees a comparison to this and 1930s Germany

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    Mute Sean Hillen
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    Feb 26th 2020, 1:58 PM

    The real truth about the Fine Gael-Fianna Coalition and the role of RTE’s Miriam O’Callaghan https://seanhillenblog.com/2020/02/26/new-irish-government-was-decided-before-the-elections/

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