Beware the Ides of March Bertie. Well the daggers were out in the Senate yesterday for An Taoiseach. Senator Margaret Cox threatened a vote on the Finance Bill and were it not for some quick procedural footwork by FF members, she would have got it. This is an act of open warfare from the Galway Senator on her own party and one which has shocked many.
Its not clear what Cox's motives were on this. She argues that she doesn't feel Galway is getting a fair deal. Perhaps she is preparing a solo run. If so it is likely to be ill fated. Perhaps she is trying to raise her profile pre Seanad election, if so this is equally a crazy idea, considering who will be voting for her. Perhaps the only other explanation is the strangest of all, a genuine outbreak of principles on the floor of the House.
Liam Fitzgeralds attack was more straightforward and much more easy to explain, he was shafted by FF and he's gonna shaft them right back. Given the level of discord in Dublin North East and the amount of people who are supposed to have resigned or made their discontent known within the constituency organisation, this could spell trouble for the Soldiers of Destiny.
All in all, a bad day for Bertie in the Senate.
Showing posts with label PA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PA. Show all posts
Thursday 29 March 2007
Monday 26 March 2007
No Good News for FF
It is becoming increasingly apparrent that the media (or should i say MEEEJA) are not going to give FF any break in the next few months. It has been clear for some time that the Mail and Times are going to lay into the FF government at every opportunity, but this has spread to most other media outlets and there does appear to be developing a genuine anti FF bias in the media.
Now I have my issues with FF and am not averse to the notion of seeing a change in power, however its getting a bit ridiculous. Neither the Government nor FF suddenly became evil and incompetent overnight, but the media campaign is certainly ramping up in preparation for the election. (Whether you believe the Government was evil and incompetent long before this, I leave to your judgement).
It's up to others to make up their minds as to the extent of the bias, however to me it is becoming decidedly obvious. The official opposition appears to be the fourth estate. FF traditionally whinges about the media hating them, but in this case they may have a point.
Now I have my issues with FF and am not averse to the notion of seeing a change in power, however its getting a bit ridiculous. Neither the Government nor FF suddenly became evil and incompetent overnight, but the media campaign is certainly ramping up in preparation for the election. (Whether you believe the Government was evil and incompetent long before this, I leave to your judgement).
It's up to others to make up their minds as to the extent of the bias, however to me it is becoming decidedly obvious. The official opposition appears to be the fourth estate. FF traditionally whinges about the media hating them, but in this case they may have a point.
Sunday 18 March 2007
Viva El Presidente
Well the Soldiers of Density have gotten round to launching the posters and it comes as zero surprise that they are leading with Bertie. It was always an outside chance that Martin Cullen would be heading up their campaign I suppose.
The slogan is good stuff, Peace Prosperity etc etc and Bertie sitting behind the Taoiseachs desk. The message is very clear, "dont piss it all away - vote FF".
Leading with Bertie has been FFs strategy for so long that its hard to remember how we ever got on without the likeable auld so and so. The Bertiegate affair proved that Bertie is virtually untouchable.
It begins now. The shutting up of Cullen and Roche. From now on its about Bertie, no one else will matter at national level for Fianna Fail. Can Bertie keep persuading us as interest rates rise and jobs go left right and centre, that he's still in control.
Watch this space, El Presidente is warming up for the fight.
The slogan is good stuff, Peace Prosperity etc etc and Bertie sitting behind the Taoiseachs desk. The message is very clear, "dont piss it all away - vote FF".
Leading with Bertie has been FFs strategy for so long that its hard to remember how we ever got on without the likeable auld so and so. The Bertiegate affair proved that Bertie is virtually untouchable.
It begins now. The shutting up of Cullen and Roche. From now on its about Bertie, no one else will matter at national level for Fianna Fail. Can Bertie keep persuading us as interest rates rise and jobs go left right and centre, that he's still in control.
Watch this space, El Presidente is warming up for the fight.
Wednesday 28 February 2007
Net Outflow of 35bn - We're Either Minted or The Rats Are Jumpin Ship
The latest round of EU wide statistics have been completed - where would lazy journalists be without Eurobarometer. In the last year Ireland had the third highest rate of investment in overseas countries. We've so much money at this stage, we cant spend it here any more we're sending it all overseas.
A part of the 35bn which left Irish shores was a significant repatriation of funds to the US as a result of a tax amnesty, however, there was still a very significant level of investment by Irish people in projects overseas. This is obviously in part a reflection that the days when an easy killing could be made in the Irish property market is over and now Irish investors are looking to buy houses and appartments elsewhere. It is also a sign of Irish enterprises making significant aquisitions of property and business interest overseas.
The only worry in all of this is it further demonstrates that Ireland is not the investors market it once was and if we are shipping our own cash overseas it is liklely others may do likewise.
A part of the 35bn which left Irish shores was a significant repatriation of funds to the US as a result of a tax amnesty, however, there was still a very significant level of investment by Irish people in projects overseas. This is obviously in part a reflection that the days when an easy killing could be made in the Irish property market is over and now Irish investors are looking to buy houses and appartments elsewhere. It is also a sign of Irish enterprises making significant aquisitions of property and business interest overseas.
The only worry in all of this is it further demonstrates that Ireland is not the investors market it once was and if we are shipping our own cash overseas it is liklely others may do likewise.
Sunday 25 February 2007
SBP Poll Results
Well it was always a possibility. After weeks of relatively minor foul ups, the government took a hit in the Red C poll. The only major surprise was the extent of the slide, 4% being fairly substantial, and the fact that the PDs did not suffer a hit as well, indeed the junior partner took a small bounce in the polls, something which may calm down an increasingly erratic Tanaiste.
The poll gives some good news to Fine Gael, although their one per cent gain is not exactly the kind of earth shattering performance that will get the pundits ready to crown Enda as the new king. They have succeeded in arresting their slide in the polls, something that had to happen, but they will need a big bump from their coming Ard Fheis to make people think they are serious challengers.
Pats performance at the Ard Fheis and the tax cut package obviously did the trick and Labours increase in the polls will help to boost the party faithful. At 14% they now have the certainty that they could form a majority govt with FF or otherwise hold real clout and bargaining power in a rainbow coalition.
The big winners in this poll and in this year are the Greens. The Greens may get a bit of a bump from the Ard Fheis, although Trevors performance was the poorest by far of any leader to date. The Greens are now in a position of great strength and judging by the comments of delegates yesterday, they know it. Conservatively they were predicting double figure returns in May. On the strength of these figures that is certainly not beyond the bounds of possibility.
The Shinners, despite getting good coverage via the Assembley elections are not making the breakthrough yet. If they dont keep up with the Greens it is conceivable that a number of their target seats in Dublin will not come off. However there remain gains for the party to take, particularly in the Donegal constituencies. But not all existing seats are safe and the Shinners will face a battle to make sizeable gains.
The Numbers were...
FF: 38% (-4) FG: 22% (+1) LAB: 14% (+2) GP: 8% (+1) SF: 7% (-) Ind (7% (-1) PD: 4% (+1) Coalitions: FF/PD: 42% (-3) FG/LAB: 36% (+3) FG/LAB/GP: 44% (+4)
Now the question that begins to emerge is has Bertie waited too long.
The poll gives some good news to Fine Gael, although their one per cent gain is not exactly the kind of earth shattering performance that will get the pundits ready to crown Enda as the new king. They have succeeded in arresting their slide in the polls, something that had to happen, but they will need a big bump from their coming Ard Fheis to make people think they are serious challengers.
Pats performance at the Ard Fheis and the tax cut package obviously did the trick and Labours increase in the polls will help to boost the party faithful. At 14% they now have the certainty that they could form a majority govt with FF or otherwise hold real clout and bargaining power in a rainbow coalition.
The big winners in this poll and in this year are the Greens. The Greens may get a bit of a bump from the Ard Fheis, although Trevors performance was the poorest by far of any leader to date. The Greens are now in a position of great strength and judging by the comments of delegates yesterday, they know it. Conservatively they were predicting double figure returns in May. On the strength of these figures that is certainly not beyond the bounds of possibility.
The Shinners, despite getting good coverage via the Assembley elections are not making the breakthrough yet. If they dont keep up with the Greens it is conceivable that a number of their target seats in Dublin will not come off. However there remain gains for the party to take, particularly in the Donegal constituencies. But not all existing seats are safe and the Shinners will face a battle to make sizeable gains.
The Numbers were...
FF: 38% (-4) FG: 22% (+1) LAB: 14% (+2) GP: 8% (+1) SF: 7% (-) Ind (7% (-1) PD: 4% (+1) Coalitions: FF/PD: 42% (-3) FG/LAB: 36% (+3) FG/LAB/GP: 44% (+4)
Now the question that begins to emerge is has Bertie waited too long.
Tuesday 13 February 2007
McDowell Runs to the Left
It appears that Pat's 18% stunt on Saturday has so completely confused Der Fuhrer, that he is now running full tilt to the left. Morning Ireland this morning had an irate Tanaiste claiming that the PDs when returned to the Reichstag would implement a 3oo euro a week pension. He claimed that in saying this that he was not trying to buy the election. Hmmmmm.
His rant also included the side swipe that while the PDs have form in increasing pensions, (remember those PD Ministers for Social Welfare) that Labour have always opposed tax cuts. Now what this of course means in reality is that the PDs have allowed the FF boys a few hand outs to the pensioners and Labour have always opposed tax cuts to the top rate - such is their want as a left wing(ish) party.
McDowell will calm down soon and hopefully in the meantime he will stay out of the way of microphones and unsuspecting opposition spokes people. In terms of guaging the success of any opposition policy announcement, how crazy Michael goes is a good rule of thumb. In this case he not only went crazy, but started abandoning his right wing credo. This round goes to the smug faced boy wearing the off-red rose.
His rant also included the side swipe that while the PDs have form in increasing pensions, (remember those PD Ministers for Social Welfare) that Labour have always opposed tax cuts. Now what this of course means in reality is that the PDs have allowed the FF boys a few hand outs to the pensioners and Labour have always opposed tax cuts to the top rate - such is their want as a left wing(ish) party.
McDowell will calm down soon and hopefully in the meantime he will stay out of the way of microphones and unsuspecting opposition spokes people. In terms of guaging the success of any opposition policy announcement, how crazy Michael goes is a good rule of thumb. In this case he not only went crazy, but started abandoning his right wing credo. This round goes to the smug faced boy wearing the off-red rose.
Tuesday 6 February 2007
FF to Parachute Mohan
FF appear set to parachute Hugh Mohan SC as candidate in the Cavan Monaghan constituency. Party HQ have been trying to persuade the former Bar Council Chair to run for some time and it appears they now have their man. It is thought that in a future FF government, Mohan would be the favourite candidate for Attorney General gig.
Mohan had made it clear that he would not run in his home constituency unless some guarantees were given in relation to Monaghan General Hospital. Many felt that such assurances could not be given by FF given Mary Harneys resolute stance on the future of the Monaghan site.
This move may however cause division in County Monaghan. A number of local candidates had indicated their intention to seek the nomination. Benny Kieran has missed out for the second time in a row, having been removed from the ticket in 2002. Seamus Coyle has also missed out. It was not clear as to whether Robbie Gallagher, the 2002 candidate intended running. These three potential candidates were dotted throughout the Monaghan half of the constituency and it is possible that FF HQ have alienated many volunteers in towns throughout Monaghan.
With Cavan Monaghan a four seater this time, Mohan is a high profile candidate, but not a local resident. It will be interesting to see how his arrival on the scene will be viewed by the electorate.
Mohan had made it clear that he would not run in his home constituency unless some guarantees were given in relation to Monaghan General Hospital. Many felt that such assurances could not be given by FF given Mary Harneys resolute stance on the future of the Monaghan site.
This move may however cause division in County Monaghan. A number of local candidates had indicated their intention to seek the nomination. Benny Kieran has missed out for the second time in a row, having been removed from the ticket in 2002. Seamus Coyle has also missed out. It was not clear as to whether Robbie Gallagher, the 2002 candidate intended running. These three potential candidates were dotted throughout the Monaghan half of the constituency and it is possible that FF HQ have alienated many volunteers in towns throughout Monaghan.
With Cavan Monaghan a four seater this time, Mohan is a high profile candidate, but not a local resident. It will be interesting to see how his arrival on the scene will be viewed by the electorate.
Tuesday 30 January 2007
SBP Poll
More doom and gloom for Inda in this Sundays poll.
FF 42 UP 3
FG 21 DOWN 2
LAB 12 NO CHANGE
SF 7 DOWN 1
GREEN 7 NO CHANGE
PDS 3 DOWN 1
INDS 8 UP 1
FF are now within a few per cent of majority territory, 45% might be enough to secure such a feat, considering they got a 7%+ seat bonus at the last general election.
I'm still finding it hard to believe that something won't come up between now and polling day, but time is rapidly running out. Unless the tribunals land a direct hit on the Teflon one, it looks certain that FF will be back.
The PDs are impossible to guage, they are effectively a collection of independents, so you can never bank on them one way or another. I'm still thinking wipe out and lucky to hold onto three seats.
Labour aren't doing much in the polls, but one way or another if the PDs die on their ass the red (ish) army will be in a position to do business with FF. Thats if FF need a partner of any size.
SF are on 7 and that number will rise. Not only will they get a bump from the recent decision on policing, they are also set to get two months of publicity with the assembly elections in NI.
Greens hold steady and should pick up a few seats here and thar. But if FF keep gaining then it really wont be an issue.
Independents, we'll see what the issues are closer to the day. Not likely to do as well as last time, no matter what the figures say.
FF 42 UP 3
FG 21 DOWN 2
LAB 12 NO CHANGE
SF 7 DOWN 1
GREEN 7 NO CHANGE
PDS 3 DOWN 1
INDS 8 UP 1
FF are now within a few per cent of majority territory, 45% might be enough to secure such a feat, considering they got a 7%+ seat bonus at the last general election.
I'm still finding it hard to believe that something won't come up between now and polling day, but time is rapidly running out. Unless the tribunals land a direct hit on the Teflon one, it looks certain that FF will be back.
The PDs are impossible to guage, they are effectively a collection of independents, so you can never bank on them one way or another. I'm still thinking wipe out and lucky to hold onto three seats.
Labour aren't doing much in the polls, but one way or another if the PDs die on their ass the red (ish) army will be in a position to do business with FF. Thats if FF need a partner of any size.
SF are on 7 and that number will rise. Not only will they get a bump from the recent decision on policing, they are also set to get two months of publicity with the assembly elections in NI.
Greens hold steady and should pick up a few seats here and thar. But if FF keep gaining then it really wont be an issue.
Independents, we'll see what the issues are closer to the day. Not likely to do as well as last time, no matter what the figures say.
Thursday 25 January 2007
Unionists Accuse SF / SDLP of Grandstanding Tactics - No Debate on Collusion
The two main unionist parties in Norn Iron have ruled out any attempts to debate RUC collusion in the murder of Catholics on the grounds that it would lead to Grandstanding by Nationalist parties.
This is of course a similar tactic to that used by Stalin in an attempt to remove critics of the fourth five year plan, (the one that was big into tractors and betamax video machines) by ruling out all debate and ruling in pogroms.
To compound their sins on this one, the DUP are defending the rights of police officers to obstruct the investigation into this matter.
The DUP's Ian Paisley Jnr claims they were within their rights to withhold co-operation because Ms O'Loan was engaged in a "fishing exercise" without any hard evidence of collusion.He has also rejected suggestions that they had moral obligation to co-operate, saying: "At the end of the day, it boils down to what is your legal right."
This is of course akin to saying a murderer being questioned by police has a legal right not to assist the policeman with his investigations, because a. the cop is only fishing for information without the evidence to prove it and b. he is acting within his legal rights.
As stupid positions go, this one really takes the biscuit.
This is of course a similar tactic to that used by Stalin in an attempt to remove critics of the fourth five year plan, (the one that was big into tractors and betamax video machines) by ruling out all debate and ruling in pogroms.
To compound their sins on this one, the DUP are defending the rights of police officers to obstruct the investigation into this matter.
The DUP's Ian Paisley Jnr claims they were within their rights to withhold co-operation because Ms O'Loan was engaged in a "fishing exercise" without any hard evidence of collusion.He has also rejected suggestions that they had moral obligation to co-operate, saying: "At the end of the day, it boils down to what is your legal right."
This is of course akin to saying a murderer being questioned by police has a legal right not to assist the policeman with his investigations, because a. the cop is only fishing for information without the evidence to prove it and b. he is acting within his legal rights.
As stupid positions go, this one really takes the biscuit.
Wednesday 24 January 2007
Paying Over The Odds for the Fourth Green Field
1 Billion plus in the NDP for cross border projects. The DUP grudgingly say thank you, although many of their supporters have collectively said fuck off in various blogs. The logic is of course straightforward, the border is economically a pain in the arse and this money will help remove some of its significance.
Serious money for tourism, cross border energy, science and technology, human capital and my own favourite - The Ulster Canal (woot!!!!). While 1 billion out of the pot is damn all, its certainly more than counties like Donegal are gonna see in the carve up. And its only a tiny fraction of what we'll eventually have to shell out if we ever get the chance to buy the fourth green field back from her maj.
You always end up paying over the odds for agricultural land.
Serious money for tourism, cross border energy, science and technology, human capital and my own favourite - The Ulster Canal (woot!!!!). While 1 billion out of the pot is damn all, its certainly more than counties like Donegal are gonna see in the carve up. And its only a tiny fraction of what we'll eventually have to shell out if we ever get the chance to buy the fourth green field back from her maj.
You always end up paying over the odds for agricultural land.
The NDP explained
Shamelessly stolen from the Indo
All those NDP terms explained
'Removing infrastructure bottlenecks that constrain economic development' - New traffic lights.
'Sustaining high-value employment opportunities to foster an inclusive society' - More branches of McDonald's.
'Strategic development of gateway cities' - Payola for FF builders in Offaly.
'Promotion of balanced regional development' - Bagging a second seat in Mayo.
'Maintenance of a framework of macroeconomic and budgetary stability' - Tax.
'Affordable housing' - Broom cupboard in stab city for €250,000
All those NDP terms explained
'Removing infrastructure bottlenecks that constrain economic development' - New traffic lights.
'Sustaining high-value employment opportunities to foster an inclusive society' - More branches of McDonald's.
'Strategic development of gateway cities' - Payola for FF builders in Offaly.
'Promotion of balanced regional development' - Bagging a second seat in Mayo.
'Maintenance of a framework of macroeconomic and budgetary stability' - Tax.
'Affordable housing' - Broom cupboard in stab city for €250,000
Monday 22 January 2007
RUC In Collusion Shocker
So we get an announcement or a leak of kinds that the RUC were actually involved in collusion in a number of murders. Even to a light green republican (thats a D6 republican) this aint exactly news. But what does come as interesting is the timing of the announcement.
Why should this appear in the papers now. Surely no one is trying to play silly buggers with the minds of SF members who are deciding whether they want to join the polis.
Selective leaking and strangely timed allegations, it must be the peace process on the move again.
Why should this appear in the papers now. Surely no one is trying to play silly buggers with the minds of SF members who are deciding whether they want to join the polis.
Selective leaking and strangely timed allegations, it must be the peace process on the move again.
The Letters Page
A couple of gems in the letters page of the Irish Times today. One a rant by the surgical staff in Beaumont Hospital regarding the abuse they are getting from all sides and the terrible conditions in which they work. Fair enough arguments all round. Unfortunately the Irish Health System appears to be structured in a manner best suited to facilitate the game of pass the buck. Comhairle na hOispideal, RCSI, HSE and the Minister all completely blameless. But that is the way it has been for some time.
The other letter which caught my eye was from a prospective candidate in the General. He was opining the fact that the Rabbitte coalition saga is detracting attention from the issues. Of course he is assuming anyone is going to care about the issues. Or even that anybody other than Primetime and the Newspapers are going to argue them anyway. Its gonna take more than Pat Rabbitte to get people focussed on issues other than their SSIA bonus or their cupla quid extra thanks to the budget.
Ireland doesn't do issues.
The other letter which caught my eye was from a prospective candidate in the General. He was opining the fact that the Rabbitte coalition saga is detracting attention from the issues. Of course he is assuming anyone is going to care about the issues. Or even that anybody other than Primetime and the Newspapers are going to argue them anyway. Its gonna take more than Pat Rabbitte to get people focussed on issues other than their SSIA bonus or their cupla quid extra thanks to the budget.
Ireland doesn't do issues.
Thursday 11 January 2007
More Looney
Another sample of the Official Monster Raving Looney Manifesto
Defence
All WMD’s (weapons of Mass Distraction) will be made highly visible so that we can find them.
Any politician wanting to start a war will be shipped off to the country in question with a bag of conkers. They can then conker the country themselves.
The white cliffs of Dover will be painted blue to camouflage our islands.
Buckingham Place will be defended by triffids, cultivated by Prince Charles.
Anyone criticising defence will be made to mend it with de hammer and de nails. (Think this one might have been written by Bertie).
Defence
All WMD’s (weapons of Mass Distraction) will be made highly visible so that we can find them.
Any politician wanting to start a war will be shipped off to the country in question with a bag of conkers. They can then conker the country themselves.
The white cliffs of Dover will be painted blue to camouflage our islands.
Buckingham Place will be defended by triffids, cultivated by Prince Charles.
Anyone criticising defence will be made to mend it with de hammer and de nails. (Think this one might have been written by Bertie).
9 Million Reasons to Love Your Boss
You got to love IBEC and ICTU. Like itchy and scratchy, they fight and fight so much and create an atmosphere of mutual hatred so much that people are convinced that workers and employers dont love each other.
In order to rectify this terrible state of affairs the government is committing 9million euro to a fund for improving employee - employer relations. Well extensive research on the net shows that Four Seasons Firearms in the good ole' US of A, will sell you a Smith and Wesson Texas Hold em set. Cards Chips and a handgun. That strikes me as the ultimate in labour relations, winner takes all. The set only costs 700 dollars, so with the Government grant of 9 million every company in the state should be supplied with one, with enough left over for a slap lunch for the IBEC and ICTU head honchos.
In order to rectify this terrible state of affairs the government is committing 9million euro to a fund for improving employee - employer relations. Well extensive research on the net shows that Four Seasons Firearms in the good ole' US of A, will sell you a Smith and Wesson Texas Hold em set. Cards Chips and a handgun. That strikes me as the ultimate in labour relations, winner takes all. The set only costs 700 dollars, so with the Government grant of 9 million every company in the state should be supplied with one, with enough left over for a slap lunch for the IBEC and ICTU head honchos.
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