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NUI Seanad Candidates' Include Secret FFers, FGers, et al
national |
politics / elections |
opinion/analysis
Saturday March 05, 2011 13:52 by Graduate
Party Loyalty Unmasked - Be Aware of FF con-job before voting FF, FG, Labour, ex-PDs, and other shades of establishement opinion are putting themselves forward as 'independents' in the upcoming election to Seanad Éireann. The mask of 'disability campaigner' or 'human rights advocate' is unfortunately the last refuge of some of them. This is most obvious on the university constituencies. Here I have outlined the party loyalties of some of them. It's important that those few who do have a vote in these elections don't get conned into casting a vote for a party they do not support. Ballots are posted to registered graduates on 21 March and must be returned by 27 April.
by Louise Mon Mar 14, 2011 09:16
Shane, I don't think your analogy between the loss of the skills of Daniel O'Sullivan and Paddy Healy and those of Dr Crown if elected to the seanad are valid. I don't doubt the competence of the Daniel and Paddy but quite honestly there are capable people with their skills who are unemployed.
by spucwatch Tue Mar 15, 2011 22:14
was active in the nasty anti-choice campaigns in UCD many moons ago.
by FG Wed Mar 16, 2011 23:44
"you could say Daniel Sullivan is a good software engineer"
by Daniel Sullivan Thu Mar 17, 2011 17:34
Actually the site danielsullivan.ie is a straightforward hack of a free template, no more, no less. And it does what it needs to do. And the Wordpress side is simply what I've been using for the old blog a good few years but sure we all know that software these days is only about website design.
by Avon Barksdale Sun Mar 20, 2011 20:28
John Crown supports the governments plans to bring private insurance companies in to make profits on the health system through compulsary health insurance.
by ex fianna fail - seanad watch dog Tue Mar 22, 2011 16:05
regina o connor is a ff or from that 'gene pool' adviser to them in eu.
by Graduate Tue Mar 22, 2011 18:15
Paddy Healy is now officially endorsed by the Irish Nurses' and Midwives' Organisation. The INMO is the main union representing nurses and midwives in the State.
by Pádraig Ó Ruairc Fri Apr 08, 2011 12:10
I am a UCD graduate and have a vote in the Seanad elections. Daniel Sullivans literature which I have recieved makes no mention of his membership of Fine Gael - If he is proud to belong to the party then why is he hiding it?
by Mark Mulligan - Left Alliance Fri Apr 08, 2011 13:17
O’SHEA FARREN, Linda, Solicitor, Disability Rights Advocate and Member-Nominated Independent Director of EBS
by Daniel Sullivan Fri Apr 08, 2011 16:09
Pádraig Ó Ruairc, the NUI (who are running the election) does not allow people to use party logos on the Litir Um Thoghchán or to say on the ballot that they are candidates for specific parties unless those parties send the NUI documentation saying that X is an officially sanctioned candidate for that party. The official position of Fine Gael is that it is not running any candidates but that there are party members who are running. I've received no assistance in running from the party other than one email that mentioned me and the other 2 FG members who are running which was sent to those who have subbed to the party members email list.
by Serge Gainsberg Sun Apr 10, 2011 14:29
A recent study has shown that only 7% of NUI graduates register to vote. There are about 100,000 registered to vote. In the last election less than 40% of those registered voted. This year there are only 15,000 votes cast so far. The turnout this year is likely to be lower than 2007. The university seats are reserved for gradudates which are a minority of the population. Of gradudates only TCD and NUI get a vote. Of these only a minorty register. Of these only a minority vote.
by Oswald Bastable Mon Apr 11, 2011 12:07
"Paddy Healy is a ULA member (although not a political party yet) and does not openly acknowledge it. "
by Peter Mooney Mon Apr 11, 2011 15:21 peter at petermooney dot eu
Can I just clarify something for Radio Boy. Brendan Ryan endorsed my Senate campaign because I was a founder member of the Simon Community and so was he. Mary Upton endorsed my campaign because I have a long record in promoting science and she is one of our more eminent scientists. I have no intention of taking any party whip if elected. If you go to my website you will see that I have been endorsed by a number of well known social justice activists and scientists. As far as I am aware I am the only person on the NUI slate that is coming from the left that is not affiliated to any party or organisation. I have been working on this campaign for a long time and all anyone needs to know about me is in my blogs and on my website and I will answer directly any question anyone wants to ask me on any issue. I understand many people on the left have qualms about the Senate but if people don't vote we allow the Senate to become a platform for some of the most right wing views in the country if the last Senate is anything to go by.
by James Doorley - NUI Seanad Election Tue Apr 12, 2011 00:57
The title of this thread is a little misleading in relation to me. On both my website www.jamesdoorley.com and on my Litir Um Thoghchan I have clearly stated that I am a member of the Labour party. I have been since 1996. However I was not nominated nor endorsed by the Labour Party so it would not be possible to include a logo on my literature. Apart from circulating an email on my behalf which other organisations/networks have done, I have had no Labour Party support.
by Seanad Election 2011 Tue Apr 19, 2011 12:19
I believe the Seanad should be abolished as soon as possible. It is a waist of tax payers money. The Senators get payed nearly as much money as the TD's and Senators don't even do very much if elected. They don't even sit many times a year and most importantly senators have no power to do anything.
by UCC head Tue Apr 19, 2011 18:09
I disagree. The Seanad or any institution should not be abolished just because of money. It's an argument that can say "lets get rid of juries as it costs too much" or "lets bring in First Past Post voting system as it's cheaper than PRSTV".
by Seanad Election 2011 Tue Apr 19, 2011 20:02
To respond to what somebody has said I don't just think it should be abolished to save money but people who are elected to the Seanad have no power to do anything except reject new laws that the Dáil have made and they never do reject any laws because the majority of the Senad is made up by people who support the government.
by Seanad Election 2011 Tue Apr 19, 2011 20:10
Another thing I forgot to mention was that Eamonn De Valera abolished the Seanad but brought it back.
by UCC Head Wed Apr 20, 2011 18:13
The Seanad should be abolished. The fact that it can only delay the Dáil shows why it is irrelevent. But I would not stand for a Seanad that could block the Dáil (unless it was elected on universal franchise).
by Seanad Election 2011 Fri Apr 22, 2011 12:06
I believe that the Seanad should be abolished or changed.
by UCC head Fri Apr 22, 2011 12:40
So you want the Seanad to be a place that's reserved for 'new' people. So you switch one restricted electorate with a restricted choice. Why shouldn't any citizen be entitled to run? why restrict it to people that have never run before in Dail elections? and no cllrs! Madness. You'll find that there are many hundred and hundred of people that have run in Dail elections before.
by Seanad Election 2011 Mon Apr 25, 2011 15:23
I am sorry about what I said in my previous post. I was incorrect to say that the people who run the Seanad should be restricted and I do agree with UCC Head. |
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Comments (36 of 36)
Jump To Comment: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36Pretty sure that anyone voting who bothers to look at all will notice that I'm a member of Fine Gael.
That list of unknown and unelected people is good reason in itself to get rid of the Seanad.
.
I agree with Cynical.
What right do a few uni grads have to represent Ireland?
They are not clever.
No innovation has come out of Galway University since Stoney named the Electron in circa. 1895.
Daniel Sullivan makes the point that he is a FG member. Fair enough. Is it in your election literature? I hope it is. If it is then I've no problem with you. I can't say the same for the closet party members that will be running in this election, particularly the FF members.
Yes, the Seanad electorate cannot be defended. It's a remnant of history that graduates had a constituency in Parliament. The way the Dáil operates is also rotten and conservative. Non-Irish or UK citizens cannot vote in Dáil elections, there is not re-call of TDs, etc. This doesn't stop people voting in it! the Seanad exists, there are about 150,000 voters for the 6 university seats, including many young unemployed and significant numbers of public sector workers (nurses, teachers, etc.), so it is worth discussing. People should be aware of who they vote for or vote against). Unfortunately not all candidates will be revealing their true colours.
Over the next few weeks I'd like some discussion here about the political loyalties of these people.
Its a dungheap but it exists and if its not used by the left then the likes of Ronan Mullen will get back in.
Paddy Healy is worth supporting as is Eoin O'Broin.
I have visited Paul Mooney's website. He is nominated by former Labour Oireachtas members Brendan Ryan and Mary Upton. He is a scientist and is backed by Stem Cell Association. He outlines his opposition to cuts and making people pay for the crisis they didn't create. He also calls for support to Laura Ashley strikers. So a scientist with a degree of orientation towards workers fighting back. He seems more left than Labour so I'm surprise to see Upton and Ryan backing him. Last thing left wing voters would want is to support someone who ends up being a government Senator. I agree with Pat C & I think all candidates should publicly state their position on the EU/IMF deal and what they think about cuts.
I have checked over the websites and other online resources and found the following insights and analysis of the candidates:
James COYLE - right wing independent. Wants to cut public services and reduce taxes for businesses.
John CROWN - cancer specialist. Prominant for his opposition to two-tier public health service. Also critical of the Dutch insurance model it seems. It will be interesting to see his website.
James DOORLEY - Labour Party
Paddy HEALY - Former President, Teachers Union of Ireland. Strong opponent of the Croke Park deal and strongly vocal on the cuts to public services. Has some involvement in United Left Alliance.
Declan KELLEHER - INTO candidate to replace Joe O'Toole. Kelleher supports Croke Park deal.
John KENNEDY - Fine Gael.
Helen KEOGH - formerly a PD senator during the FF/PD government. Defected to FG.
Mick LANGAN - no website
Paul LYNAM - current UCD SU President. Fianna Fáil.
David MCCURTIN - Independent of the 'Somerville & Ross' variety, making a particular appeal to teachers.
Mick MOLLOY - former IMO President. no website.
Peter MOONEY - seems to be left wing, interest in science and also workers' issues. Interesting to read his literature further.
Rónán MULLEN - sitting Senator. One of the most socially conservative people in the Oireachtas. Former spokesperson for the Roman Catholic Bishops.
Eoin Ó BROIN - Sinn Féin
Niall O BROLCHÁIN - Green Party.
Diarmaid Ó CADHLA - People's Convention. A businessman advocating democracy and an idea about 'people's conventions'.
Donncha O’CONNELL - appears to be soft left liberal.
Regina O’CONNOR - Fianna Fáil
Francis O’DONNELL - Another 'Somerville & Ross' style right wing independent.
James O’DONOGHUE - no website
Linda O’SHEA FARREN - FG 'gene pool' is what google throws up. A director of EBS. Seems to throw her hat into any postal vote election.
Bernadine O’SULLIVAN - ASTI official candidate. First came to prominance for being anti-benchmarking and for 2001 strike. But generally in line with ASTI leadership. Certainly not a radical voice compared to Healy.
Brendan PRICE - Founded the Seal sanctury and campaigned on animal rights and environmental issues.
Fergal QUINN - owner of Superquinn supermarket chain. Sitting Senator.
Daniel SULLIVAN - Fine Gael.
I am looking forward to a similar breakdown of Trinity candidates.
As I say on my website (www.robinhanan.ie), I was a member of the Labour Party until 1980, volunteering for the late Frank Cluskey, and have since been independent, working for community organisations and single-issue causes.
I have since, at different times, given my first preference to vote to 4 different parties, all on the centre left/green side of politics, not to mention Tony Gregory, but have not (re)joined any party and will be an independent Senator if elected.
Sounds good Robin.
At the other extreme there are right-wing nutters like Marc Coleman. If he gets a seat, I will campaign for seanad abolition.
Linda O'Shea Farron is a former staff member for Nora Owen. I cannot find out if she is a current FG member. She would certainly be a FG gene-pool independent if elected.
Is it possible to get opinion polls in this election. Only thing I can think of is that Ronan Mullen may be in trouble due to his inaction and very narrow focus on Roman Catholic issues. Paddy Healy will surely gain from left mood and growth of ULA. John Crown could do well. I think Healy and Crown are the ones to watch.
Dr Crown by all accounts is a really good oncologist. Cancer patients need him.
What good can he do in the Seanad as it is, or even reformed?
Cancer cases are increasing - we need Dr Crown in hospitals not in the Seanad.
In fairness Louise, you can say that about any candidate. you could say Daniel Sullivan is a good software engineer, we need him doing that work. Or Paddy Healy is a good lecturer and trade unionist we need him doing that work, and so on. It can also be said Dr. Crown and advocates of a public one tier health service with 'frontline' experience of the health service are needed in the Oireachtas. Dr. Crown is running in the election. Louise, if you do not support him do it up front criticising his ideas. I personally have no intention of voting 1 for him, but that's because I disagree with aspects of what he says.
JAMES COYLE- Smurfit Business School Graduate, Chartered Accountant, Entrepreneur
7 Point Fitness Plan
1 SAVE & CREATE JOBS
• Get extra credit to SME’s
• Halve Local Authority business rates
• Establish a Rent Review Board to allow businesses change to short leases without upward only rent review clauses
• Cut Employers’ PRSI
• Give tax credits to Employers for creating new jobs
• Offer tax relief for investing in SME’s and start ups
2. REFORM GOVERNMENT & REDUCE ITS EXPENDITURE
• Get Local Authorities to cut their staff costs by one third
• Halve the Budget for the Seanad
• Implement most of the 'An Bord Snip Nua' recommendations
• Encourage unions to achieve more efficient Public Service
• Reduce the number of Local Authorities from 34 to 22
• Make Local Authorities publish detailed quarterly accounts
• Listen to citizens via online constituency forums and text polls
• Less TD’s, less Ministers, no special advisers, less cars and aircraft, and less politicians’ expenses, severance pay and pensions
• More transparency and freedom of information
3. FIX THE BANKING SYSTEM
• Open negotiations with senior bondholders to help restructure Ireland’s mountain of debt
• Bring charges against rogue bankers and negligent public servants
• Open a new Industrial Credit Bank
4. OPTIMISE OUR HEALTH SERVICE
• Don’t close good, efficient local hospitals
• Retain St. Luke’s Cancer Hospital in Rathgar as a satellite of the new St. James’s unit
• Employ our newly qualified doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and other medical staff and don’t force them to emigrate
5. PROMOTE CULTURE & TOURISM
• Retain compulsory Irish but completely relax and extend the curriculum to include music, poetry, dance and conversation options
• Fast track Gaelscoileanna
• Restore full funding to the Arts sector
• Fight Urban Decay
6. IMPROVE OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM
• Review and re-structure third level funding and management
• Focus on training students for the jobs of tomorrow
• Use college buildings and sports facilities to their utmost
7. MAXIMISE USE OF STATE RESOURCES
• List and value all State Assets
• Allow citizens use these assets
• Re-think the use of the Army and Gardai
• Shorten term of Natural Resource licences
James Coyle's Seanad Manifesto 0.05 Mb
Caption: Video Id: zJ7zUvPRbwQ Type: Youtube Video
Coyle for Seanad Video