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Leah Farrell/Rollingnews.ie

Government urged to use €3.8 billion from AIB sale to 'build homes, hospitals and schools'

Labour leader Brendan Howlin said that the Irish people “sacrificed so much to protect our banking system”.

Updated 9.34am

THE GOVERNMENT HAS set a price of between €3.90 and €4.90 a share as it looks to sell off shares in AIB.

The move is set to net the exchequer up to €3.8 billion with Minister for Finance Michael Noonan saying that “the time is right” to proceed with the sale of shares.

Noonan added that “a successful transaction would represent an important milestone in our journey to dispose of our banking investments and ultimately recover all the money the Irish State has invested in AIB”.

Labour leader Brendan Howlin, however, told TheJournal.ie that proceeding with the sale was “an act of outrageous contempt for Dáil Éireann” and that the money raised should be used to build schools, homes and hospitals.

The government currently owns 99.8% of the bank, and will sell off 25% of the shares of the bank in this sale.

In the AIB’s prospectus on the matter, it outlines some of the risks considered before making the decision to sell the shares now.

Among them was the outcome of the UK general election, and the upcoming Brexit negotiations.

Although the effects of these remain uncertain, “these events are expected are expected to have a negative effect on Ireland’s GDP growth over the medium term”, AIB said.

It also says that while the Irish economy is performing well now, any deterioration in the global or regional economy “could have an adverse effect on AIB”.

Furthermore, it warns that a change to who makes up the Irish government “may have a material adverse effect on AIB’s business, result of operations, financial condition, ownership and prospects”.

“The company will not receive any proceeds from the Offer,” AIB said.

The final offer price per share is set to be announced on or around 23 June 2017.

During the financial crisis, the State invested up to €20 billion into the bank.

Howlin urged incoming Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to revisit the decision to sell the shares, now that Noonan would be stepping aside from his role as Minister for Finance.

He said: “At the very least, Leo Varadkar should begin Government efforts to change the fiscal rules, as the Labour Party has been doing with our European sister parties for some time now.

Reports this morning suggest that the sale of AIB shares may yield up to €3.8bn. Using this money to build homes and hospitals and schools would give a real benefit to the Irish people, who sacrificed so much to protect our banking system.

When the sale was announced at the end of May, Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty said that the “real cost” of selling off the stake in AIB would be social as well as economic.

He said: “The real cost of selling AIB on the cheap is not just the billions lost but also the influence over a banking sector that when left unchecked before crashed the country.”

Labour’s Joan Burton, meanwhile, pointed to recent falls in US bank shares as evidence that selling shares in AIB now was “folly”.

She said: “The Labour Party has called for the Minister to postpone the sale of the shares until the fiscal rules are changed to allow for the proceeds to be invested in the Irish economy where significant infrastructural bottlenecks exist in housing, health, education and transport.”

Read: Banks in Ireland decline to give progress updates on their tracker scandal reviews

Read: ‘Not acceptable’ that AIB could pay no tax on profits for up to 30 years

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48 Comments
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    Mute Ciara O Connor
    Favourite Ciara O Connor
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:00 AM

    Not into politics in a big way but she is very charismatic and was well able for Ryan.Very articulate and impressive.

    567
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    Mute John O Brien
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:19 AM

    She”s about as charismatic as a bag of coal. She has plenty to say about everything – except IRA murders, she turns quite sheepish and defensive and gives one sentence replies to those questions. Wonder why ??!!

    284
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    Mute Glen
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:25 AM

    Could it be because she has nothing to do with IRA murders.

    549
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    Mute John O Brien
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:34 AM

    Glen – she is deputy leader of a party, the members of which know a great deal about IRA murders, surely she talks to them !! Do u still believe the earth is flat?

    219
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    Mute Glen
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:37 AM

    And do you believe that they are going to come out and admit anything to her that they may or may not know.

    236
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    Mute Glen
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:48 AM

    John
    Admit it
    The thing that really bothers you is that educated people are coming up through Sinn Fein and they stand a real chance of coming into power because if it.

    340
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    Mute Cathal Kelly
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:59 AM

    Sinn Féin’s past is the only thing stopping them coming to power, and maybe their middle- left policies

    91
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    Mute John O Brien
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:59 AM

    Glen – what really bothers me is that well educated people choose to join SF, especially when there is so much filthy,unwashed laundry that they still keep in the cupboard – which stinks and nauseates to the core.

    167
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    Mute Glen
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:08 AM

    So john
    I was right !! You are bothered by educated people joining SF who have nothing to do with its past and only want a productive party for the good of this country.
    You should ask yourself do you really care about Ireland because it sounds like you don’t .

    241
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    Mute Cal Mooney
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:11 AM

    John,
    When are Kenny, Gilmore, Martin (FG/Labour/FF) going to come out and admit their role in the cover up in the slaughter of the Dublin/Monaghan victims. A mother of eight along with 12 other mothers died that day. We all know who did it, yet FF/FG/Labour came out the day of the attack and said the IRA did it. They have pointedly refused public inquiries into the slaughter.
    Are you one of these people who believe only IRA killings need to be investigated and all others are OK because they were state sponsored?

    198
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    Mute johnny
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:13 AM

    She has nothing to do with alot of other stuff she shites on about but it doesnt stop her

    76
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    Mute John O Brien
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:18 AM

    No Glen – I am right. Adams,Ellis and their ilk are still to the fore and I care enough to realise that they have nothing to offer. U demean Ireland.

    72
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    Mute Cal Mooney
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:24 AM

    John, your Ireland raped and plundered the country to support the EU banking experiment. You should be ashamed of yourself. Not only our generation will pay for it, but at least 3 more generations. And you talk about shame!!!

    199
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    Mute Alien8
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:24 AM

    What bothers me is that Mary Lou came from a good education and obviously studied politicians and ran for Sinn Fein, and could have been a breath of fresh air, but almost immediately, she was carrying the coffin of an IRA man in Northern Ireland. I don’t think any local election candidate, new or old, for Sinn Fein wouldn’t put the party history behind them, and start with new policies – therefore, I still could never vote for them. It is a shame that Pearse ruled himself out of a leadership challenge, because at least he is believable on what he states (unlike ML, who could be FF leader at drop of a hat).

    97
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    Mute John O Brien
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:40 AM

    Cal Mooney – a SF supporter talking about the cover up of slaughter – the irony is near incomprehensible and beneath contempt. I never mentioned economic policy so don’t play the usual cheap trick. Divert from the topic being discussed the usual despicable tactic that ur likes employ. Oppose SF means support for the UVF / RUC etc !!! Sickening contribution.

    64
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    Mute Tír Eoghain Gael
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:57 AM

    John, think it’s about time you changed the record and joined the rest of us in the 21st Century?

    155
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    Mute Roland 303
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:58 AM

    John O’Brien, you demean the Irish people. Shame on you.

    120
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    Mute John O Brien
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:17 AM

    Roland 303 – shame on u. Tír Eoghain Gael – join the 21st century …aka forget the past and let’s have no accountabilty. No thanks.

    57
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    Mute Cal Mooney
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:33 AM

    John, there is only one past you want to remember …. The only deaths you want to remember are the ones inflicted by the IRA. Says more about you than anything else. Lets ignore FF/FG/Labour cover up of Dublin Monaghan Belturbet and countless other atrocities… 3 times more Irish killed by foreign forces during the troubles than by the IRA, all covered up by successive Governments. Why is that?

    142
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    Mute Tír Eoghain Gael
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:59 AM

    No accountability? Over 25,000 republicans spent time in jail in the conflict. Their sentences totalled over 100,000 years. If you want to talk about accountability then you’d be more worried about the fact that only the members of the British state forces were convicted of murder (all released early, two recruited straight back into the army and one promoted). Do you spend as much time criticising FG/Lab for their continued cover-up of the british collusion in the Dublin/Monaghan bombs? When the families of those killed that day protested during the British Queens visit on the bombings anniversary, did you voice any support for them and for their campaign for accountability? Or do you only talk about victims and the past when it’s IRA victims? And one last question…. Were the Old IRA terrorists and criminals?

    138
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    Mute Cal Mooney
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 3:10 AM

    25,00 republicans pent time in jail or internment camps …. but 6 British soldiers spent a total of 12 years in prison between them for all the murders carried out by the British security forces …. FF/FG/Labour don’t give two craps about these statistics. SF are a threat to their cosy Ivory towers. Facts don’t help the FF/FG/Labour efforts to sustain the status quo. No one from the republic who was involved in the cover up of Dublin-Monaghan-Belturbet massacres (either senior Gardai, TDs, Taoisigh, ministers) have been held accountable :( ). The media don’t talk about it, for risk of reprisal from the government of the day (Especially not RTE).

    103
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    Mute tomaccofiend
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 6:32 AM

    @john o Brien…. Eamonn Gilmore was a former member of the Ira…. So was pat rabbitte if I’m not mistaken? That’s never held against THEM

    109
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    Mute Kate Ellen Egan
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 6:55 AM

    But Cathal people soon forgot about F Fáil, Fine Gael and Democratic Left aka The Labour Party’s past ….all the same genesis …

    61
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    Mute Dave Sherman
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 7:44 AM

    Spot in john, very good with everyone’. else’s skeletons and typical Shinner gloss to all their own Skeletons. Leave Adams as leader as he’s only doing them more damage.

    25
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    Mute Tír Eoghain Gael
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:45 AM

    The pay tripled is vote in one election under Adams and is will placed to build on that at the next one. He’s also a poll topper with one of the highest personal mandates in the country. If that’s your idea of doing damage, then I hope he’s leader for years to come!

    Tiocfaidh ár lá!

    44
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    Mute Spoddgy
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:51 AM

    I think ye are all forgetting that if we are to build peace on the island then we all have to in some respect forget the past and move on otherwise we might as well still be in the troubles!

    35
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    Mute Paul Roche
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:53 AM

    John,
    Glass houses must be wonderful to live in during summertime.

    33
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    Mute Rand Al Thor
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 10:39 AM

    If you work on the principle that that use of the gun and cold blooded murder disqualifies a party from standing in the Dail you would be left only with the Greens.Its part of our history and any party leader who denies it is disingenuous.

    29
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    Mute Darren Redmond
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:08 PM

    In the past we need good politics by sensible people who will stand up to our German pay masters

    12
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    Mute Darren Redmond
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:08 PM

    In the past we need good politics by sensible people who will stand up to our German pay masters

    5
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    Mute Vince O'Shea
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:47 PM

    @ John, you believe she talks to the dead?

    strange

    9
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    Mute Nicole McCormack
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 6:52 PM

    So John, hard words there. And what of all the other parties that participated in armed struggle thought Irish history? FF was the IRA, FG was the IRA, the Workers Party was the Official IRA, James Connolly and others created the Labour Party. DL was WP and Official IRA. IRSP was INLA. None of the above handed in or destroyed their weapons. The Provos called of the war and handed on their weapons. Would you prefer if their campaign was still ongoing? It’s brave men that can end a war, the cowards just sit and critise.

    13
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    Mute Conal
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:00 AM

    She was brilliant despite the sometimes stupid questioning and interrupting from Ryan. She’s a fantastic politician.

    402
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    Mute Archie
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:10 AM

    Stupid questioning and interrupting from Ryan – surely not.

    248
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    Mute stephen kavanagh
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:14 AM

    Yeah he’s so panicky feeling he has to impose himself and his meagre personality, the best interviewers just create a relaxed environment and let their guests do the talking

    208
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    Mute Mike O Neill
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:37 AM

    He should resign based on tonights show alone, dire doesn’t even cover it.

    159
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    Mute stephen kavanagh
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:39 AM

    He is an awful awful jerky Pinocchio of an interviewer

    165
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    Mute Richard boyle
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:19 AM

    Talent isn’t hereditary , unlike some positions in our national broadcaster .

    37
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    Mute stephen kavanagh
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    Mar 21st 2014, 11:56 PM

    I think she’d be a brilliant leader. The most articulate politician in Ireland in my opinion

    367
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    Mute Jeremy Usbourne
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:21 AM

    Above average, but not top of the league.

    78
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    Mute stephen kavanagh
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:23 AM

    But we don’t have much of a league! We’re Vauxhall Conference when it comes to off-the-cuff parliamentary speaking.

    140
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    Mute Les Rock
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:23 AM

    I think Doherty is better but he won’t be leader ahead of her

    127
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    Mute Chris Doherty
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:26 AM

    Stephen I agree, but she has a most grating voice, She should employ voice coach and not only a future SF leader but an Irish Leader, I would then vote for her if only I lived in Dublin

    42
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    Mute stephen kavanagh
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:36 AM

    I love her schoolmarmish voice!

    78
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    Mute Bill
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:45 AM

    Love to hear your voice Stephen gives us a few bars

    39
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    Mute richardmccarthy
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:42 AM

    Its very easy to be articulate when in opposition,its a lot harder when you have got to take the tough decisions that are necessary for the good of the country.

    87
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    Mute Roland 303
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:45 AM

    Chris, Margaret Thatcher got elecution lessons. Your point is?

    46
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    Mute Tír Eoghain Gael
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:00 AM

    “Easy to be articulate when in opposition”? Ffs being in opposition or in power makes no difference to an individuals competence at public speaking!

    80
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    Mute Cal Mooney
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:34 AM

    Richard.. do you mind if i call you Dick?

    78
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    Mute Richard boyle
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 8:51 AM

    ? The made over Thatcher , guess here it’ll be some TV3 stylist and someone from the Billy Barry stage school doing the honours , her voice may not appeal to everyone but at lest she’s a real proposition for leadership .

    24
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    Mute Chris Doherty
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 8:43 PM

    My point is that her voice is not appealing to the masses,. Studies have shown that if a person is well spoken their message, opinion is more acceptable. Of course there are exceptions, look at Bertie couldn’t pronounce this that these those and the, dis tat dese. dose and de.

    3
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    Mute Roland 303
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 10:03 PM

    Who cares what she sounds like, looks like or dresses like. I care that she has the ability to be a superb politician. That should be enough, shouldn’t it?

    4
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    Mute Roland 303
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    Mar 21st 2014, 11:54 PM

    She has and she will. Mary Lou abú!!

    288
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    Mute Bruce
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:09 AM

    Rehearsed bull is all I heard. “Heard no evil, saw no evil, ……”

    160
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    Mute Roland 303
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:38 AM

    Poor you Bruce, poor you.

    119
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    Mute Despicable You
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:26 AM

    Failed FF member, will attach herself to anything which might she her rise, just an opportunist like all the rest. FF/FG/SF/Labour/Independents all useless.

    90
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    Mute Roland 303
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:33 AM

    FF/FG/Lab all had their chance. SF haven’t. Can’t knock em till you try em.

    138
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    Mute Rúairí O’ Sullivan
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 8:53 AM

    Adams needs to step down if SF really want to be considered

    52
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    Mute Tír Eoghain Gael
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:52 AM

    Do youever make up your own mind about things or do you just repeat everything you hear on RTÉ? Sinn Féin already are considered. They’re one of the largest parties in Ireland (which has 32 counties), and they tripled their 26 County representation in the space of one election under Gerry’s leadership, while Gerry himself topped the poll yet again. Heres hoping he hangs around for a while yet

    43
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    Mute Farbin
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:20 AM

    Any other time, I wouldn’t give her the time of day. However, the sheer scale of the failure and incompetency of every other political party leads me believe that there is no other option but to vote for SF or another extremist leftist brand. This is what FG, FF and Labour are forcing people to do. I dont like the idea of SF in power, but I will never ever vote for any of the establishment parties after the shambles of a century we have had

    281
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    Mute Les Rock
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:26 AM

    Exactly my sentiments to a tee farbin

    154
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    Mute Roland 303
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:02 AM

    Exactamundo Farbin.

    77
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    Mute Harry Walker
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 11:39 AM

    Vote independent??

    5
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    Mute posh
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:27 AM

    GOD I HATE TUBRIDY!

    257
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    Mute cutsie
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:44 AM

    He is the reason I got rid if my tv. I have the propaganda that is RTE

    65
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    Mute Vince O'Shea
    Favourite Vince O'Shea
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:51 PM

    yea he’s a crap person. he asks annoying questions, “yea i know but, surely you not think”

    theres ways to ask but he certainly hasn’t a clue.

    20
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    Mute Caolán McKenna
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    Mar 21st 2014, 11:59 PM

    What is it with the incessant anti-Sinn Féin and anti-Northern bias of RTÉ?

    240
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    Mute Niallers
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:28 AM

    She has definitely won some Sinn Fein votes in the next election with that performance. I can see her being out first female taoiseach.

    202
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    Mute Dave Sherman
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 7:48 AM

    The next Mary Harney more like.

    39
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    Mute Hound of Cooley
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 8:18 AM

    Go back to sleep.

    12
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    Mute cillian32
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:00 AM

    Future Taoiseach …Hopfully sooner rather than later!

    197
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    Mute Michael O' Keeffe
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:18 AM

    Let use remember there is No Leadership battle. This is only media hype.

    194
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    Mute Burnie
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    Mar 21st 2014, 11:54 PM

    Jaysus that was quick

    177
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    Mute Richard Rodgers
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:39 AM

    The Army Council would not let her become Leader of the Republican Movement as she has no experience of the suffering to reach this point in the Marxist acquisition of power in the Irish State.
    careful folks or you may get the politicians you don’t deserve!

    138
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    Mute Paul Roche
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:56 AM

    Ahem Richie.
    Some of the present coalition regard election promises with contempt, while FG have proven that they regard the constitution with similar contempt. We already have those politicians you warn us against.

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    Mute Paul Coffey
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:59 AM

    Richard you talk some nonsense most of the time!

    287
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    Mute Roland 303
    Favourite Roland 303
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:40 AM

    Richard, I voted for labour last election. So you might say I got what I deserve. Empty labour promises. Never again.

    310
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    Mute Damian Moran
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:02 AM

    FG,FF & Lab crooks….

    241
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    Mute Damian Moran
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:04 AM

    FF, Lab & FG crooks.

    158
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    Mute James Kiernan
    Favourite James Kiernan
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 8:43 AM

    They were the exact same last time they were in power….cant understand why people voted for them!!!

    81
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    Mute Jim@webchannel.ie
    Favourite Jim@webchannel.ie
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:41 AM

    Mary Lou believes in fairy stories if she believes Gerry was never a member of Provos !!! Like all ex FF members she has selective amnesia !!!!

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    Mute Spoddgy
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:46 AM

    Oh James you are planning to vote for the greens just throwing your vote away!…….

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    Mute Paul Roche
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:49 AM

    If you have proof, forward it to her. The country is more concerned with FG/Lab/ECB terror now.

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    Mute Tír Eoghain Gael
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 10:13 AM

    Jim, stop loving on the past. Move on. Most people don’t give a toss if he was in the IRA. He’ll keep topping the poll anyway. Don’t let the bitterness consume you. Don’t let your entire thought process be dictated by RTÉ. Get over it.

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    Mute CMac59
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 11:56 AM

    Roland 303

    I and may others did not vote for Labour or FG. I got what the government the majority voted for. Is the majority always right? Should we have half the Dail elected every 2 or 2.5 years to jeep a check on our governments actions. I think so.

    This government has no opposition due to it s massive majority which it has used to tax, levy and charge us to penury. It is accountable to nobody.

    M D Higgins was Chairman of the Labour party when it struck the coalition deal on austerity with FG. Yet, when higgin’s stood for president he put his “occupation as academic and poet”. Seems it is not just SF who forget their past! And thanks to RTE and Pat Kenny Higgins got elected.

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    Mute Darren Redmond
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:05 PM

    a government should only sit for two years this would stop the 3 years of killing u with taxes and then the next two giving you tax breaks to get voted back in it is a constant circile by all voted in party’s

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    Mute Darren Redmond
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:05 PM

    a government should only sit for two years this would stop the 3 years of killing u with taxes and then the next two giving you tax breaks to get voted back in it is a constant circile by all voted in party’s

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    Mute Ciarraioch
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 5:17 PM

    I never realised that you are on the Army Council RICHARD – I understood that The IRA decommissioned years ago .
    Have you started it up again ?

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    Mute paddydunne
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:01 AM

    I don’t trust her, and I don’t believe a word she says when asked about Gerry Adams being in the IRA

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    Mute stephen kavanagh
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:06 AM

    But you’ve got to admit she is articulate in a way our politicians usually are not. She actually knows how to string a sentence together instead of resorting to cue cards

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    Mute Les Rock
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:25 AM

    And highly paid advisors and speechwriter

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    Mute stephen kavanagh
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:28 AM

    No I know genuine articulacy when I see it! She doesn’t resort to notes in the way our sleeper-in-the-White-House Taoiseach does

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    Mute johngahan
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:40 AM

    She is articulate like a snake with a forked tongue.

    On one side of her mouth she’ll rightly join the chorus of condemnation of corruption in Irish society, on the other side of her mouth she’ll support Gerry Adam’s lies.

    Another sell out. But she is that rare breed of hypocrite who will loath corruption but tolerate murder, brutality and criminal intimidation.

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    Mute stephen kavanagh
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:49 AM

    But if you look at her simply as a good left-wing politician, leaving out the Republican baggage, I think you must admire her

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    Mute Vicky Winters
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:52 AM

    Without getting a aweaty lip!

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    Mute Tír Eoghain Gael
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:04 AM

    Change the record Paddy #zzzzzzzzzz

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    Mute Dave Sherman
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 8:02 AM

    That’s means she can cover up more.

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    Mute mcbab
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 8:46 AM

    But Stephen she LIES! She says she believes adams when he says he was never in the ira. So the question is what else does she lie about? Riddle me that.

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    Mute Tír Eoghain Gael
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:58 AM

    #zzzzzzzz

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    Mute Dave cullen
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:37 AM

    Our next Taoiseach.I don’t ever recall a politician on that show being so articulate and charismatic whilst tubridy was amateurish in his effort’s to appear in charge of the interview.

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    Mute Fin Fennelly
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:56 AM

    She gets my vote. . . Mary Lou would make a better leader than Enda… Eamon… Brian… Bertie all put together!!!!

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    Mute Helen Kenny
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:45 AM

    Kermit the frog would make better leader then that sliveen BRenda

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    Mute Noel Shannon
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:08 AM

    The question Ryan should have asked is why does she think Adams was NOT a member of the IRA

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    Mute Michael lynch
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:16 AM

    Jesus will you stop….as Mara used to say on scrap Saturday: “no more of that auld arms trial shite!”

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    Mute Tír Eoghain Gael
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:03 AM

    Change the record, Noel.

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    Mute johngahan
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:23 AM

    Ryan Tubridy ruined what would otherwise have been a wonderfully warm folksy interview by asking her some awkward questions.

    Why couldn’t she have just said ‘yes, I think Gerry probably was a member of IRA and gave orders to brutally murder innocent people who were in his way, regardless of any freedom struggle’

    Instead she just glazed over and deflected all questioning. So totally stupid of her to tow the party line.

    As Callinan would say, she is disgusting. A clever woman, from a privileged background, denying the atrocities of genocide-mongers who lead her party.

    If she had have given a different answer to the Gerry Adams question, at least acknowledging the ridiculousness of his denials, I might have been won over by her. But instead I am left … disgusted.

    Go on shinnerbots, red thumb me to death. At least I won’t be manhandled into a boot and driven to a forest for a kneecapping for disagreeing with you.

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    Mute Vicky Winters
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:00 AM

    Why should every single SF poltician be bombarded by Gerry Adams questions?? The whole party is much more than one man but the media seem obsessed by that one question…are FF continually questioned on haugheys lies? No so you would have to question why SF are…is it fear? Is it acknowledgment of their growing popularity? Whatever it is the media would do better to focus on the policies rather than 1 man.

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    Mute Alien8
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:15 AM

    It’s not to try and trick them (by raising the silly Adams/IRA question all the time), but rather to see if they have moved on. Every time a Sinn Fein politician says that they accept Adam’s statement, or ‘there were victims on all sides’, it shows they are not ready to drop the traditional hard line support for the majority position.

    I’d welcome the response about Jean McConville though, but I think there may be more to that.

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    Mute Michael lynch
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:16 AM

    You hypocrite. You live in a state which was begat by the exact violence you espouse and castigate SF for, and which FF and FG were part and parcel of. We need to leave the past behind us and build a proper country which is representative of a republic, not a bloody set of protected elites. SF represent that ideal more than any other party.

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    Mute Tír Eoghain Gael
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:11 AM

    Because tosser who indulge in such a line of questioning are hypocrites who are insecure about the knowledge that their own freedom was won by what they now call terrorists. And they are stuck firmly in the past, basing their entire knowledge of that past on what their “democratic” state decided they were allowed to hear on the tv throughout the conflict, using Section 31 media censorship.

    In the meantime, SF just keeps on growing…. :)

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    Mute Phil Kearney
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 6:20 AM

    Vicky as long Gerry Adams is the leader of SF this question will not go away. Shinnerbots want to play it down and deflect attention off the issue as they know it reflects badly on the party.

    Majority of Irish accept Gerry and Micheal were in the IRA, while they live in public denial of their past.

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    Mute mcbab
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 8:50 AM

    Well Vicky you might wonder why every sf politician gives exactly the same answer to every question. None of them dare to contradict adams ira membership for instance. Seems like a dictatorship to me.

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    Mute Tír Eoghain Gael
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:59 AM

    Doubtless you’ve been to the Gardai with whatever information you seem to have?

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    Mute johngahan
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 10:01 AM

    I expect when Mary Lou takes over as leader it will only be a matter of months before Gerry decides he has an announcement to make after all. He was in the IRA!

    Mary Lou will then have to put on her surprised face and declare her disappointment at having believed him for all those years.

    Such a pity she cannot be straight with us now, rather than wait for the ludicrous denial tradition of SF to play out.

    She certainly deserves her place in the Dail, and though I don’t support SF due to their lacking mature talent, experience and insight in country management, the party does have a few impressive members and overall SF does contribute positively to our democracy and raises the bar.

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    Mute Pádraic Ó Braonáin
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 10:10 AM

    I knew Gerry Adams when I lived in Belfast (am now retired to Connemara) The Adams family and mine were very close. I can tell you right now, Gerry Adams was absolutely – really – never a member of the IRA. He never took the oath was never involved in leadership and was never on operations – he remained on the outside, was always more political. The corrupt southern politicians and their supporters in the media have latched on to this “membership” thing in a desperate, now very desperate, attempt to keep the Sinn Féin party down.

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    Mute Roland 303
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 11:25 AM

    @johngahan: I’m finding it hard to type this as I’m in fits of laughter at your “lacking in country management” statement!! Deary me!!

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    Mute mart_n
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:42 AM

    She has what it takes to be a leader full-stop. I wouldn’t vote for her as a SF candidate but I’m not ashamed to say that she’s admirable or capable in her political role.

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    Mute mart_n
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:43 AM

    *I wouldn’t vote for her as a SF candidate*

    Well not as long as some of the old-hats are still around, anyway.

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    Mute Roland 303
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:19 AM

    Those old hats being the men who fought and opposed the sectarian northern state that the republic washed its hands of?

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    Mute Tír Eoghain Gael
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 3:07 AM

    The old hats who brought Britain to the negotiating table? Who ended the sectarian one-party unionist misrule? Who brought equality to nationalists after generations of second-class citizenship and state oppression? And who started and built a peace-process that is held up as an example around the world? And who put their very lives at risk to do all this? And under whose leadership the party has grown continuously?

    Personally, I’m hoping the old hats hand around for another while yet.

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    Mute art vandelay
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:03 AM

    MILF

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    Mute Jamesy Boy
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:35 AM

    Not even with yours mate.

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    Mute Roland 303
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:00 AM

    I’ve seen her in the local and I would. Without beer goggles :D

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    Mute Aus Tereo
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:47 AM

    Living abroad I can’t believe the love being shown for Sinn Fein at home these days. Even if you ignore their shady past, they don’t have any actual policies other than pandering to the masses and not being Fine Gael/Fine Fail. The amount of people falling for it is crazy.

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    Mute Niallers
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:51 AM

    Who has the policies then?

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    Mute mcbab
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 8:56 AM

    Don’t be fooled Aus. People are not falling for the bull, it’s just that shinners like to shout the loudest. Every bully does.

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    Mute Roland 303
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 10:04 AM

    Seems to be people like MacBab who are shouting loudest here.

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    Mute Pamela Doyle
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 4:58 AM

    I quite like her after tonight’s interview. Definitely someone I’d strongly consider voting for.

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    Mute Jamesy Boy
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:00 AM

    Hope she does get the leadership. Better to keep them all from south of the border.

    It’ll be interesting now to see who else is implicated in the heartless murder of Jean McConville.

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    Mute Roland 303
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:46 AM

    Ding.

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    Mute Roland 303
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:53 AM

    How does Mary Lou being from the south make a difference to a 32 county party Jamesie? On the up and up. Sinn Féin abú :)

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    Mute Jamesy Boy
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:11 PM

    On the up you say? Sure they are hated by most of the Irish people and actually do better in the UK than Ireland, isnt that weird.

    If they are such great freedom fighters of ambassadors for the Irish people then why arent people breaking their necks down there to vote for them?

    In truth they are a shower of murdering bstards, they had members who were active in murder and the members who wernt active in it do all they can to cover it up.

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    Mute Bobby
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:56 PM

    Mary Lou, leader of United Ireland. U.I

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    Mute Roland 303
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 10:07 PM

    Love the profile pic Bobby :)

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    Mute Danny O Riordan
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 4:37 AM

    Something sexy about her

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    Mute Vince O'Shea
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:52 PM

    you’ve had a few

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:38 AM

    Cosy nauseous interview with the deputy leader of the political wing of a murderous terrorist group that destroyed thousands of lives and the international reputation of this country for decades.. Collective amnesia and folksy populist politics is all that is leading to SF’s recent rise in the polls.. surely this country is proud and intelligent enough to seek alternative political solutions elsewhere.

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    Mute Roland 303
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:23 AM

    Nice comment from someone who obviously never lived in the 6 counties in the 60s and 70s and never experienced sectarianism, gerrymandering, job discrimination etc etc etc.

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 3:20 AM

    And that excuses murder and terrorism in the name of the Irish people?.. SF had no mandate in the 60s or 70s for their brutal atrocities, north or south.. Only a deluded pathetic minority of nationalists thought otherwise.. Let’s not give them a mandate now just because they’ve adopted a softened PR-savy approach to politics.

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    Mute M Bowe
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 3:49 AM

    They had a stronger mandate than Pearce, Connelly etc had in 1916. As strong a mandate as Collins, de Valera etc had in 1918. The oppressed people of the 6 counties looked up to them. Hosed feed and protected them. Because those people knew why and what republicans were fighting. To deny this is to deny the reality that they would never have survived or went on to become the elected voice of the nationalist people of the 6 counties.

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    Mute david dickinson
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 4:46 AM

    @Diarmuid
    Sorry, but the Irish peoples International reputation is in a great condition and it is because of their bravery taking on Great Britain.
    Go travel and listen to what people say in praise about the Irish.
    Do you live in a cave?

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    Mute cutsie
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:43 AM

    Look up devaleras starvation orders

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 11:30 AM

    @ M Bowe. Your historical revisionism is breathtaking.. SF in 1918 won 73/105 seats on the island.. At what point did provo SF ever win an equivalent mandate in NI?.. The SDLP had the nationalist mandate for decades up to elections in the 2000s. The provos oppressed the nationalist community themselves, murdering hundreds of Catholic men, women and children.

    I suppose, no point letting historical facts get in the way some armchair republicanism.

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    Mute Jason Lambert
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:28 AM

    To all fellow shinners don’t waste time here defending our party and leadership to a bunch of political trolls who won’t vote SF in a million years, get out behind your local and EU candidates and see the support for SF on the doors and the total contempt for FG/FF/Lab they will get there answer on May 23 Sinn Féin Abu !!

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    Mute Roland 303
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 10:09 AM

    Well said Jason

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    Mute Christopher Gardiner
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:25 AM

    Sinn Fein gets my vote. They know how to stand up to bullies like the hardline unionists in the North. If they can do that then they will have no problem facing down Merkel and Draghi.

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    Mute Aus Tereo
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:42 AM

    So she should be our next Taoiseach because she’s articulate? Hitler was articulate, so was Bernie Madoff. Great aspirations we have.

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    Mute Cal Mooney
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 3:17 AM

    Its true that noone would ever accuse Kenny or Gilmore of being articulate. So what you are really saying is that beware anyone who has a clear message and can stand by it. Some have abused it (like you said Hitler, Bertie etc), but we should tar everyone articulate with the same brush. How about we start burning books written by articulate and capable people…. BLUE SHIRT ALERT …

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    Mute Aus Tereo
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 3:40 AM

    What I’m saying is that being articulate should be the bare minimum for a politician in government. It shouldn’t be used as a reason for someone being a good candidate for Taoiseach! I suppose it’s just a reflection of the utter sh1te we’ve had in government for years now.

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    Mute Cal Mooney
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 4:39 AM

    So what ou are saying is that she is a clear step up from all the leaders we have available and have have had available to us since the 1930′s … or am i missing something?

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    Mute David Dunne
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:45 AM

    Does it not bother you about Labours roots in the IRA, You don’t see Gilmore questioning Sinn Fein on the past. Does it not bother you about Finna Gael’s fascist past, blue shirts fighting along side Franco’s armies. When your ready the 21st century is waiting. Come join the rest of us

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    Mute Con Ó Domhnaill
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:20 AM

    Sorry Mary Lou, won’t be getting my vote – you paid the Bondholder/Property Tax, deserting the people who stood up against Hogan’s disgusting, disgraceful attack on the family home. If you had the courage of your convictions you would have been prepared to go to jail like Margaretta!

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    Mute Were Jammin
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 3:44 AM

    If she failed to pay her homeowner tax, revenue would not have issued her with a tax clearance cert and as a result she would not have been able to represent her constituents in the Dail.

    You know this, right?

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    Mute Brendan Ferron
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 6:54 AM

    You understand withholding the tax was not an option as it was taken by revenue from peoples salaries, that is why the SP campaign was a total, abject failure.

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    Mute CMac59
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:03 PM

    were Jammin Bertie had no current tax clearance for years and Revenue were very deferential to him. All a TD has to say to get such a cert is they are in communication with Revenue and that will suffice.

    Now, try that as a business and you won’t get a tender from any government or public body.

    One rule for them and another for Joe Citizen.

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    Mute cutsie
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:29 AM

    I really like her interfering, honest and strength. I can see her as Taoiseach.

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    Mute Owen Lynch
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:42 AM

    A very able lady by a long the most able of the PAC team.

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    Mute Lm group
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 7:13 AM

    Not a hope, if she keeps with the line that she believes Adams was not in the IRA then she is a fool, Adams won’t go before 2016

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    Mute Tír Eoghain Gael
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:57 AM

    I’d that right? Cos Adams keeps denying it, and he just keeps on topping the poll in any election he stands in. It’s almost as if most people outside of RTÉ don’t give two sh*ts about whether or not he was in the IRA and are more concerned with me pressing issues isn’t it?

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    Mute James Dooley
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 8:24 AM

    When are the people of ireland going to
    Move on out of what the past held & look ahead to the feature if you want to dwindle on past look at your pay slips & see all the extra deductions in it to pay for bankers scams which were backed by FF,FG & labour who paid them back monies they gambled at our expense & crippled the country & let Germany take control of our country

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    Mute Deirdre Doherty
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 10:47 AM

    Anyone here know the history of sin fein before adam and mcguiness. Every party has a past Mary lou and others are its future. At least she saw what was wrong with fina fail and got out early .fiana fail ,fiana gael and labour had their day at least sin fein care about their country remember it’s history and believe in a future for the country north and south
    She could be a great leader for sin fein and the country. And first female teaseach

    27
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    Mute Aging Lothario
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 4:09 AM

    I am no fan of Sinn Fein or Mary Lou, but are the Late Late that hard up for guests, that they have to invite the deputy leader of Sinn Fein or any political party for that matter. Seriously RTE spend a few bleedin quid, and get some decent guests.

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    Mute Cal Mooney
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 4:36 AM

    The audience and the viewer ratings would seem to suggest that it was interesting for them … But hey, i am sure you had other channels to switch to instead of coming on here and bitching about it ?

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    Mute Burnie
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:58 AM

    Wonder if Mary has automatic hand sensor sinks and dryers in the Loo of the McDonald’s household. She should cause they’re handy.

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    Mute Shane Barry
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 11:47 AM

    I’d vote for her

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    Mute Dan Madden
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:44 AM

    She would be a much better leader than Gerry Adams without a doubt,probably still wouldn’t vote Sinn Fein mind you haha

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    Mute Were Jammin
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 3:47 AM

    Dan, laughing at your own post is like patting yourself on the back after you’ve had a w**k.

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    Mute JOHN
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:01 AM

    there can only be one highlander !

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    Mute Paul Roche
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:13 PM

    Perhaps, but how many sequels, never mind a TV spinoff?

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    Mute Niall O Connor
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 4:24 AM

    Personally i think this is great… for sinn fein to be a serious option for government… they need to throw of the handcuffs of the likes of adams and ferris… these peoples past is seriously damaging the party

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    Mute Eugene Walsh
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 2:58 AM

    Oh It’s great to see how the tentacles of even the thought of power start to envelop a politician along with media manipulation and a bit of free makeup and hairdos…
    We’re all here Mary, ready to gobble you up. Now go get yourself a job!!

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    Mute Cal Mooney
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 3:13 AM

    Eugene, i am sure you are normally a literate person and given the time of night (and a few cans of cider thrown in there), when you read your comment tomorrow, you will realize a face-palm is in order…

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    Mute CMac59
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 11:59 AM

    Pearse Doherty is the acceptable face of SF.

    And he is very bright and a great speaker. His budget day analysis in the Dail is a joy to watch.

    Contrast his precis with Joan Burton-Sackel and one see’s that SF need to skip a generation and select Doherty as party leader not Mary Lou. She has lost some of the drive it takes to remain sharp and focused.

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    Mute Vince O'Shea
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:56 PM

    agreed, Doherty without a doubt, but keep Mary by his side, like mother and son.

    Doherty said he’d scrap the property tax too : ) better not fall back on that or it will be the same old lying b@s**** we have voted in.

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    Mute Powerabbey
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 9:55 AM

    Are you guy serious? She is a Lue Laa!

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    Mute Elaine Moriarty
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 5:41 PM

    Love me a bit of Mary-Lou! I like her, shes articulate and certainly feisty most other politicians here seem to have the personality of an armpit! I think shes a breath of fresh air

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    Mute gerry campbell
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 12:16 PM

    That’s. ” noted”

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    Mute Maria Byrne
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:33 AM

    Wasnt it. Strange, I didnt expect anything on it till at least the morning!

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    Mute Vince O'Shea
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 1:49 PM

    you ok?

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    Mute David Clarke
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 5:05 PM

    Was talking to sf td a while back they know it will take maybe three election before they get to power but are very happy with the way things are going the person thinks it will be ff/FG next time round with sf a cross the floor

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    Mute Dermot O'Reilly
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 5:32 PM

    The same lady Mary Lou does not know if Gerry Adams was ever in the IRA!

    Every dog in the streets know the answer!

    Why did she not ask Gerry to tell the truth!

    For a lady who is very articulate and has a Uni degree she is very naive!

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    Mute Eileen Connolly
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    Mar 22nd 2014, 10:07 PM

    And we pay a licence to have this served up to us! Anybody would be better asking the questions than Turbridy……..fawning over Mary Lou

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