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Glossary: Some of the terms you'll hear during the Papal election

Because of the Ingravescentem aetatem, not all of the College of Cardinals get to fill the Petrine ministry. Didn’t you know?

THE UNEXPECTED RESIGNATION of Pope Benedict XVI – an event without precedent in modern history – means the world will be exposed to a larger-than-expected amount of canonical recitation in the coming weeks.

To help readers through the minefield of church language, we’ve put together this quick glossary of some of the more unusual terms you may hear.

Bishop of Rome – The first of the pope’s actual titles. St Peter, the ‘prince’ of Jesus’ apostles, is thought to have travelled to Rome after the death of Jesus and turned that city into the head of the church. He became the Bishop of Rome and the first Pope – giving rise to the notion of the Catholic Church being the Roman Catholic Church.

Petrine ministry – The informally official title given to the actual task of the Pope: keeping up the ministry of St Peter. This is because Peter was said to have been given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. These overlapping keys are regularly seen on Catholic insignia.

Holy See – The official name given to the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Church. This is separate from Vatican City, which is a separate sovereign state but which submits its entire governance to the Holy See itself, which also enjoys international recognition as a separate sovereign entity. It is the Holy See which appoints ambassadors (or in church language, a ‘Papal nuncio’) to other countries, and ambassadors are appointed to the Holy See rather than the Vatican. Therefore it is the Holy See which is recognised by the UN rather than the Vatican. It is possible in this sense to think of the Vatican as the capital city of the Holy See.

Sede vacante - The formal title (from the Latin, literally meaning ‘vacant seat’) for the period in which the Papacy is vacant. The next period of sede vacante begins at 8pm Roman time on February 28. During this period, the powers of the papacy are transferred to the College of Cardinals – though a constitution written by John Paul II dictates that the powers are massively weakened during such times – the idea being that the cardinals can exercise only enough power to ensure the continued operation of church organs, but not enough power to make executive decisions.

Universi Dominici Gregis - The name of the document written by John Paul II. It acts as a sort of constitution and outlines the procedures to be followed in the appointment of a new pope.

Camerlengo – A Cardinal who acts as the administrator of the property and finances of the Holy See. During a sede vacante, the Camerlengo acts as the acting head of state of Vatican City (while the College of Cardinals accepts the power of the Holy See). Their best-known role is to verify the death of a pope by tapping them on the forehead three times with a silver hammer and asking them if they are merely sleeping.

Ring of the Fisherman – A ring worn by the pope and used to seal official documents issued in his name. This is ceremonially cut open by the Camerlengo in cases where the previous pope has died (or, in this case, resigned), to ensure that it cannot be used to issue forged documents.

College of Cardinals – The full group of Catholic cardinals.  Cardinals occupy the rank above a bishop in Church hierarchy. If one thinks of the pope as being a ‘king’, a cardinal is a ‘prince’.

Sistine Chapel – The venue for meetings of the College of Cardinals. Usually known because of Michaelangelo’s legendary work painting its ceiling.

Conclave – The meeting held by the College of Cardinals where they are locked away, literally, to decide who should be the next pope. This ends with the emission of white smoke from the chapel of the Sistine Chapel, where they vote: the ballot papers are burned to produce white smoke, signalling an affirmative decision to pick a new pope.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone is the current Camerlengo, and will be the acting head of state of the Vatican City when Pope Benedict XVI steps down. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)

Cardinal deacon – Unusually, though they are the lowest-ranking of the cardinals, it is the cardinal deacons who have the main role in arranging the mechanics of a papal election. Cardinal deacons assume the rank of cardinal by virtue of holding offices in certain designated churches in Rome. The most senior cardinal deacon – the one who has held their job the longest – is the Cardinal Protodeacon, the man given the honour of announcing the new pope’s election and who is also responsible for formally presenting the pope with his pallium (cloak) and the papal tiara, an official ‘crown’ which the last three popes have opted against receiving.

Ingravescentem aetatem - A publication written by the former Pope Paul VI which governs the maximum age of a papal elector. It dictates that at the age of 80, a cardinal loses their right to elect a pope, and also to be a member of a department of the Roman Curia.

Habemus papam – The informal title for the announcement made when the identify of the new Pope is announced. This announcement, carried out by the Cardinal Protodeacon, is made from the steps of…

St Peter’s Basilica – …the main cathedral within the Vatican, and the site of all of its major events. It is not officially the seat of the Bishop of Rome – that is actually a separate Archbasilica outside the territory of the Vatican – but all major Catholic events, such as the inaugurations of new Popes and the funerals of previous ones, are held there. It is thought that the remains of St Peter himself are buried in the crypt of the basilica; deceased pontiffs are now also buried there.

Roman Curia – The administrative arm of the Holy See. It can be thought of as the equivalent to a government: the Roman Curia is to the Holy See as the Irish Government is to Ireland.

Papal states – The collection of small areas, now part of modern-day Italy, which used to come under the direct political control of the Pope. Italy was unified as a single nation in 1870, with Rome as its capital, thereby stripping the Pope of any land to govern – effectively a Head of State (of the Holy See) without any territory (except St Peter’s Basilica or the apostolic palace) to govern. After this, various Popes considered themselves ‘Prisoners in the Vatican’, and refused to leave the basilica or the palace for fear that the territory would be taken over by the Italian military. This was brought to an end by the…

Lateran Treaty – A deal signed between Benito Mussolini’s Italy and the Holy See of Pope Pius XI. This formally created the Vatican City as a separate state to Italy and entrenched the ability of the Pope to leave the Vatican’s territory without the fear of having it subsumed into Italy in his absence.

Urbi et Orbi – A phrase meaning ‘To the city and to the world’, with Rome being the ‘city’ in this case. This is the name given to speeches made by the Pope to the world’s Catholics, traditionally at Christmas and Easter. An Urbi et Orbi message is also made on the occasion of a new pope’s election.

Read: Pope Benedict resigns, cites ‘advanced age’ and deteriorating health

Plus: Reactions from Irish primates Diarmuid Martin and Seán Brady

Reaction: Incredulity, shock and humility – The world reacts to Pope Benedict’s resignation

Explainers: Do popes resign? and How is a new Pope chosen?

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48 Comments
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    Mute jim ahh jim ahh jim
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 8:10 AM

    Sinn Feins recent move to the moral high ground in all events is amusing.

    Poacher wearing gamekeepers clothes, but still a poacher !

    113
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    Mute DaffodilDaze
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 9:23 AM

    Lol. I remember being called a fuc&ing marxist in the 80′s by a FG TD, when I spoke out for abortion laws that reflected certain realities like the X case. Like most SF’ers I’m not in favour of on demand abortion, though quite a vocal and large group in the party are. The party position has been the same for a very long time and it is just as divisive internally as it is in wider society.

    On a lighter note I was stopped twice on the drive home from the meeting by the Guards, the same Guards and the car searched both times. One of them as much as apologized for it but I guess you can’t have reckless radicals trying to damage FG’s church based voter base.

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    Mute Kevin Smyth
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 9:35 AM

    I find it hard to take Sinn Fein seriously, as a ‘legitimate political party’, BUT, I’m still waiting on FG and Labour to prove that my view of all parties, as showers of power-hungry and greedy gombeen gangsters is ill founded. Please prove me wrong Inda/ Eamo!

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    Mute Cal1 Mooney
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 10:02 AM

    Kevin, I am afraid you will be waiting a long time for FFG/Labour to do the right thing… Don’t hold your breath.

    39
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    Mute DaffodilDaze
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 10:05 AM

    Kevin. Why would FG start doing the right thing at this stage. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

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    Mute Kevin Smyth
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 10:37 AM

    At the risk of anyone taking me up the wrong way, I’m no FG supporter and I’m disillusioned with the labour party these days. However, in the interests of this country, I would like to see them get their collective act together. Otherwise we might see FF back in power. One cannot underestimate the general public.

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    Mute Richard Lennon
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 11:51 AM

    #Gary Fitzgerald,well done Gary your living the dream.Have a pint on me.

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    Mute Ireland for Change
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 8:23 AM

    Sinn Fein bashing once again. About the only ones calling for the government to be held responsible for their suppressive actions.

    110
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    Mute Richard Lennon
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 8:39 AM

    The sooner Sinn Fein are runing the country the better and then the green shoots of recovery will begin.

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    Mute Declan Cotter
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 9:43 AM

    Complete insanity!!!

    28
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    Mute Ryan oneill
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 9:48 AM

    Insanity is paying bondholders billions that we don’t need to. BILLIONS more will follow, 16.9bn payment in march is it?! This is what’s crippling the country and will ultimately be FG downfall esp since there will never be a deal on bank debt. BILLIONS! That’s lots of 00000000000000000000000′s

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    Mute DaffodilDaze
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 9:55 AM

    Ryan. Don’t forget to remember that brutal John Bruton called for the Irish people to forgive the bankers and politicians for their crimes and sins, before anyone is held to account or made even pay a token punishment. John will be getting a lot of hampers from failed and crooked bankers and politicians this year. The likes of him really believe that their little golden circle is all that matters and that the rest of us should happily sacrifice our futures to protect them. John will get his big pay cheques and next big job irregardless, he doesn’t have to be a knob about it though.

    36
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    Mute Ryan oneill
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 10:09 AM

    Agree daffodil all the while sending us postcards from Europe. The dirt goes deeper with fine geal all the way on the gravey train to Europe selling us out to bankers as they go. This will not end up good

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    Mute Patrick Lyons
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 11:36 AM

    ‘Shoots’ good choice of word.

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    Mute Eoin Ó Nialláin
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 9:18 AM

    Have to say I agree with Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin here. This smacks of the typical kite flying this Government seem addicted to doing. Pathetic! It’s time to publish the full report so the people can make their minds up on the issue.

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    Mute Jim Devance
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 9:33 AM

    It’s slightly worrying that Sinn Fein are the only party that are handling this correctly.

    As much as it pains me to consider them, all other parties have let me down consistently in the past few years. Right now I would be compelled to vote for them if there was an election in the morning.

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    Mute snooch
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 9:36 AM

    It’s easy to be seen to handle something correctly when your actions/words have no impact whatsoever on the situation.

    48
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    Mute DaffodilDaze
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 9:36 AM

    It is worrying that people still consider FF/FG to be viable options given their consistent failures and corruption over 90 years.

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    Mute DaffodilDaze
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 9:43 AM

    Just because you are not in power does not mean you can not influence the debate. Look at the amount of councils across the country that have passed SF motions backing the right to Gay marriage. That changes public awareness, develops support for a position. Belfast, Dublin and Cork all backed it, all to massive news coverage and public awareness.

    Just because you are not in the driving seat doesn’t mean that you can make a difference, just get off your bum and get stuck in for what you believe in.

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    Mute snooch
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 9:50 AM

    Is it influencing things in a real way thigh or just providing populist soundbites on contentious issues? Genuine question.

    I do feel that if abortion wasn’t so topical these days all we would hear the SF hierarchy banging on about is through terrible awful atrocity that was the ruling before the children’s referendum.

    Of course there’s a need for opposition, but only when viable real alternatives are proposed and not just nit picking the issues of the week.

    SF are essentially waiting for FG to f*ck up as opposed to proposing real alternatives. (ps I don’t see the alternative budget as a real alternative)

    19
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    Mute M Bowe
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 9:52 AM

    And it is up to the electorate to put some effect behind those words. The crowd in governent now have shown umpteen times their words mean nothing.

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    Mute snooch
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 9:55 AM

    I completely agree M, I just really don’t see alternatives. Honesty from all corners would go a very long way

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    Mute DaffodilDaze
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 10:00 AM

    They were calling for things like this when it wasn’t popular, quiet the opposite in fact. They were out protesting in the 60′s against the Chattel law, where women were viewed legally as the property of their husbands, from every pulpit they condemned, called enemies of God and the family by FG and FF.

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    Mute snooch
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 10:08 AM

    I’m aware of that daffodil. I have a couple of mates in ogra an have seen them regularly over the years protesting about abortion. That was just an example I used that I hoped would show the lack of innovation at the moment from the opposition (not just SF). It’s the whole system, it’s set up to promote bickering and nit picking without innovation or alternatives

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    Mute DaffodilDaze
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 10:19 AM

    There are many in SF that want abortion on demand, ie widely available, they are still in the minority in SF. Most people in the party though are in favour of relaxing the law, clearing it for issues around the X case. SF have had the same position on this for a very long time, the party called for X case judgement to be legislated for in 92.

    Certainly the Leinster hse system needs to be radically overhauled, made more transparent and where opposition members have powers and responsibility that they are accountable for, but can make a positive impact as well. Govt.’s here are obsessed with centralizing and controlling more power. That leads to ossification of Govt.

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    Mute Alan Kenny
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 10:21 AM

    I agree, the other lot or toss pots had their chance, I’m not SF fan at all but, what’s the worst they can do :(

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    Mute michael o'toole
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 1:12 PM

    @ DaffodilDaze:
    ” It is worrying that people still consider FF/FG to be viable options ….”

    did you forget Labour ?

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    Mute Andrew Corcoran
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 9:26 AM

    FF, FG and Lab. 90 years running (should that be ruining) the country and they still can’t get it right

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    Mute Kevin Smyth
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 9:40 AM

    Yes, but are they really ‘trying’ to get it right? I think not. Nice house, pension/s and your face on the Telly! Government jets, limos and fancy hotels. It’s tough going for these empty vessels who lack any ideas or imagination. Just going through the motions hoping the economy can sort itself out. Thinkings hard.

    36
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    Mute Noel Burke
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 10:31 AM

    I am not very happy with myself now for being one of the people, who actually voted for this new style Government , a Government that promised to be different, they were going to show leadership. Why are they dragging their feet on this issue, just deal with it. We the voting public made a decision 20 years ago and still the matter hasn’t been deal with.Hope the Government are not using this unfortunate case to keep the public’s foscus away from this upcoming budget. nb

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    Mute SunnyDayToday
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 8:49 AM

    It is disgraceful, how is it not??

    39
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    Mute werejammin
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 10:25 AM

    Kite flying a report that was used as an excuse to vote against legislating for the x case back in april, legislation that the supreme court directed should have been brought in 20 years ago. These guys have been cute hoor politicians for so long that they’re no longer capable of realising how cretinous and low this looks.

    37
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    Mute Emily Elephant
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 11:53 AM

    The Supreme Court didn’t say that. It said that it was not illegal for a woman to have an abortion if her life was in danger, including from suicide. It does not need to be legislated.

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    Mute Charly Julienne
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 10:25 AM

    What was the reason given for not publishing the report as soon as it was received?

    25
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    Mute Richard Lennon
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 10:58 AM

    Just taking a break from work to tell ye all that I will be voting for Sinn Fein from now on,FF,FG and Labour are useless.

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    Mute Garry Fitzgerald
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 11:08 AM

    Good man Richard. They’ll be able to give you a couple of voting cards in the bar where you work at the next election but register anyone because that will give you one more.

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    Mute Garry Fitzgerald
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 10:39 AM

    How many of you Sinn Feinn folk are holding down jobs and posting while at work or are you all on Social Welfare?

    19
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    Mute Kerry Blake
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 10:46 AM

    I’m not a SF supporter Garry but I just have to ask are you posting from work?

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    Mute Seán Ó Briain
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 10:47 AM

    Ah yes – because ad hominem attacks on the electorate is the basis for an intelligent discussion. Do you have anything of substance to add to the conversation?

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    Mute norman hunter
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 10:47 AM

    @Garry could ask you the same question,but seeing as it’s none of my business i don’t want to know.I assume you are familiar with the concept of “breaks” and shiftwork.

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    Mute Ryan oneill
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 10:48 AM

    ^^^^^
    There’s the problem with the country. Party before people. I presume you posted that from your constituency office!

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    Mute DaffodilDaze
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 10:52 AM

    Garry. I’m reaching out across the web to give you a bear hug. Stop being such an angry old goat, you’ll give your self a stroke.

    19
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    Mute Garry Fitzgerald
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 11:01 AM

    I’m sitting here in the Isle of Mann having a morning coffee overlooking the sea and a golf course. My total tax rate is twenty per cent and of course the Health Service is free. Now what was that you were saying about hugs and work breaks and Sinn Fein?

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    Mute DaffodilDaze
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 11:13 AM

    Gary, You really are a bitter, angry man. Look at that Sunshine, your imaginary golf course in the Isle of Man and thank God for a new day and a fresh start.

    17
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    Mute snooch
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 12:41 PM

    ah Gary do you not know that most of the commenters here are ‘not SF supporters but will give them a chance in the next election’

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    Mute ITS Student
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 9:49 PM

    That is their democratic right Snooch – people are entitled to vote for whoever they want. You on the other hand are a dictator.

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    Mute Sean McNally
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    Nov 23rd 2012, 11:20 PM

    But I thought SF weren’t into the ‘politics of condemnation’?

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