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RTÉ’S PRIME TIME programme has been criticised for excluding a number of smaller party candidates from its Meath East by-election debate tonight.
The debates features candidates from the four main parties, Fine Gael, Labour, Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin, but other candidates from smaller parties including the Green Party and the Workers’ Party have been excluded.
RTÉ said that an 11-way debate – featuring all candidates in the by-election- “would clearly have been impossibly unwieldy and have performed no public service at all” and said that “every political analyst agrees” on the four leading candidates in the by-election.
Workers’ Party candidate Seamus McDonagh claimed that Prime Time’s editor was unable to point out any “consistent criteria” by which he had decided to exclude other party candidates.
The left-leaning candidate said he had had hoped to be at least part of the studio audience for the debate and pointed out he had the support of a number of left-wing TDs in the Dáil including Richard Boyd-Barrett, John Halligan, Finian McGrath and Thomas Pringle.
McDonagh said: “Perhaps some reason could be presented to allocate some candidates with more time than others but to not even invite a candidate such as myself, who has the backing of elected national and local representatives, to be part of a studio audience for such a debate is a disgrace.”
The Green Party candidate Seán Ó Buachalla tweeted to say he had also been excluded from the debate:
The Direct Democracy Ireland candidate Ben Gilroy said that he had been ignored by the State broadcaster.
“RTÉ have just basically ignored us completely,” he told TheJournal.ie this evening.
In a statement provided to this website, RTÉ said:
To enable viewers to make sense of the issues in a relatively short debate, we decided to limit it to the four leading candidates. Every political analyst agrees that those four are the candidates of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, Labour and Sinn Fein.We will be mentioning all of the other candidates as well. The Workers’ Party claim about excluding left anti-austerity candidates is not valid because Sinn Fein are taking part.
Fine Gael’s Helen McEntee, Fianna Fáil’s Thomas Byrne, Labour’s Eoin Holmes and Sinn Féin’s Darren O’Rourke are participating in the debate on RTÉ One at 10.35pm.
There are also four non-party candidates running in the Meath East by-election including Charlie Keddy, Jim Tallon, Mick Martin and Gerard O’Brien.
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Why is it been debated on national television…..????
Good point, it’s a by election. Local radio should suffice.
When was the last time there was a by election debate on TV?
Even though it is a by election it is also a litmus test as to the publics current mood with the parties, hence the national significance
If it’s important enough to broadcast it should be more inclusive.
A test on the chosen few.
Well Gilroy ahead of labour and shin fein in the bookies. On the ground labour have conceded defeat not a hope so if you were going on top 4 they still have it wrong
Exactly, waste of money!
No shit….’
The big 4 probably don’t want you to see this !
Solbank,
You aretelling fibs there. Gilroy is not “ahead” of Labour or Sinn Féin in the bookies.
The odds at 23.53 tonight on Paddy Power are:
Fine Gael – 4/6
Fianna Fáil – 11/10
Sinn Féin – 10/1
Labour – 20/1
DDI – 20/1
Well if you are really nuts and want to back the labour candidate you should go to Ladbrokes where they’re 25/1. Still lousy odds, add a couple of zeroes and you have a more realistic reflection of labour’s chances.
Reich
Television
Eireann
As always, puts on a “well balanced debate”
Would of liked to see Ben Gilroy on the debate just to get a closer look at this Direct Democracy Party and see what its about. Then again its RTE and it comes as no surprise.
No bull aside. I too want to listen to what he has to say.
RTE wouldn’t show Ben or the DDI, remember RTE are controlled by the government, DDI are new with excellent ideas and could present a serious challenge to the government in the next election if the words gets out about them!
Do you seriously think FG and/or FF are going to allow that?
RTE are a disgrace.paying a tv licence for propaganda or whatever suits their agenda.what a joke.
So does this mean there are legal grounds to contest the election on the grounds of deception and selective information.
good man mike !
I was only wondering if this was going to end up like “twittergate” at the presidential debate or the taxpayers funds used to fund referendoms.
This is a genuine question.
Is this going to end up creating more problems in the future.
@ mike
Spot on…..there’s definitely legal implications there. Either all candidates should have been interviewed or none,
Mr Clinton
The short legal answer to your question would be in the negative.
Would you care to elaborate on that reply .
Could you please explain your dismissive reply ??.
From the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland’s website.
What can I complain about?
If you see or hear any broadcast which you believe breaches any of the following regulations of Section 48 (1) of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 you can make a formal complaint to a broadcaster following the procedures detailed in their Code of Practice for Complaints Handling: -
a) Fairness, Objectivity & Impartiality
All broadcast news must be presented and reported in an objective and impartial manner and without expression of the broadcasters’ own views.
Current affairs broadcasts, including matters of public controversy or debate, must be treated in a manner ***which is fair to all interests concerned*** and the broadcast must be presented in an objective and impartial manner, without any expression of the broadcasters’ own views.
Two or more related broadcasts may be considered as a whole if they are transmitted within a reasonable period.
Actually mr daly, you may wish it would be in the negative and it would be in your favour to be in the negative but on grounds of discrimination and selective broadcasting the results can be legally challenged.. Unless of course you know different.
Could you please enlighten us.
@Paul Dempsey.
Many thanks for your well researched reply.
Last night’s programme has put any future results of this election (regardless of whom wins) into doubt.
Is that the State broadcaster, Pravda-Eireann? Ooops, Freudian slip there, meant RTE.
Vote anybody but FG/LAB/FF.
So waste your vote on a non-entity?
Stephen there is no such thing as a wasted vote.Not voting when you have the right to vote is a waste though.
Great argument to continue the status quo. Things don’t change sufficiently via parliamentary elections, especially with the conservative and tainted politics we have in this country.
I should probably re-phrase. Voting for one party, not based on their principles or position on issues, but to protest another is a waste. Voting for someone with no hope, but who you agree with, is not a wasted vote.
Voting on a party based on their principles is a wasted vote…at least it was when everyone voted in fg on their principles of change…
I’m glad you rephrased, let me do the same. FG/LAB/FF are all pretty much the same: they’re all part of the problem and none of them can see it, so a vote for any of those is a wasted vote.
Keep eating the daily feed of media propagandist rhetoric so…. Or… Read up and inform yourself and then make an informed choice based on actual facts. But then maybe there’s ‘no hope’ you’d be able to do that too???
to me, the problem isn’t that local, by-election issues may be debated on national television. The problem is, that if this debate is happening , it should include ALL candidates, people are crying out for change, yet our state broadcaster seems to deem it fit to only air the ‘establishment’ parties , something is wrong here
That’s it Chris. It should be all or nothing. Very worrying.
Its RTE- Fox News way to influence the vote.They do it every day on radio and TV.
contact andrew.fleming@rte.ie to complain and demand that Direct Democracy and others are given equal
opportunity and air time. I just did and it feels great!
Correct me if im wrong, but when brian lenahan passed away and there was a by election there was no debate.. Why is this one any different??
Fg think Helen will win this one.
That’s why.
That was because the by-election was the same day as the Presidential Election.
Workers Party tweeting that they are lodging a formal complaint – “#rtept #me13 Workers’ Party will be lodging complaint under Broadcasting Act over failure to provide impartial and fair coverage to McDonagh on RTE Primetime Meath-East debate.”
RTE is Irelands answer to FOX News. The big four changed shape in the premiership over the last few seasons and will do so in our political sphere,I have no doubt , over the next few years.
We know a lot about FG/FF/LAB/SF……why not have the dabate between the rest of the candidates and let us hear their views??!!
Because the rest of the candidates are only on the ballot because someone left a gate open somewhere!
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the reason why Ireland is screwed for the next decade at least. With that attitude to new parties and new policies Ireland will be stuck with Civil War politics for a long time.
Justice for Ben!
Who?
Exactly!!!
Guarantee you Fg and FF will come out top. Cos this country never learns.
I agree. And so does the editor of the Meath Chronicle on Prime Time just now. Sickening and frightening.
you’re right eventhough there are new parties like DDI offering better ideas and putting the irish people first. People are short minded, they are upset now with FG so they will vote FF. That makes great sense because it was FF that put us in this mess!
RTE is just the government’s mouth piece !!!
always has been…
Truthy
Are you suggesting that the inclusion or exclusion of candidates on tonight’s RTE Programme was decided by the Government? You, my dear fellow have a serious issue for which you can receive treatment!
You have a lot to learn sunshine
@ Peter
you’re off your game………………………
What I’ve said for as long as i can remember is that State tv (rte) is a propagandist organization. It is corrupt and the crossover between INM and RTE is sickening.
It doesn’t get much worse then seeing RTE employing staff from INM and rte interviewing Sunday independent or irish independent journalists, i use the word journalist loosely of course.
Peter, are you suggesting that people who question the State and/or affiliates to that State have some form of condition? I believe a similar sentiment was and still is expressed by morally questionable governments when people oppose them. Do you suggest correctional sanitoria to rectify this condition?
Still think our national media are fair and unbiased?
RTE are not allowed to give direct democracy Ireland airtime.
Watch this from 3.11 to 4.59, make up your own mind
FG / LAB / RTE drones just been mobilized with the red thumbs….. Can’t deny the clip and the puppet Smith reaction. Call more drones….
What clip?
Link not working.
Still think Irish Media fair / unbiased? Watch this from 3:11 to approx 4:59 http://youtu.be/Y1-2gQS9Gj8?t=3m13s Make up your own mind.
Yet another Public Disservice Broadcaster interested in maintaining this broken system.
Shame on you Sam Smith.
O’Brien broke him.
RTE are wrong,, i am looking for someone new, someone who will bring change for Ireland,, we have another bunch of muppets , liars and leeches who don’t want change,,, we have thieving bankers who when get to court the most will be fined is 3,500 a judge and lawyer will cost tax payer 10 times that amount, to give them a slap on hand,, we have enda giving himself a pay rise, and austerity to the country,, we have one dept spending 2 million on rent on premises never moved into,, we are a joke with this government who lied there way in,, and we sit and take it,, wish we were more like Cypriots, as we know this household tax will be tripled next year , and upwards it will go year after year,, and nope no new hope left on our tvs which we the tax payer pay for,, oh and that is going up to,, media licence next,,, how many more taxes ,,, on homeowners,, but we are not allowed to see what is going to be in next election,,, don’t think we can keep ff and labor in that long,, as country needs fixing now, find jobs and tax later,,, not vice versa,,
It’s like this, social warfare , government jobs, HSE , Guards, etc are currently paid for by German money. So who do you honestly think is running our country, a school teacher from Mayo with no other qualifications or politicians from Germany. It’s not rocket science !!!!!!!
I have been canvassing for DDI all the week,and have seen all the other parties getting nothing but abuse.They canvass for five minutes,then gone.They have no answers,just the same old waffle.
That is a blatant lie. To say Sinn Féin only canvass for five minutes here and there is totally wrong. Also Sinn Féin have answers that go beyond “change the constitution” crap that DDI spout. And give over winging about the “media are against us”, for years the media were ACTUALLY against Sinn Féin but our policies shone through anyways. If DDI are more than just a bunch of internet hacks that learned how to print election posters, I’m sure you will also be recognised by more than the perpetual “all politicians are gangsters” brigade.
At least ddi don’t have a bloody past to worry about. Their all about honest decent people from what I can see.
Are they really, though?
I think it’s all very handy to spout on about “direct democracy” in the abstract, but what do they plan to do in the here and now? What’s their economic platform? What about criminal justice, health, public services, etc, etc. All tellingly vague, imho.
Now now you can’t bully people towards yr point of view. Attack is not always the best form of defence but may instead reveal the extent to which you in fact feel threatened. Play nice. The shinner old rules of engagement don’t apply anymore
Democracy has died a death tonight….r.i.p. Democracy…P.s. More spin carp. Why is this being debated on national Tele. F.g.that desperate for popularity???
Quite enough for me to have to dispose of all the rubbish coming in through the letterbox (one for each of 6 voters in house) – two lots from FG. If everyone in constituency getting these we do not need to have to listen to them as well.
Democracy has died? Oh Christ if it took this to make you question our form of representation!
When ye put it like that Mary…can only agree
Amateur dramatics alive and well though…
Vote Ben Gilroy and they will have to listen to him and the Irish people
Its an absolute damn disgrace!
Bloody shameful!
Read the following: http://alturl.com/4yfxa
North Korean tv looks up in awe to the antics of RTE.
RTE has always been corrupt, it never challenged section 31, and it is not even hiding the fact that it is a State propaganda station these days.
From listening to people on the ground it’s kind of pointless having a debate as it seems like a lot of people are going to give this vote a miss.
Sick and tired of the lies, the bullshit etc is the phrase that springs to mind actually.
sick and tired of the lies and the bullshit, this is precisely why people should get out and vote, and be given the opportunity to hear all candidates
People have been listening to so much drivel from Leinster House, for years it was the main parties, so there was a move to bring in the independents. One a tax cheat, one corrupt by having points removed from his licence, one arrested for drink driving albeit not charged. All in all it gives the body politic a bad name and genuinely I feel people have just about had their fill as they all seen robe wearing the same hat, just different sizes
Jim bobs don’t believe everything you read eg the lady tested negative spin spin
That will suit the failed politicians just fine Jimbohs – not voting is an acceptance of their policies, lies and corruption, not to mention the FG cynicism in going over the heads of long standing party hacks in search of the sympathy vote.
Vote Direct Democracy Ireland for a new way of doing things with guaranteed accountability eventually being restored to the constitution. It’s in your hands!!!
I’m glad Direct Democracy Ireland have been set up – I always felt we were lacking a Monster Raving Looney Party in Ireland.
So Paul – you are happy to vote once every five years – then observe the extended middle finger until the next election?
And you think that Ben Gilroy would not vote whatever he wants, if he gets voted in. That seems a bit delusional if you ask me. Will Meath east be going down to Ben Gilroy’s offices on a weekly basis to vote so he can decide how he is going to vote??? That certainly would not be democracy in action. Where is the politics, where is the compromise? Where are the minorities? What you are advocating is mob rule.
Paul – spare us your worries for the minorities – I’m sure you know how it works. I’d say the minority you are worried about is the beneficiaries of our corrupt political system.
Would somone mind pointing out who is behind direct democracy Ireland??Their leaders,and movers and shakers…Their website is abit sparse on this pertinent info???
The other system is working great eh !.
Ben Gilroy and Ray Whitehead as far as I know ring the number or send an email there are meetings in every county big numbers and regular meetings, if your interested.
That’s only the generic propaganda slant you were fed via the media,(swallowed whole obviously). The reality and sins of the ‘unexposed’ would really shake your world so…
God help us all
Just people.. People interested in some form of democratic, accountable, transparent and honest governance of our system. Not a political party so much as a movement of ordinary citizens who genuinely care about what the hell is happening to us and want some say in it. And no, I’m not a hippie, leftie, disguised right winger, weirdo, drug user etc etc etc. I’m an ordinary normal good citizen who tries my best in the face of evidence that makes me want to just give in, and I hope that my little effort towards true democracy will somehow make some little difference. Why is anyone not part of the ‘established parties’ treated with such disdain and suspicion? What have the ‘established parties’ done for us?? Really.. What exactly??
Kevin – what we have is “Representative Democracy” which was invented to save everyone from having to vote on every single issue. Unfortunately it is not representing us, and due to the party whip system it is not democratic. Modern technology would simplify participation in decisions. With the principle aim of DDI – the restoration of article 47 from our original constitution – illegally removed by our “representatives” back in place – there would be a safeguard preventing our politicians from ignoring the wishes of the electorate except for one day every five years. If you are happy with the way you are being represented then fair enough. I have witnessed some of our government politicians at close hand recently, and they are intoxicated with power and blissfully unaware and unconcerned with the difficulties their failed policies have placed their electorate in. (despite what they might pretend until Wednesday) If the bookies have called it right Ms McEntee will be elected on Thursday – will be banished to the back benches, and Enda’s welcome speech will claim support from the “peeple” for their policies of ruin.
But Kevin … it’s nice to be able to say I backed the winner, or is it?
Spot on Noel……..
in order for us people to take the power back from the civil servants and politicians we need true democracy which is direct democracy whereby we the people get to vote on every issue…
According to RTE every political analyst has agreed to limit the debate to these four. Really? Have they actually asked them all? What a feat. Your man in North Korea must be seething with envy.
I see the ol’ G.B.C. (government broadcasting corporation) are up to their usual tricks. A propaganda tool for FFG, nothing more.
Yes. That’s why SF and Labour are there
Labour are propping up the government, and we’ll let the viewers draw their own conclusions about Kenny constantly cutting over the SF guy.
Maybe RTE are still reeling from the bashing they got from the fallout from the presidential debate… Not to mention the legal challenge fro Mr Gallagher?
To have done this proper RTE should have had two shows over two days to let all candidates have a say or have no candidate on tv.
Typical RTE picking and choosing again to fit there screens the people’s station that’s a joke.
Would have been some long debate.
But democractic
Rte must have had nothing to repeat …. should have stuck on father ted for ratings …..i
Exactly Dave! That’s what it’s about, ratings/advertising revenue. Current affairs or news is only entertainment, sick entertainment, these days.
Oh maybe RTÉ will have another debate, a post-debate for the other candidates on friday maybe, on the Late Late maybe. Well, maybe not, that wouldn’t attract advertising. ;-)
RTÉ are a waste of money.
Remember the time when the Workers’ Party had friends in RTE. Well it was before my time but funny to see how things change over the course of 30-40 years.
RTE are just puppet station to the their paymasters. Not surprised. Any real change is curtailed by subtle biased opinions against the common man. Period. Time to take this ship left wing. Benny G has my vote.
@ Declan. You are having a laugh asking people to vote FF……best laugh I had today….
Eoghan, FF are leading the way with constructive opposition instead of cheap popularism. Other parties can promise the sun,moon and the stars as they know they will not have the chance to deliver on it. Thomas Byrne is a hard worker for his constituents and got his party nomination on merit and not on family connections. If people want real change theyy should vote for Thomas Byrne,
Change back to the policies which brought the country to ruin when FF were last in power?
Thomas Byrne didn’t get it on family connections and his family full of FF’s leading members for nearly 30 years.
As for his nomination via one man, one vote. Secret ballot how are you. If that is the new style of FF nomination then it doesn’t seem to be much of an improvement on the old ways.
By a quick glance at the responses by thumbs up or down its kinda speaks for itself doesn’t it? About 5% agree with you. Not great level of support is it?
Its clearly shows that our national broadcaster has vested interests in the main 4 political parties. Enough said.
What harm does a debate do? Surely it’s healthy in a Democracy to bring the candidates to as wide an audience as possible? In fairness to RTE, if you watched any of the Republican primary debates in the states where there were multiple candidates, you’d understand why they culled the non-runners. Practicalities have to have some role. Cue the DDI lackies…
“Surely it’s healthy in a Democracy to bring the candidates to as wide an audience as possible? ”
In a healthy democracy you would bring ALL of the candidates to as wide an audience as possible. As your party have demonstrated, this is not a healthy democracy.
So Johnny Nutcase who believes that the moon is made of cheese….he gets on, does he? Cause that’s not impractical. Demonstrative of your entire approach to politics & economics. Full of fervour. Totally devoid of realism.
“What harm does a debate do? Surely it’s healthy in a Democracy to bring the candidates to as wide an audience as possible?”
As long as it doesn’t threaten the establishment parties by giving airtime to ALL the candidates eh Kevin? I’m not a DDI lackey but I find your comment to be that of a brainwashed imbecile.
“So Johnny Nutcase who believes that the moon is made of cheese….he gets on, does he? ”
Yes, and he gets obliterated at the polls, and the people get the chance to say “thank fcuk I didn’t vote for that eejit who thinks the moon is made of cheese”
see how it works in a healthy democracy ‘kevin’
Kevin is right – Ben Gilroy is a ‘Johnny Nutcase’ – he knows very little of the law – and gives people false hope. His arguments have never succeeded in court – and not because of any conspiracy theory, but because its mumbo jumbo and as devoid from the law as you can get. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. And Ben Gilroy and his little knowledge are indeed dangerous for the people that are turning to them for answers.
Jammin- that’s all well & good except him getting his 5 minutes of fame stops real issues getting covered. This is an old boring debate. It comes up at every GE with the leaders debates, not just in Ireland but also the UK, the US & every other Democracy.
@ Paul O’Grady
Ben Gilroy shouted down a civil servant at a gate using mumbo jumbo – a lot of which is actually wrong (his interpretation of the common law, the constitution, the office of the county registrar. What Ben Gilroy and co don’t show you is what happened the week later when the sherif didn’t bottle it, came back and served the order, and repossessed the house. So save your applause until you know the full story – as opposed to Ben Gilroy’s inaccurate you tube clip.
@ Paul O’Grady
Yes, the court representative had to go away with his tail between his legs because he hadn’t via the court followed the proper legal procedures.
he was forced to return later having THEN done so.
Ben Gilroy with the supposedly little knowledge he had (as you made out) still managed to be VERY effective where I suspect most of the nation would have failed to even put up a good legal argument!
Good for Ben.
Watch the video available for yourselves folks and then decide – don’t trust my or Paul O’Grady opinion – decide for yourselves after viewing the evidence.
“It comes up at every GE with the leaders debates,”
Exactly, GENERAL elections, not local elections. This debate was only broadcast tonight as a promotion tool for a FG candidate who is only known for being the daughter of the previous FG candidate. I’m not saying shes not a good person or a possible future candidate, but FGs cynicism in running her at this time stinks of desperation.
Jammin- 4 candidates on RTE tonight. Not 1. Two of whom have much lower profiles than the FG candidate. So why give them airtime & exposure? She didn’t need extra air time given the circumstances. So how can it possibly be construed as an FG promo vehicle? They had so much more to gain than she did as the front runner. As usual, your argument doesn’t even make sense
LMAO You’ll have to do better than just countering with a blank insult Kevin. At least I gave a valid reason WHY you’re an imbecile.
Because voters will back the known rather than the unknown entity. RTE used licence payers money tonight to give exposure to the FG candidate in 30 mins which would have taken years of other candidates actually helping members of the constituency.
@biggins
100% untrue – nothing changed legally between the first and second visits, main thing was that there wasn’t a crowd there with the chance of things getting ugly. Nothing that was said did anything to change the outcome.
I personally would’ve liked to see Gilroy get his chance on PT, along with the Workers and the Greens – I can’t help the feeling that the bould Ben is nothing but a snake oil salesman, particularly would like an explanation of his party’s ethos beyond the superficial talk of direct democracy … and an explanation of his/DDI’s apparent links with UKIP.
Maybe he could prove me wrong, but I’d like to see him facing up to hard questioning.
Paul what exactly is your authority to claim Ben gilroy was speaking ” mumbo jumbo “. The fact that u use that word clearly demonstrates your inability to process the verbal information protrayed .
If u vote for FG, FF or Labour it’s a vote for austerity – and shame on u people if u do- time after time people come on here from everywhere giving out about this government – now is ur time, the first time to really hurt them
FG and labour lied to everybody, told us one thing to get elected, and heaped austerity on us and blamed Ff and IMF, this is ur time to strike a blow for ordinary decent people , carers allowance workers who were cut, frontline workers 24/7 – FF the 2008 bank garuntee will be shown in time as being one of the biggest scandals of all time- FF coming back in the poles are u people mad- M. Martin was part of the government that caused this problem- he will tell u that he will stop the household charge till ” the country can afford it” we seemed fine without it for 91 years it should be scrapped completely- so people voting in the by election this is ur time to strike back-if u don’t , don’t come back on here giving out about this government -Hang ur heads in Shame
LMFM radio gave ALL the candidates a chance on a 90 minute live show on Monday morning, no problems for the so why not RTE.
Green Party ha ha ha ha will they ever buck off. Bunch of bucking wasters …….
All the FG/LAB /FF are texting like mad tonight , @ Brian Daly u must have had your head stuck in the sand the last time there was an election won on the government tv and we ending up with M D Higgins .
The reason for the national debate is because this will have a huge implication on the current government if FG or Lab don’t win. I think it is a disgrace that the others were not invited to partake. Either all or nothing. The Greens, WP, Dom Lft and the new party fronted by Bill Gilroy should have been invited. I think RTE got this so wrong as the word on the ground in Meath is Gilroy will win.
In case people care, here is what the other candidates would have said:
Ben Gilroy: blah blah blah constitution blah blah referendum blah blah Im not a politician blah blah people power
Seamus McDonagh: Im the only left wing candidate in the election, even though my party are borderline Stalinists, we got into bed with the Trots because we hate Sinn Féin.
Sean O Buachalla: Eh eh, we may have been involved with Fianna Fail, in the past but we are fully fledged pinkos again.
Charlie Keddy: I want to be elected, but I would rather not canvass.
The rest: snorefest.
Helen said I want to be my own person but Daddy daddy pyrite pyrite roads…..
“Own Homes” said I will give labour a stronger voice in government (if you haven’t noticed…was it three so far over the side?)
“it’s better with byrne” says he promotes amnesia and forgiveness
I forget what the shinner said because Pat Kenny was interrupting him
but I’m sure democracy was served well…..
. Voting for well meaning candidates to enter broken political system, a system that FG promised time and time again to repair, Even look at the independants? They too have failed to change it. I am giving my vote to Ben Gilroy DDI. It’s time for change.
Is it to show the public revolting at labour and fg, they do anything to ruse up a story.it will give joe something to talk about tomorrow .
Really interesting to read all your comments in the context of the article. Many comments/thumbs, including the obviously Establishment-party-orchestrated ones, are clear indications of why the Establishment Parties and Media hate the “evil internetz”: they can’t control it. They can’t censor it, no matter how many hacks they convince/hire to thumb or text/tweet/phone radio and TV shows. This is also why it is interesting to see @BenGilroy gaining momentum (albeit mostly online) with DDI; it is a VERY different approach to politics and allows the PEOPLE to sack him if he reneges on his promises. Thanks, all contributors, for the read.
They had the same number of candidates on Vincent Browne a couple of weeks ago….. Don’t see what all the fuss is about….
Vincent had all the candidates on over two nights.
Yes indeed vote for FF and get change? FF that left the country on it’s knees, people considering voting FF back should remember that when they had all the money in the world at their disposal they still could not provide us with a:
Functioning Health Service.
Childrens hospital
Adequate Mental health services
Proper childcare services for working parents
All they did was throw money at the problems, money that is being clawed back
So they could do nothing with money – and think they can without it lol.
Paul & Kevin neither of you seem to have a profile pic – would this be suitable????
http://riverisland.scene7.com/is/image/RiverIsland/629407_main?$hero$
Vote for Thomas Byrne on Wednesday and send the message that people are sick and tired of broken promises from this Government. With Fianna Fail you get what you see,constructive opposition and clear and real alternatives.
Best laugh I’ve had all evening
Thomas Byrne? You must be mad!
I’m sorry Declan.. were you abducted by aliens circa 2007 and only returned yesterday? I heard his debate interview, same auld twang.
Haha good man deco gas man
Thomas Byrne is probably the most abrasive and arrogant man that has run in Meath for the last 30 years. His vote in his own locality is always low. An electable politician has to be able to hide his feelings. Thomas forgets that people who are just taxi drivers, or farmers or shop keepers have votes as well.
So what I read from this is Rte are don’t want to paint the full picture, people want some kind of change, and there are one or two people who are fine with how the main political parties have screwed up and somehow discrediting others even if not suitable is justified. Thank the lord for that middle group.
Rte did not want Direct Democracy to get a say.
We are supposed to live in a democracy… But it is an engineered one….disgraceful that not all the candidates are to take part… I hope the people of Meath east make their feelings known on voting day..
Bringing a bit of humour into it……….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGcrX457a74&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Rte your a disgrace govt run media outlet I sometimes think I’m in a communist country. Give all candidates a shot. Best response is not pay the licence fee.
RTE took their eye off the ball on Saturday afternoon when the film shown was “The Hanging Tree”.
Did it slip through the net or was it someone’s black sense of humour?
The media are just doing what they always do, parleying with the those institutions who have the basis of power and the majority of the electorates past favour. The outsiders will always have much more to prove. No amount of DD will overcome the real difficulties this country has – doesn’t even scratch the surface. What’s never mention is California who introduced DD which nearly bankrupt the State. New systems will never resolve our economic problems, good policy, good direction and quality leadership will.
have your say