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NUI Seanad Candidates' Include Secret FFers, FGers, et al

category national | politics / elections | opinion/analysis author Saturday March 05, 2011 13:52author by Graduate Report this post to the editors

Party Loyalty Unmasked - Be Aware of FF con-job before voting

FF, FG, Labour, ex-PDs, and other shades of establishement opinion are putting themselves forward as 'independents' in the upcoming election to Seanad Éireann. The mask of 'disability campaigner' or 'human rights advocate' is unfortunately the last refuge of some of them. This is most obvious on the university constituencies. Here I have outlined the party loyalties of some of them.

It's important that those few who do have a vote in these elections don't get conned into casting a vote for a party they do not support. Ballots are posted to registered graduates on 21 March and must be returned by 27 April.

Here are the canddiates for the National University of Ireland constituency:
CANNING, Thomas Paul Gabriel, Civil Engineer
COWLEY, Matthias Walter, Teacher
COYLE, James, Chartered Accountant
CROWN, John, Consultant Doctor
DOORLEY, James, Deputy CEO
HEALY, Paddy, Former President, Teachers Union of Ireland
KELLEHER, Declan, Principal Teacher
KENNEDY, John Paul Alexander, Software Engineer
KEOGH, Helen, Chief Executive World Vision Ireland, Chairperson of Dóchas
LANGAN, Mick, Tourism Promoter, Guide and Photographer
LYNAM, Paul, Higher Education Representative
MCCURTIN, David Thomas , Primary School Teacher
MOLLOY, Michael Sean “Mick”, Medical Doctor
MOONEY, Peter, Freelance Radio Producer
MULLEN, Rónán, Senator and Lecturer
Ó BROIN, Eoin, Policy Analyst
O BROLCHÁIN, Niall, Senator
Ó CADHLA, Diarmaid Seán, Fear Gnó
O’CONNELL, Donncha, Lecturer
O’CONNOR, Regina Mary, Political and Legal Advisor, European Parliament
O’DONNELL, Francis Martin, Diplomat, Retired UN Representative
O’DONOGHUE, James, Scientist
O’SHEA FARREN, Linda, Solicitor, Disability Rights Advocate and Member-Nominated Independent Director of EBS
O’SULLIVAN, Bernadine, Teacher and Pensions Campaigner
PRICE, Brendan Mary, Biologist, Director, Irish Seal Sanctuary
QUINN, Feargal, Senator
SULLIVAN, Daniel Kevin, Software Professional

Here are the fruits of my research into their party backgrounds. If you find out more please add a comment:

Fianna Fáil:
Paul Lynam (Former FF SU officer in UCD)
Regina O'Connor (member of FF staff in European parliament)

Fine Gael:
John Kennedy (couldn't secure FG nomination to Dáil election in Dublin South)
Daniel Sullivan
Helen Keogh (former PD and FG senator)

Labour:
James Doorley

Sinn Féin:
Eoin Ó Broin

Green Party:
Niall Ó Brolacháin (outgoing Senator from FF/Green govt)

United Left Alliance:
Paddy Healy (former TUI president)

member of "People's Convention" party:
Diarmaid Ó Cadhla

author by Daniel Sullivanpublication date Mon Mar 07, 2011 17:13author email danielsullivan.ie at gmail dot comauthor address 6783981author phone 387Report this post to the editors

Pretty sure that anyone voting who bothers to look at all will notice that I'm a member of Fine Gael.

author by Cynicalpublication date Mon Mar 07, 2011 17:19author address author phone Report this post to the editors

That list of unknown and unelected people is good reason in itself to get rid of the Seanad.
.

author by Very Clever Person.publication date Mon Mar 07, 2011 17:46author address author phone Report this post to the editors

I agree with Cynical.

What right do a few uni grads have to represent Ireland?

They are not clever.

No innovation has come out of Galway University since Stoney named the Electron in circa. 1895.

author by Graduatepublication date Mon Mar 07, 2011 19:10author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Daniel Sullivan makes the point that he is a FG member. Fair enough. Is it in your election literature? I hope it is. If it is then I've no problem with you. I can't say the same for the closet party members that will be running in this election, particularly the FF members.

Yes, the Seanad electorate cannot be defended. It's a remnant of history that graduates had a constituency in Parliament. The way the Dáil operates is also rotten and conservative. Non-Irish or UK citizens cannot vote in Dáil elections, there is not re-call of TDs, etc. This doesn't stop people voting in it! the Seanad exists, there are about 150,000 voters for the 6 university seats, including many young unemployed and significant numbers of public sector workers (nurses, teachers, etc.), so it is worth discussing. People should be aware of who they vote for or vote against). Unfortunately not all candidates will be revealing their true colours.

Over the next few weeks I'd like some discussion here about the political loyalties of these people.

author by pat cpublication date Mon Mar 07, 2011 19:34author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Its a dungheap but it exists and if its not used by the left then the likes of Ronan Mullen will get back in.

Paddy Healy is worth supporting as is Eoin O'Broin.

author by radio boypublication date Mon Mar 07, 2011 19:43author address author phone Report this post to the editors

I have visited Paul Mooney's website. He is nominated by former Labour Oireachtas members Brendan Ryan and Mary Upton. He is a scientist and is backed by Stem Cell Association. He outlines his opposition to cuts and making people pay for the crisis they didn't create. He also calls for support to Laura Ashley strikers. So a scientist with a degree of orientation towards workers fighting back. He seems more left than Labour so I'm surprise to see Upton and Ryan backing him. Last thing left wing voters would want is to support someone who ends up being a government Senator. I agree with Pat C & I think all candidates should publicly state their position on the EU/IMF deal and what they think about cuts.

author by Graduatepublication date Mon Mar 07, 2011 21:26author address author phone Report this post to the editors

I have checked over the websites and other online resources and found the following insights and analysis of the candidates:

James COYLE - right wing independent. Wants to cut public services and reduce taxes for businesses.
John CROWN - cancer specialist. Prominant for his opposition to two-tier public health service. Also critical of the Dutch insurance model it seems. It will be interesting to see his website.
James DOORLEY - Labour Party
Paddy HEALY - Former President, Teachers Union of Ireland. Strong opponent of the Croke Park deal and strongly vocal on the cuts to public services. Has some involvement in United Left Alliance.
Declan KELLEHER - INTO candidate to replace Joe O'Toole. Kelleher supports Croke Park deal.
John KENNEDY - Fine Gael.
Helen KEOGH - formerly a PD senator during the FF/PD government. Defected to FG.
Mick LANGAN - no website
Paul LYNAM - current UCD SU President. Fianna Fáil.
David MCCURTIN - Independent of the 'Somerville & Ross' variety, making a particular appeal to teachers.
Mick MOLLOY - former IMO President. no website.
Peter MOONEY - seems to be left wing, interest in science and also workers' issues. Interesting to read his literature further.
Rónán MULLEN - sitting Senator. One of the most socially conservative people in the Oireachtas. Former spokesperson for the Roman Catholic Bishops.
Eoin Ó BROIN - Sinn Féin
Niall O BROLCHÁIN - Green Party.
Diarmaid Ó CADHLA - People's Convention. A businessman advocating democracy and an idea about 'people's conventions'.
Donncha O’CONNELL - appears to be soft left liberal.
Regina O’CONNOR - Fianna Fáil
Francis O’DONNELL - Another 'Somerville & Ross' style right wing independent.
James O’DONOGHUE - no website
Linda O’SHEA FARREN - FG 'gene pool' is what google throws up. A director of EBS. Seems to throw her hat into any postal vote election.
Bernadine O’SULLIVAN - ASTI official candidate. First came to prominance for being anti-benchmarking and for 2001 strike. But generally in line with ASTI leadership. Certainly not a radical voice compared to Healy.
Brendan PRICE - Founded the Seal sanctury and campaigned on animal rights and environmental issues.
Fergal QUINN - owner of Superquinn supermarket chain. Sitting Senator.
Daniel SULLIVAN - Fine Gael.

author by Robin Hanan - Independentpublication date Wed Mar 09, 2011 15:52author email robinhananconsultancy at gmail dot comauthor address author phone Report this post to the editors

I am looking forward to a similar breakdown of Trinity candidates.

As I say on my website (www.robinhanan.ie), I was a member of the Labour Party until 1980, volunteering for the late Frank Cluskey, and have since been independent, working for community organisations and single-issue causes.

I have since, at different times, given my first preference to vote to 4 different parties, all on the centre left/green side of politics, not to mention Tony Gregory, but have not (re)joined any party and will be an independent Senator if elected.

Related Link: http://www.robinhanan.ie
author by Richardpublication date Wed Mar 09, 2011 16:26author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Sounds good Robin.

At the other extreme there are right-wing nutters like Marc Coleman. If he gets a seat, I will campaign for seanad abolition.

author by Graduatepublication date Thu Mar 10, 2011 21:50author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Linda O'Shea Farron is a former staff member for Nora Owen. I cannot find out if she is a current FG member. She would certainly be a FG gene-pool independent if elected.

author by Shane Byrnepublication date Sun Mar 13, 2011 14:05author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Is it possible to get opinion polls in this election. Only thing I can think of is that Ronan Mullen may be in trouble due to his inaction and very narrow focus on Roman Catholic issues. Paddy Healy will surely gain from left mood and growth of ULA. John Crown could do well. I think Healy and Crown are the ones to watch.

author by Louisepublication date Sun Mar 13, 2011 19:06author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Dr Crown by all accounts is a really good oncologist. Cancer patients need him.

What good can he do in the Seanad as it is, or even reformed?

Cancer cases are increasing - we need Dr Crown in hospitals not in the Seanad.

author by Shane Byrnepublication date Sun Mar 13, 2011 20:34author address author phone Report this post to the editors

In fairness Louise, you can say that about any candidate. you could say Daniel Sullivan is a good software engineer, we need him doing that work. Or Paddy Healy is a good lecturer and trade unionist we need him doing that work, and so on. It can also be said Dr. Crown and advocates of a public one tier health service with 'frontline' experience of the health service are needed in the Oireachtas. Dr. Crown is running in the election. Louise, if you do not support him do it up front criticising his ideas. I personally have no intention of voting 1 for him, but that's because I disagree with aspects of what he says.

author by James Coylepublication date Mon Mar 14, 2011 08:04author email jamesmjcoyle at gmail dot comauthor address author phone Report this post to the editors

JAMES COYLE- Smurfit Business School Graduate, Chartered Accountant, Entrepreneur

7 Point Fitness Plan

1 SAVE & CREATE JOBS
• Get extra credit to SME’s
• Halve Local Authority business rates
• Establish a Rent Review Board to allow businesses change to short leases without upward only rent review clauses
• Cut Employers’ PRSI
• Give tax credits to Employers for creating new jobs
• Offer tax relief for investing in SME’s and start ups

2. REFORM GOVERNMENT & REDUCE ITS EXPENDITURE
• Get Local Authorities to cut their staff costs by one third
• Halve the Budget for the Seanad
• Implement most of the 'An Bord Snip Nua' recommendations
• Encourage unions to achieve more efficient Public Service
• Reduce the number of Local Authorities from 34 to 22
• Make Local Authorities publish detailed quarterly accounts
• Listen to citizens via online constituency forums and text polls
• Less TD’s, less Ministers, no special advisers, less cars and aircraft, and less politicians’ expenses, severance pay and pensions
• More transparency and freedom of information

3. FIX THE BANKING SYSTEM
• Open negotiations with senior bondholders to help restructure Ireland’s mountain of debt
• Bring charges against rogue bankers and negligent public servants
• Open a new Industrial Credit Bank

4. OPTIMISE OUR HEALTH SERVICE
• Don’t close good, efficient local hospitals
• Retain St. Luke’s Cancer Hospital in Rathgar as a satellite of the new St. James’s unit
• Employ our newly qualified doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and other medical staff and don’t force them to emigrate

5. PROMOTE CULTURE & TOURISM
• Retain compulsory Irish but completely relax and extend the curriculum to include music, poetry, dance and conversation options
• Fast track Gaelscoileanna
• Restore full funding to the Arts sector
• Fight Urban Decay

6. IMPROVE OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM
• Review and re-structure third level funding and management
• Focus on training students for the jobs of tomorrow
• Use college buildings and sports facilities to their utmost

7. MAXIMISE USE OF STATE RESOURCES
• List and value all State Assets
• Allow citizens use these assets
• Re-think the use of the Army and Gardai
• Shorten term of Natural Resource licences

PDF Document James Coyle's Seanad Manifesto 0.05 Mb


Caption: Video Id: zJ7zUvPRbwQ Type: Youtube Video
Coyle for Seanad Video


Related Link: http://www.jamescoyle.ie
author by Louisepublication date Mon Mar 14, 2011 09:16author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Shane, I don't think your analogy between the loss of the skills of Daniel O'Sullivan and Paddy Healy and those of Dr Crown if elected to the seanad are valid. I don't doubt the competence of the Daniel and Paddy but quite honestly there are capable people with their skills who are unemployed.

Dr Crown is possibly the top oncologist is Ireland. He saves lives. How many unemployed oncologists are there waiting to take up the days he wouldn't be working if elected?

I admire Dr Crown. He has spoken out on our health service but he doesn't need to be in the Seanad to do that.

After your post Shane, I see that candidate James Coyle, has posted his policies and they include the retention of St Luke's Cancer Hospital which Harney was determined to close. I have a relative being treated there currently. It is a wonderful place and it would be scandalous to close it. I would like to know what Dr crown feels about St Luke's. He does not treat patients there as far as i know.

author by spucwatchpublication date Tue Mar 15, 2011 22:14author address author phone Report this post to the editors

was active in the nasty anti-choice campaigns in UCD many moons ago.

author by FGpublication date Wed Mar 16, 2011 23:44author address author phone Report this post to the editors

"you could say Daniel Sullivan is a good software engineer"

He is using a wordpress blog as his election website.

A text heavy, but designed to be hard to read, blog.

author by Daniel Sullivanpublication date Thu Mar 17, 2011 17:34author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Actually the site danielsullivan.ie is a straightforward hack of a free template, no more, no less. And it does what it needs to do. And the Wordpress side is simply what I've been using for the old blog a good few years but sure we all know that software these days is only about website design.

Perhaps you are thinking I should have written a content management system from scratch for what is after an election website? I suppose I should have thrown in some Flash content to make it seem cooler. I would doubt it very much that where people end up coming in the poll will be based on what gimmicks they used for their website. Could the site be better? Sure. But the question is does it do the job I want it to? And I reckon it does.

author by Avon Barksdalepublication date Sun Mar 20, 2011 20:28author address author phone Report this post to the editors

John Crown supports the governments plans to bring private insurance companies in to make profits on the health system through compulsary health insurance.

He has also welcomed the announcement of the visit of Obama.

I wouldn't touch this guy with a barge pole, he's not remotely progressive or left

author by ex fianna fail - seanad watch dogpublication date Tue Mar 22, 2011 16:05author address author phone Report this post to the editors

regina o connor is a ff or from that 'gene pool' adviser to them in eu.

author by Graduatepublication date Tue Mar 22, 2011 18:15author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Paddy Healy is now officially endorsed by the Irish Nurses' and Midwives' Organisation. The INMO is the main union representing nurses and midwives in the State.

author by Pádraig Ó Ruaircpublication date Fri Apr 08, 2011 12:10author address author phone Report this post to the editors

I am a UCD graduate and have a vote in the Seanad elections. Daniel Sullivans literature which I have recieved makes no mention of his membership of Fine Gael - If he is proud to belong to the party then why is he hiding it?

Eoin O Broin - Sinn Fein seems to be the only canditate happy to advertise what party he belongs to by having a prominent party logo on his leaflet. In fairness James Doorley does mention that he is a member of the Labour party in the small print but does not use the party logo.

Im not surprised that members of FF don't advertise the fact - more proof if ever it was needed that you can both run and hide!

The Seanad elections get so little coverage and there are so many canditates that it is very hard to find out about their policies and politics. Id like to see more articles like this on indymedia.

Related Link: http://www.warofindependence.info
author by Mark Mulligan - Left Alliancepublication date Fri Apr 08, 2011 13:17author address author phone Report this post to the editors

O’SHEA FARREN, Linda, Solicitor, Disability Rights Advocate and Member-Nominated Independent Director of EBS

The above woman held a very prominent function around 4 years ago to finance the campaign of Hilary Clinton to be President
of the USA. The elite gallery was held at her home on Raglan Road, in Dublin 4. I recall the night very well. I had lost my cat and my aunt was deeply worried. While passing through Raglan Road I noticed at least 6 unmarked squad cars, almost the same marked, and a contingent of Gardai blocking the road which meant only people on the list got through. Hosting the event was Linda, an unknown at the time but who came: yes, Bill Clinton, followed by Sean Fitzpatrick, Drumm, Fingleton, Vincent Browne, Terry Prone, the late Gerry Ryan and believe it or not Jack O'Connor (Siptu). Also in attendance and may I say this was on every newspaper at the time so you can check out the facts for yourselves. Also in the elite gallery were Justine McCarthy; the Garda Commissioner at the time and many others from the Law Library. The late arrivals were Peter Sutherland and Denis O'Brien.

My question is: since Linda had the house party she has been on more TV shows than Shirley fecking Temple so money talks and gobshites walk. Now this woman has turned over 23 house-keepers in 5 years. They have to wear a uniform to her liking and before they join they complete an Upstairs Downstairs course. These are facts that people should be aware of on the left side of society and if anybody has any doubts in what I have written google the newspapers and also Indymedia and you will see more names than I care to mention. I believe the Ming Flanagan and Paddy Wallace plus Clare Daly have serious reservations on the motives of her Higness and some say she is already deciding to run for the Aras.

Mark Mulligan Belmullet Co. Mayo

author by Daniel Sullivanpublication date Fri Apr 08, 2011 16:09author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Pádraig Ó Ruairc, the NUI (who are running the election) does not allow people to use party logos on the Litir Um Thoghchán or to say on the ballot that they are candidates for specific parties unless those parties send the NUI documentation saying that X is an officially sanctioned candidate for that party. The official position of Fine Gael is that it is not running any candidates but that there are party members who are running. I've received no assistance in running from the party other than one email that mentioned me and the other 2 FG members who are running which was sent to those who have subbed to the party members email list.

I've got it right on the front of my site that I'm a member of Fine Gael, I've hidden nothing. I'm simply not allowed to have FG on the ballot or to have used party logo on the literature.

author by Serge Gainsbergpublication date Sun Apr 10, 2011 14:29author address author phone Report this post to the editors

A recent study has shown that only 7% of NUI graduates register to vote. There are about 100,000 registered to vote. In the last election less than 40% of those registered voted. This year there are only 15,000 votes cast so far. The turnout this year is likely to be lower than 2007. The university seats are reserved for gradudates which are a minority of the population. Of gradudates only TCD and NUI get a vote. Of these only a minorty register. Of these only a minority vote.

There are many resons for this low-turnout. The big one is how irrelevent the Seanad is. And how Senators have generally offered nothing over decades except workign full time at attending funerals around constituencies and general parish pump rubbish.

Another reason for the low turn-out is that there is such blatant hypocrisy from the parties. All the parties are running candidates in the university seats. They are seats in the national parliament. Of course they are running candidates. But they are trying to fool people into thinking they are not party members. Somehow they are independents. Madness. Daniel Sullivan has acknowledged his FG membership. The design of his leaflet is an FG design. John Kennedy and James Doorley also acknowledge their pro-government stance if elected. Eoin Ó Broin is the most honest with his party name and logo on literature (Daniel, why did you/FG not do this!). Helen Keogh is a FG member and does not acknowledge it. Regina O'Connor is FF and does not acknowledge it. Paddy Healy is a ULA member (although not a political party yet) and does not openly acknowledge it. This all adds up to the Seanad being prime for abolition.

The NUI as an institution have questions to answer. Why have they allowed the registration process be so neglected. Why have the NUI never flagged the fact that a minority even register. Why do they allow addresses, etc. be so out of date and make no attempt to update the register. Why have successive FF/FG/Lab governments never even reformed this, never mind abloishing the university seats!

author by Oswald Bastablepublication date Mon Apr 11, 2011 12:07author address author phone Report this post to the editors

"Paddy Healy is a ULA member (although not a political party yet) and does not openly acknowledge it. "

Paddy Healy is open about his ULA membership. He has chaired ULA Press Conferences during the last couple of weeks. Hes standing as an independent who is openly committed to fighting against cutbacks in public services and wants to make the rich pay for the crisis. I don't think anyone will mistake him for a FF, FG or LP candidate.

author by Peter Mooneypublication date Mon Apr 11, 2011 15:21author email peter at petermooney dot euauthor address author phone Report this post to the editors

Can I just clarify something for Radio Boy. Brendan Ryan endorsed my Senate campaign because I was a founder member of the Simon Community and so was he. Mary Upton endorsed my campaign because I have a long record in promoting science and she is one of our more eminent scientists. I have no intention of taking any party whip if elected. If you go to my website you will see that I have been endorsed by a number of well known social justice activists and scientists. As far as I am aware I am the only person on the NUI slate that is coming from the left that is not affiliated to any party or organisation. I have been working on this campaign for a long time and all anyone needs to know about me is in my blogs and on my website and I will answer directly any question anyone wants to ask me on any issue. I understand many people on the left have qualms about the Senate but if people don't vote we allow the Senate to become a platform for some of the most right wing views in the country if the last Senate is anything to go by.

Related Link: http://www.petermooney.ie
author by James Doorley - NUI Seanad Election publication date Tue Apr 12, 2011 00:57author address author phone Report this post to the editors

The title of this thread is a little misleading in relation to me. On both my website www.jamesdoorley.com and on my Litir Um Thoghchan I have clearly stated that I am a member of the Labour party. I have been since 1996. However I was not nominated nor endorsed by the Labour Party so it would not be possible to include a logo on my literature. Apart from circulating an email on my behalf which other organisations/networks have done, I have had no Labour Party support.

Donncha O'Connell also confirms he is a member of the Labour Party on his website. I have also seen requests from members of the Labour Party in Dublin Central asking for support for Peter Mooney because he canvassed for the party in the last General Election, for Aine Clancy I think.

Related Link: http://www.jamesdoorley.com
author by Seanad Election 2011publication date Tue Apr 19, 2011 12:19author address author phone Report this post to the editors

I believe the Seanad should be abolished as soon as possible. It is a waist of tax payers money. The Senators get payed nearly as much money as the TD's and Senators don't even do very much if elected. They don't even sit many times a year and most importantly senators have no power to do anything.

The only thing the Seanad can do is send a new law back to the Dáil if the Seanad see anything wrong with it. That i am affraid to say never happens.

In other words Senators get nearly as much as TD's for doing nothing. All these people who are running say they are running to help us the people and make change in the Seanad but really they are only in it for the money or they are people who have ran for the Dáil before but failed to get in and are wanting to make a big fat pension.

My fellow NUI graduates lets not vote in this election and let them know that we do not want them elected.

The Seanad is a waist of tax payers money

author by UCC headpublication date Tue Apr 19, 2011 18:09author address author phone Report this post to the editors

I disagree. The Seanad or any institution should not be abolished just because of money. It's an argument that can say "lets get rid of juries as it costs too much" or "lets bring in First Past Post voting system as it's cheaper than PRSTV".

The Seanad should get the chop. not because the politicians are rotten (they are but so are the cllrs who choose them), not because it's to blame for crisis (it's not!). It should go because it's a second chamber and second chambers are only in existance to be conservative force and to frustrate a popular government implementing wishes that go against the political and economic establishement. Much of the abolitionists advance worrying arguements that should be opposed. The Seanad needs to go, but for the right reasons.

I voted in this election a few weeks back. I want Seanad abolished. But I also want to take Seanad seats off the political establishment so voted for an anti-establishment cnadidate. Most of my fellow graduates are voting with their feet. There are only 21,000 votes cast in the election so far. This is dramatically lower than the 98,000 registered graduates!

author by Seanad Election 2011publication date Tue Apr 19, 2011 20:02author address author phone Report this post to the editors

To respond to what somebody has said I don't just think it should be abolished to save money but people who are elected to the Seanad have no power to do anything except reject new laws that the Dáil have made and they never do reject any laws because the majority of the Senad is made up by people who support the government.

The taoiseach of this country gets to nominate ten people to become senators without them having to go through a vote.

Anyway even if the Seanad reject any law it goes back to the Dáil and if they make any change to the law they can send it to the Seanad again and even if the Seanad reject it for a second time it dose not matter. The Seanad can only reject once and the second time round it dose not matter.

They have know power and cannot do anything. Why pay people for doing nothing at all!

Most of the Senators or people who run for the Seanad get paid for doing and alot of them are former politicans who could not get elected to the Dáil.

The Seanad at this moment in time has no reason to be there at all.

author by Seanad Election 2011publication date Tue Apr 19, 2011 20:10author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Another thing I forgot to mention was that Eamonn De Valera abolished the Seanad but brought it back.

The reason he brought it back was because he wanted to keep his friends who didn't get elected to the Dáil with money and jobs.

author by UCC Headpublication date Wed Apr 20, 2011 18:13author address author phone Report this post to the editors

The Seanad should be abolished. The fact that it can only delay the Dáil shows why it is irrelevent. But I would not stand for a Seanad that could block the Dáil (unless it was elected on universal franchise).

"Seanad Eleciton 2011" is not fully correct to say De Valera brought it back to get his mates into Parliament. He did it mainly to put in a second chamber that would be more conservative than the Dáil and would be out of touch with public opinion. University graduates getting 6 seats, 43 chosen by Councillors elected a few years back and then 11 senators chosen by Taoiseach. It has in built conservative majority and is very removed from the population. It was done to dampen down a radical Dáil or a radical proposal if the estamlishment wanted.

The Seanad does have power to put issues to referendum, this has never been done. There would need to be a majority in the Seanad and one-thrid of Dáil. Again, another thing that would be used to frustrate a radical government.

But the entire idea of a second chamber is wrong. Unless you are in a federal set-up, it simply cannot be justified. The President, the Council of State, the Seanad.. these are all institutions that need to get the axe. They are undemocratic.

author by Seanad Election 2011publication date Fri Apr 22, 2011 12:06author address author phone Report this post to the editors

I believe that the Seanad should be abolished or changed.

What I would like to happen to the Seanad is that all the people that are running for the Seanad must not have ran for the Dáil or the Seanad before. Also that any people running for the Seanad must not be county councillors.

This way the Seanad would be a place for people who are entering politics.

It would be the growth place for new young candidates. The Seanad could at least then have a reason to function.

This is my opinion on what should happen to the Seanad.

If this were not to happen then I believe the Seanad should be abolished.

author by UCC headpublication date Fri Apr 22, 2011 12:40author address author phone Report this post to the editors

So you want the Seanad to be a place that's reserved for 'new' people. So you switch one restricted electorate with a restricted choice. Why shouldn't any citizen be entitled to run? why restrict it to people that have never run before in Dail elections? and no cllrs! Madness. You'll find that there are many hundred and hundred of people that have run in Dail elections before.

Abolition is only way forward. There can be no justificatiion for a second chamber in a non-federal state. Anything short of abolition is not democratic. Tinkering and playing around with it won't make a difference. Who cares if there are emigrants or a 'voice for the north'. abolish!

I hear there are 25,000 votes cast in the NUI contituency and due to Easter there won't be any more posted in. This is out of 98,000 votes issued, not to mention the thousands and thousands that don't even register. The NUI election in 2011 has confirmed the death of the institution in my opinion. It cannot be justified to have a minority of a minority of graduates voting, and then look at the panel elections. One candidate sent out Kit Kats to Councillors to get their vote. The people elected are elected along party lines (fair enough as we elect cllrs and TDs on that basis) but within the parties Councillors and TDs decide who to vote for on whimsical gimmicks such as 'being from the area' or who send out most free stuff to them, such as chocolate bars and pens.

author by Seanad Election 2011publication date Mon Apr 25, 2011 15:23author address author phone Report this post to the editors

I am sorry about what I said in my previous post. I was incorrect to say that the people who run the Seanad should be restricted and I do agree with UCC Head.

The Seanad is very a unfair democracy because not every person in this country is allowed to vote.

Like I have said before the Seanad should be abolished as soon as possible.

I am not sure but I think that there will be a referendum in the Dáil in 12 months time on the Seanad.

One thing though that I can say for the Seanad is that over the last few years there have been some great debates in the Seanad.( E.G. The smoking ban) Also the Seanad has made afew great politicians come through the Seanad and get into the Dáil.( E.g. Shane Ross.)

Even though these are some good about the Seanad, the bad things outnumber the good things and I still believe the Seanad should be gone.

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