Why Fianna Fáil dominate Irish politics (2 Viewers)

[zero_hero]

Other countries have it that you can vote but register your non-vote. As in your participation still counts but you are saying you dont agree with any of the parties in the election and show your dissatisfaction with the system.

I think its more worth while than people not voting and then it getting put down by the older generation as 'can't be bothered' or 'too lazy'. I think people do care but they just cant see anything that really gets their attention

 

[Squiggle]

Other countries have it that you can vote but register your non-vote. As in your participation still counts but you are saying you dont agree with any of the parties in the election and show your dissatisfaction with the system.

But do they publish the figures for Non-Votes? Or do they just go around boasting about how healthy their political system is because they had an 80% or 85% voter turnout?

 

[zero_hero]

I'm not sure to be honest. I think that it is included in the results but it could be that it is passed off. Most likely in Ireland that would be the case but at least it'd be something to stop Politicans slagging off the Irish youth

 

[broken arm]

this is sort of funny. serious but.

[MEDIA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGwRLw1BMmc[/MEDIA]

 

[magicbastarder]

Other countries have it that you can vote but register your non-vote. As in your participation still counts but you are saying you dont agree with any of the parties in the election and show your dissatisfaction with the system.

I think its more worth while than people not voting and then it getting put down by the older generation as 'can't be bothered' or 'too lazy'. I think people do care but they just cant see anything that really gets their attention

vote dustin.

 

[Squiggle]

I'm not sure to be honest. I think that it is included in the results but it could be that it is passed off. Most likely in Ireland that would be the case but at least it'd be something to stop Politicans slagging off the Irish youth

Perhaps... but the suggestion made by some that we should instead go in and spoil our vote leaves us looking even less intelligent to my mind... as if we didn't know how to vote or had nothing better to do than play childish pranks. I feel that by entering a polling station I would be viewed as sanctioning our political system... which is the last thing I want.


Edit: I'm a big fan of the "vote nobody" idea. Pity it is too late this time round but maybe we need to rally under that flag next time.

 

[zero_hero]

vote dustin.

you know at least that was an alternative

 

[egg_]

i would differ on that - that would imply that any racism, crime, etc. in society should be reflected in government in a democracy.

It is. I don't think it's right, but that's the way things are.

as regards trying to convince RSJ, i've already made a suggestion.

You told him to go and read a book? Do you think he will read it? If not then that's not a very effective way of changing someone's mind

 

[RSJ]

as regards trying to convince RSJ, i've already made a suggestion.

Calling someone's reasons for not voting "lazy" then referring to a book that you know they'll never read isn't a suggestion. You might be a bit more convincing if you weren't so condescending.

 

[Dixer]

If I had a load of money I'd start a political party and hire tall, good-looking actors to run as candidates plus a team of writers to decide what they're going to say. I'd send the actors on intensive media training and work out everything with the writers in advance of any media appearance.

Sure aren't FG already running Graham Geraghty in yr neck of the woods? (Which part of Meath are you in?)

 

[magicbastarder]

what do you want me to say? that the opposition are different?
that's what this hinges on, and something tells me he's not going to be arsed listening to some random punter from the internet.

 

[zero_hero]

things like this make me cry.

I would agree that voting for your local politican that helps you personally is no harm. I dont see any problem with this.

I know that FG are coming out predominately in the West for a lot of people primarily because of Enda Kenny being from Mayo. It's not that anyone is majorly in favour of FG but they are the most party that will take care of the West if they get in, I believe.

Politics are really complicated and who has the time to constantly keep up to date with them. In all honesty most people go in and vote (particularly in a rural setting) for their local known to them candidate who they feel will help them not based on party politics.

Theres feck all difference between the parties anyways

 

[Denny Oubidoux]

a "none of the above" box - dont they have this in USA?

 

[egg_]

what do you want me to say? that the opposition are different?
that's what this hinges on, and something tells me he's not going to be arsed listening to some random punter from the internet.

Ah I just think if you want to change the way things are you need to make more of an effort, that's all. You probably know this already

Graham Geraghty is in east Meath, I'm in west. Apparently he recently thanked Fianna Fáil for the chance to run, the lug

 

[IFF]

One word: culshies.

and yet FG and FF are about neck and neck (ff slightly ahead) in rural areas but in dublin, FF are miles ahead

 

[magicbastarder]

Ah I just think if you want to change the way things are you need to make more of an effort, that's all. You probably know this already

maybe i figured that suggesting a book, of which the credentials and biases of the author are probably better known to him than my credentials and biases, would be better than me, an unknown joe soap on the internet, mouthing off about why FF is systematically corrupt (last two FF taoisigh leaving office in disgrace, serious questions about this one) in nowhere near as comprehensive or researched a manner as in the book.

 

[ITalkShite]

(last two FF taoisigh leaving office in disgrace, serious questions about this one)

Nitpick:

Haughey resigned in disarray more than disgrace - the real corruption only came to light once he had retired. Reynolds fudged the Harry Whelehan stuff and Dick Spring whipped the carpet out from under him - more an embarassment than a disgrace.

Not to say that FF isn't systematically corrupt - the indications are very much that it is - but disgrace as a result of corruption has yet to directly bring down any Taoiseach.

 

[nlgbbbblth]

vote dustin.

Dustin is an obnoxious, inbred, narrow-minded and self-centred prick who has absolutely no interest in what goes on outside Dublin.

 

[classic seanc]

Other countries have it that you can vote but register your non-vote. As in your participation still counts but you are saying you dont agree with any of the parties in the election and show your dissatisfaction with the system.

I agree with this. Show up and write "fuck you" or whatever on the paper. It's the taking part that counts guys. I'm giving this serious thought.

But do they publish the figures for Non-Votes?

They always count them and read out. "FF 11002 votes, FG 11000 votes, spoiled 3003033030303 votes", so I guess they must publish them somewhere.

 

[Denny Oubidoux]

I agree with this. Show up and write "fuck you" or whatever on the paper. It's the taking part that counts guys. I'm giving this serious thought.

everyone should have a sneaky wipe with the voting slip.

mary o'rourke is on the vincent browne show now - shes a bit of a laugh in fairness