By Paul Kennedy
A probe into the minds of the Declan Ganley, Micheal O'Leary and Miriam O'Callaghan during the debate on RTÉ Primetime.
For the original video see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbuyGJKxp9I
Or watch the full show at: http://www.rte.ie/player/#v=1056151
Embedded video can also be found here.
Monday, September 28
Tuesday, September 22
Read my Lips: We want less sound-bites and more substance
By Eoghan Dockrell
Is it fair that four million people can hold up half a billion? Is it right that the Irish electorate should vote on Lisbon again, after already rejecting it? Is Declan Ganley Satan’s brother? These contentious, provocative questions are a taste of what’s on offer if you’ve had time to listen in on the Lisbon debate. It’s widely accepted that this time the public are better informed on the Treaty. Then why is it that the powers that be continue to flood the referendum with catchy, but misleading one-liners?
The Yes side have slogans like “Yes to Europe, Yes to Lisbon” and “Yes to Jobs, Yes to Lisbon”. Basically, it’s yes to anything you like, once you pull the right lever on polling day. And on the other hand, the No side are being less ambiguous and a lot more direct with their apocalypse-style posters. One such batch of posters has a quote so terrifying that it would scare any part-time, minimum wage-earning, college student into jumping straight on the No-wagon without even questioning whether the statement is factual. For the hand full of people in the country who don’t know what I’m talking about; just type "1.84 Euro after Lisbon" into your computer and you’ll soon find out. The organisation behind this memorable, but wildly inaccurate, quote is Coir, a conservative pro-life group. The example above is just a sample of what kind of campaign they’re running.
But in spite of all these sharp, snappy campaign captions, polls consistently show that people are gravitating towards substance and in short, the catch-phrases are not sticking. It’s important to remember that at the time of the first Lisbon referendum our economy had not yet gone into free fall and most people were still treading water, working diligently, blissfully unaware of the crippling recession that lurked ahead. Now the environment has changed. The Lisbon Treaty has moved up in the public priority chart. As unemployment continues to rise, more and more people realise how critical it is for this country to make the right choice, whatever that may be.
Last time, perhaps we felt we could afford to let Ganley lead us astray and vote no, or give Taoiseach Cowen the benefit of the doubt for not reading the Treaty and vote yes. It’s evident talking with friends and family that the public have less and less patience for and trust in their public representatives. We need to hold them to higher standards and one way in which to do this is by better informing ourselves on matters of national importance. That’s why more citizens have put more time into finding out about Lisbon. This country is pulling out our collective laptops and collectively Googling "Lisbon Treaty". We’ve even began to read the campaign literature that arrives through our letter box, instead of just using it as compost in the back garden. This is progress.
It’s encouraging to sit on a bus and find yourself eavesdropping on two grannies who happen to be debating what Lisbon will mean for abortion. It’s encouraging to log on to Facebook and find more than a dozen comments that appear underneath a Lisbon related post (To all you Facebook cynics, this did actually happen). It’s not so encouraging watching a lady canvassing for a Yes vote get verbally bashed by anti-Lisbon (probably anti-everything), semi-drunk, drunk men.
Most people find it difficult to ignore the colourful and catchy phrases that swirl around the office and the classroom during a campaign season. Sometimes these simple phrases are the product of months of intense media testing and other times they seem to pop up out of thin air. But regardless of where they come from, they have a habit of sticking around and often end up greedily sucking up air-time and preventing people from discussing more weighty things. But in this referendum people seem to be educating themselves, concentrating more on substantive issues. The question is, can we continue to focus more on substance and less on misleading sound-bites? My answer is Yes We Can.
Monday, September 21
The Freedom and Democracy Group – Ireland's bodyguard or bully?
By Kate Manning
This week every household across the country will receive a leaflet urging voters to vote No in the upcoming Lisbon Treaty referendum. Sent by the Freedom and Democracy Group which boasts Nigel Farage as their leader, the leaflet worryingly contains many blatant untruths.
The leaflet states, “Lisbon would further encourage the displacement of Irish workers and lower the wages for tens of thousands of Irish workers, many of whom would have to leave the country.”
In fact the Lisbon Treaty states that the EU does not have control over pay and the issue of accepting immigrants lies solely with the individual country. Why then would this feature in a leaflet intended to inform the Irish public? It would seem that the Freedom and Democracy Group are putting their own political interests above those of the Irish electorate.
The leaflet also features a statement about Corporate Tax:
“Ireland’s no vote to Lisbon halted EU moves to introduce a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB). The introduction of an EU Corporate Tax Base will take a jackhammer to Ireland’s economic future”
This claim relates to Article 113 of the Lisbon Treaty. The leaflet fails to mention that actually this Article does not relate to direct taxation such as Corporate Tax but rather indirect taxation. The Irish Government takes full control over corporate tax, contrary to these misleading claims by the Freedom and Democracy Group.
“Lisbon reduces member states' powers”
This is again false information. The fact is that the Lisbon Treaty will simplify the voting structure in Europe. This is desperately needed to facilitate for the increased number of Member States. Measures are also provided to ensure larger countries do not dominate decision making therefore protecting smaller countries like Ireland.
In relation to the guarantees that were achieved for Ireland, the leaflets maintains that “Brian Cowen had asked for legally binding guarantees. Instead he got worthless clarifications. They’re not worth the paper they’re written on!”
Actually the agreement the Taoiseach sought is legally binding, agreed by the heads of EU countries and is an international agreement. Already lodged with the UN it will become a Protocol if the Lisbon Treaty comes into force. The Freedom and Democracy Group failed to point out that this was successfully done before when Denmark wanted to opt out of a part of the Maastricht Treaty.
Unfortunately for Irish voters, the current Lisbon Treaty campaign is rife with untruths and scaremongering to facilitate certain political motives. Whether voting Yes or No on October 2nd, it is becoming increasingly important for Irish voters to strip down this Treaty to the bare facts. When reading information ask yourself, who wrote this? What are their political motives? What positive role have they played in Irish or European society? In the case of the Freedom and Democracy the answer to the last question is very little.
This week every household across the country will receive a leaflet urging voters to vote No in the upcoming Lisbon Treaty referendum. Sent by the Freedom and Democracy Group which boasts Nigel Farage as their leader, the leaflet worryingly contains many blatant untruths.
The leaflet states, “Lisbon would further encourage the displacement of Irish workers and lower the wages for tens of thousands of Irish workers, many of whom would have to leave the country.”
In fact the Lisbon Treaty states that the EU does not have control over pay and the issue of accepting immigrants lies solely with the individual country. Why then would this feature in a leaflet intended to inform the Irish public? It would seem that the Freedom and Democracy Group are putting their own political interests above those of the Irish electorate.
The leaflet also features a statement about Corporate Tax:
“Ireland’s no vote to Lisbon halted EU moves to introduce a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB). The introduction of an EU Corporate Tax Base will take a jackhammer to Ireland’s economic future”
This claim relates to Article 113 of the Lisbon Treaty. The leaflet fails to mention that actually this Article does not relate to direct taxation such as Corporate Tax but rather indirect taxation. The Irish Government takes full control over corporate tax, contrary to these misleading claims by the Freedom and Democracy Group.
“Lisbon reduces member states' powers”
This is again false information. The fact is that the Lisbon Treaty will simplify the voting structure in Europe. This is desperately needed to facilitate for the increased number of Member States. Measures are also provided to ensure larger countries do not dominate decision making therefore protecting smaller countries like Ireland.
In relation to the guarantees that were achieved for Ireland, the leaflets maintains that “Brian Cowen had asked for legally binding guarantees. Instead he got worthless clarifications. They’re not worth the paper they’re written on!”
Actually the agreement the Taoiseach sought is legally binding, agreed by the heads of EU countries and is an international agreement. Already lodged with the UN it will become a Protocol if the Lisbon Treaty comes into force. The Freedom and Democracy Group failed to point out that this was successfully done before when Denmark wanted to opt out of a part of the Maastricht Treaty.
Unfortunately for Irish voters, the current Lisbon Treaty campaign is rife with untruths and scaremongering to facilitate certain political motives. Whether voting Yes or No on October 2nd, it is becoming increasingly important for Irish voters to strip down this Treaty to the bare facts. When reading information ask yourself, who wrote this? What are their political motives? What positive role have they played in Irish or European society? In the case of the Freedom and Democracy the answer to the last question is very little.
The Lisbonic Plague
By Eanna Kelly
"These are the stakes! To make a world in which all of God's children can live, or to go into the dark. We must either love each other, or we must die".
This excerpt was taken from the American television campaign, 'Daisy', whose premise was ‘fear sells’. The ad' was used to promote the candidacy of Johnson for the 1964 presidential election. The concept of the ad’ was revolutionary, in a sense, and highly provocative. A little girl is seen slowly counting the petals of a daisy when an ominous-sounding voice begins to count down a missile launch. The camera zooms in on the eye of the terrified girl until her pupil fills the screen and blackens it out. A mushroom cloud from a nuclear explosion replaces the shot. The message at the end is straightforward, vital and piercing: "The stakes are too high for you to remain at home."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkWAhuXtalw
Fear-mongering is used to influence political views. Post September 11th, the American Government utilised fear of another terrorist attack and exploited it to remain in office. ‘Shockvertising’ has also been prevalent throughout the two Lisbon campaigns. The Irish newspaper ‘Alive’ (which can be purchased at all good churches) recently peddled an article claiming that "under the Lisbon Treaty the EU could seize elderly people's savings and homes, and can take children off people who suffer from mild forms of alcoholism or depression; or who do not own a family home." This is positively stark raving lunacy! Incidentally, this article led to Deirdre De Burca announcing that the paper was the "Irish Taliban"……….although I would imagine its level of human rights violations is significantly less!
Fear and advertising now exist concurrently. What about those ads that show bacteria lurking in every part of your house? The post-apocalyptic novel ‘World War Z’ summed it up perfectly when the billionaire who made his fortune with a phony vaccine asked: "People selling their products? No. People selling the fear of you having to live without their products." Coir’s campaign, which suggests that the minimum wage could become €1.84 per person, I mean, where did this figure even come from? It’s just not plausible! The Charter of Fundamental Rights safeguards rights such as those of fair and just working conditions. The least I can say for the Yes campaign is that they don’t advocate anything as glaringly fallacious as this (although their campaign is both insipid and uninformative…one only has to look at Labour’s forthright and unimaginative ‘Vote Yes’ poster.)
I shall say this: sleep with one eye open; don’t get sucked in by misinformation! The battle of Lisbon rages onwards- there are acrimonious arguments and vehement venting, yes, but at last there is a public debate to savour! Polarised viewpoint...but no indifference this time around.
Friday, September 18
Cowen versus Ganley: Requiem
Monday, September 14
By Eanna Kelly
"Fear can hold you prisoner…hope can set you free"
Okay, I am being a little hyperbolic, but the Lisbon Treaty….just got interesting! Declan Ganley- the moral arbiter of the nation- is back! Cue the ‘hissing’ from the Yes campaigners and the 'hoorahs' from the No campaigners. For the No-ites, he is the champion pitted against the evil elites and for the Yes-ites he is a pesky non-conforming rogue. Ganley’s web-page espouses a ‘fight for democracy’- who will follow him this time?
I am undecided on how to vote. Soundbites swirl around me and create a nauseating effect. I have not proceeded through the mist and reached a point where I can discern what is fear-mongering drivel and what is fact. For instance, does "a cohesive European voice on the world stage" mean ‘imperialist military superstate’?? I have a lot of questions to ask Jeeves.
My biggest problem is crippling laziness. The Lisbon text is there to be read- although I am informed that it is virtually unintelligible- so I have the opportunity to get informed. Whilst talking to my friends on the issue, I usually prefer to borrow other people’s words….that is to say I have not put in any ground work of my own.
I can break it down to a simple rationale: Yes, Europe has made Ireland stronger; it has provided us with plenty. There are niggling nuggets of information floating around, though, that I cannot ignore…is Europe heading towards a more federalist structure, and is such a thing desirable? The Commission already has large independent powers...will these be successfully harnessed in the future?
Coupled with these doubts, I have a slight anarchistic naughtiness playing in my head, specifically, what would happen if the No vote passed?? I can envisage Michael Martin entering a room full of expectant European elites, eyes lowered, an apologetic shrug followed by awkward dialogue: "The Irish electorate huh, bunch of cheeky scamps, what are we going to do with them??" I mean, were the No vote passed, we would certainly face a dwindling level of respect and, more importantly, power. Sarkozy and co. already alienate the minnows of Europe with their G5 and G6 meetings; such ostracising is bound to continue.
For the moment though, my message is simple: trust no one! Civil war values are back- members of my family are expressing fixed viewpoints and are expectant that I will comply. My quest for truth and virtue continues...
By Eanna Kelly
"Fear can hold you prisoner…hope can set you free"
Okay, I am being a little hyperbolic, but the Lisbon Treaty….just got interesting! Declan Ganley- the moral arbiter of the nation- is back! Cue the ‘hissing’ from the Yes campaigners and the 'hoorahs' from the No campaigners. For the No-ites, he is the champion pitted against the evil elites and for the Yes-ites he is a pesky non-conforming rogue. Ganley’s web-page espouses a ‘fight for democracy’- who will follow him this time?
I am undecided on how to vote. Soundbites swirl around me and create a nauseating effect. I have not proceeded through the mist and reached a point where I can discern what is fear-mongering drivel and what is fact. For instance, does "a cohesive European voice on the world stage" mean ‘imperialist military superstate’?? I have a lot of questions to ask Jeeves.
My biggest problem is crippling laziness. The Lisbon text is there to be read- although I am informed that it is virtually unintelligible- so I have the opportunity to get informed. Whilst talking to my friends on the issue, I usually prefer to borrow other people’s words….that is to say I have not put in any ground work of my own.
I can break it down to a simple rationale: Yes, Europe has made Ireland stronger; it has provided us with plenty. There are niggling nuggets of information floating around, though, that I cannot ignore…is Europe heading towards a more federalist structure, and is such a thing desirable? The Commission already has large independent powers...will these be successfully harnessed in the future?
Coupled with these doubts, I have a slight anarchistic naughtiness playing in my head, specifically, what would happen if the No vote passed?? I can envisage Michael Martin entering a room full of expectant European elites, eyes lowered, an apologetic shrug followed by awkward dialogue: "The Irish electorate huh, bunch of cheeky scamps, what are we going to do with them??" I mean, were the No vote passed, we would certainly face a dwindling level of respect and, more importantly, power. Sarkozy and co. already alienate the minnows of Europe with their G5 and G6 meetings; such ostracising is bound to continue.
For the moment though, my message is simple: trust no one! Civil war values are back- members of my family are expressing fixed viewpoints and are expectant that I will comply. My quest for truth and virtue continues...
Monday, September 14
No excuse
By Grace Campbell
When the Lisbon Treaty was not passed the first time, one of the biggest reasons for young people voting against the treaty was due to a lack of information on what it consisted of and what effects it had for Ireland. The government was blamed for not placing enough emphasis on the treaty. However, young people should have looked at the effort they themselves had made to become familiar with the Treaty’s contents.
This time around, there is no excuse. Posters, leaflets and websites have been set up in abundance to inform and educate Irish citizens about Europe and the Lisbon Treaty. The people of Ireland have been given every opportunity to find out about the treaty and cannot use a lack of information as a reason to vote No or not vote at all.
Campaigns for the Yes and No vote have been criticised for over-dramatising the contents of the Treaty and its impact on Ireland’s future but the onus is on people themselves to make their own choice about the Treaty and not to just listen to the opinions of political parties.
“TalktoEU” (http://www.talktoeu.ie/) is a website and Facebook page, which allows people to ask questions about the EU and make comments about EU issues. The mission of the page is “To inform people about the EU and what it does, and can do for you, using clear and simple facts.”
Photo albums on the page include "Who is who of the EU Commission" and a recent discussion on the page was “
Sunday, September 13
The hand that feeds us needs do up its menu somewhat
By Paul Kennedy
So. Lisbon. It has nothing to do with the Government.
We’ve been told to not take our locally fuelled anger out on them. That would be foolish. On our parts of course. After all, this has NOTHING to do with how our Government is running things now, so why would they be foolish? Why would they have anything to do with it? This is about Europe. Not Ireland. If the Government is doing things which we don’t like, that’s not Europe’s fault. The Government’s view that a lot of our problems where caused by ‘problems overseas’?
I guess we're supposed to ignore that for a while.
Or something.
For example, NAMA (the ones who take all those foolish loans from the foolish bankers for the good of us all) and McCarthy (Bord Snip, the one the non-fools, IE, the Government, is putting off), they are just a few things that have nothing to do with this. We know this. They’ve told us.
And they’re cleverer then us. We voted for them didn’t we? We don’t elect fools, do we?
And who are we to know? We can’t even make the HARD decisions.
Anyway, so if, like we’ve been told, that whatever we think about the government (which is probably wrong, because they know better), should have NO BEARING on how we vote in Lisbon, how can we take our anger (the anger that runs in the bile of ever-foolish livers) out?
To vote No would be merely slapping the hand that feeds us with?
Well, after it feeds all the Mahon Lawyers with Spar sandwiches and coffee first of course.
The problem is, things have changed. Drastically. The train that is Ireland hasn’t so much gone off the rails as careered into the Broadmeadow estuary, broken viaduct below it, 4.4 million people screaming all the way. We all can’t ignore anymore the excess that the current Government has wasted. Most voters know that Lisbon and our own mess shouldn’t be throw together in the same soufflé, but like it or spit it out, that’s the way our current meal is being served.
And the Government should adapt. Add a new course.
You see, an election is going to happen. Whether it’s good/bad/apocalyptic for Ireland, it will happen. Eventually. And us Irish people, well, we don’t deal in 'eventuallys', not anymore. And, at the moment, all we have is Lisbon. If the Government is so serious about a Yes to Lisbon, the best way to do it is guarantee an election in the near future. Maybe not tomorrow, or even next month, the Irish can wait, and honestly, I don’t think at the moment the newspapers could afford the extra pull out supplements an election would mean.
Revenge, after all, is a dish best served cold.
But two and half years would be mouldy revenge.
But a promise of some sandwiches around January could be nice.
Spar could cater.
So. Lisbon. It has nothing to do with the Government.
We’ve been told to not take our locally fuelled anger out on them. That would be foolish. On our parts of course. After all, this has NOTHING to do with how our Government is running things now, so why would they be foolish? Why would they have anything to do with it? This is about Europe. Not Ireland. If the Government is doing things which we don’t like, that’s not Europe’s fault. The Government’s view that a lot of our problems where caused by ‘problems overseas’?
I guess we're supposed to ignore that for a while.
Or something.
For example, NAMA (the ones who take all those foolish loans from the foolish bankers for the good of us all) and McCarthy (Bord Snip, the one the non-fools, IE, the Government, is putting off), they are just a few things that have nothing to do with this. We know this. They’ve told us.
And they’re cleverer then us. We voted for them didn’t we? We don’t elect fools, do we?
And who are we to know? We can’t even make the HARD decisions.
Anyway, so if, like we’ve been told, that whatever we think about the government (which is probably wrong, because they know better), should have NO BEARING on how we vote in Lisbon, how can we take our anger (the anger that runs in the bile of ever-foolish livers) out?
To vote No would be merely slapping the hand that feeds us with?
Well, after it feeds all the Mahon Lawyers with Spar sandwiches and coffee first of course.
The problem is, things have changed. Drastically. The train that is Ireland hasn’t so much gone off the rails as careered into the Broadmeadow estuary, broken viaduct below it, 4.4 million people screaming all the way. We all can’t ignore anymore the excess that the current Government has wasted. Most voters know that Lisbon and our own mess shouldn’t be throw together in the same soufflé, but like it or spit it out, that’s the way our current meal is being served.
And the Government should adapt. Add a new course.
You see, an election is going to happen. Whether it’s good/bad/apocalyptic for Ireland, it will happen. Eventually. And us Irish people, well, we don’t deal in 'eventuallys', not anymore. And, at the moment, all we have is Lisbon. If the Government is so serious about a Yes to Lisbon, the best way to do it is guarantee an election in the near future. Maybe not tomorrow, or even next month, the Irish can wait, and honestly, I don’t think at the moment the newspapers could afford the extra pull out supplements an election would mean.
Revenge, after all, is a dish best served cold.
But two and half years would be mouldy revenge.
But a promise of some sandwiches around January could be nice.
Spar could cater.
Wednesday, September 9
President of European Parliament jets in to Dublin to talk with young people
By Eoghan DockrellThe Presidency of the European Parliament is a tenure that lasts for two and a half years. For the first time in the history of the European Union a Polish person holds this office. His name is Jerzy Buzek and he heads the second largest democratic body in the world, next to India.
On Tuesday morning he was in the Office of the European Parliament on Molesworth Street, Dublin. When he stepped up to the podium to speak, he gave a short introduction, focusing on the "most important" challenges ahead. This brevity was much appreciated by the many young people that turned out to listen. Then when the President opened up the floor, a lively questions and answers session began.
All sorts of people were asking all sorts of difficult, specific questions relating to EU affairs. He answered these lengthy, often complicated, questions without the aid of a translator. The absence of a translator put the President's English skills to the test. Early on in the discussion, after listening to a long and winding question, the President requested that all those who speak Polish, raise their hands. After a forest of hands shot up, he jokingly said “OK, the remainder of the press conference will be in Polish”.
Before responding to questions on the 800 pound Gorilla that is the Lisbon referendum, he was quick to point out that the trip to Ireland would not involve campaigning for either a Yes or a No vote. But nonetheless, his answers were undeniably pro-Europe-pro-Lisbon. He also made sure to stress that EU integration would never compromise or diminish the unique cultural identities of each member state. He continued, stating that “we will never be the United States of Europe”.
Other topics touched on included development aid and global warming. His answers to these general questions were impressive in their detail. He explained to the audience that the EU cannot go it alone. The EU has the power to influence other global players to improve environmental standards. The President said that "80 percent of all CO2 is absorbed by forests in Brazil". This piece of information was an excellent example to prove the point that we need global co-operation.
In answering a Lisbon-orientated question, Mr Buzac thought it necessary to speak about the newly added legal guarantees. He said he was confused when anti-Lisbon campaigners challenged the validity of these legal guarantees. He said that these guarantees were “forever”, and sceptics need only look to Denmark where similar legal guarantees were inserted twenty years ago and are still in force.
The final question dealt with the EU’s “military force”, or lack thereof. The person posing the question raised a valid point, explaining that the EU has influence in almost all other areas, except the military. The President conceded that, to a certain extent, she was correct. He was quick to restate that Ireland’s neutrality would not be at risk if the Lisbon treaty was ratified. However, he did leave food for thought, when he said that “yes Ireland is militarily neutral, but not politically neutral”.
He came across as an amiable man, evidently passionate about the EU. At one point he memorably proclaimed “what is better, to be alone, or to be together”, referring to the value of EU membership and the benefits of inter-state co-operation. Mr Buzek spent the guts of 90 minutes answering questions on a whole range of topics. The language barrier didn’t prevent him from providing substantive and satisfying answers. He may not have been in Ireland campaigning for a Yes Vote, but he certainly did a good job convincing the audience on the merits of the EU and the continued role it should play in Ireland's future.
Tuesday, September 8
Youth Media for Europe reporters to cover the Lisbon Treaty referendum
The Youth Media for Europe press corps are once again hitting the campaign trail!
Our youth journalists will report on the Lisbon Treaty referendum campaign in every Euro-constituency in the Republic of Ireland, and our dedicated team in Northern Ireland will bring us a fresh perspective as they cover the referendum from the North.
Watch this space for reports from the Youth Media for Europe reporters!
Monday, September 7
Will it be a No from the East?
By Grace Campbell and Kate Manning
The upcoming Lisbon Treaty referendum gives young people a second opportunity to voice their opinion on Ireland's relationship going forward with Europe. The result of the referendum is not a foregone conclusion as recent opinion polls have shown. Young people in the East constituency chose their MEPs back in June and now have to make another trip back to the polling booth. Three young people from the East share their reasons as to why they are voting No on October 2nd:
Peter, who is 21 years of age and in college, is adamant that he is voting no in the referendum. "I don't know why we have to go through all of this again," said Peter. "The Irish people voted, they chose no and that decision should be respected. It's as if the government will keep making us vote until we eventually say yes and I believe that is completely unfair." Although Peter believes the second referendum should not be taking place he will exercise his vote regardless. "I think it's important for me to vote, otherwise the yes campaign will win if everyone who shares my opinion doesn't bother to fill out their ballot paper," he said.
Heather is a 23 year old from Meath who recently finished college and has had no success in securing employment so far. "The government says that by agreeing to the Lisbon Treaty that more jobs will be created but I feel they are only saying this in order to push the treaty through. There is no concrete evidence that saying Yes or No to Lisbon will guarantee jobs to anyone so I don't know why this is being used as part of the campaign," she said. Heather has not fully decided which way to vote but is currently swayed towards voting No. "I'm probably taking my anger out on the government by voting against them but I'm just fed up of the situation I'm in and find it very hard to agree with any decisions they make."
John is 20 years of age and has the same opinion as Heather. He is in the workforce and has discussed the pros and cons of the Lisbon Treaty with fellow work colleagues in Kildare. "There definitely has been a lot more effort this time around with informing the public about what the Lisbon Treaty has to offer but I'm not convinced that Lisbon will benefit Ireland and I think the Yes campaign is completely exaggerating the benefits of passing it," said John. "I know Ireland's relationship with Europe is important but there are other domestic issues that should be resolved first."
The next few weeks will see both campaigns for and against the Treaty come into full swing. Informing yourself about the Lisbon Treaty is key. Whatever your decision is, make sure you use your vote on October 2nd.
Will it be a Yes from the East?
By Kate Manning and Grace Campbell
The young voters of Ireland face a tough decision. No, not what flavour Pot Noodle to get, but one which could essentially determine their future as Europeans. Whether you are for or against this Treaty, get the correct information before you vote. A good place to start is http://www.lisbontreaty2009.ie/ or http://www.europeanmovement.ie/, where you will find clear, concise and waffle-free information. Ignore the posters, ignore the politicians and just vote on the facts.
Three young voters from the East Constituency share why they will vote Yes on October 2nd. Michael is 21 and from Newbridge in Kildare. “A friend of mine is very active in politics and she gave me information on what the Treaty is about. After reading up on it I was amazed at the difference between the facts and the rumours. I thought this Treaty would bring abortion into the country and that I would be conscripted into an EU army. It’s crazy how many lies are being told. If I hadn’t read up on it I probably would be voting No.” Michael gave information to his friends and encouraged them to read before they made a decision. “Now around ten of my mates are voting Yes.”
Marie is 19 and from Carlow. She is preparing to return to UCD for her second year as an Arts student. “My family are all voting Yes for the second time. The stuff that is on the posters makes me want to vote Yes even more... it’s not true so why would I vote the way they want us to?” Marie fears the reception Ireland will get in Europe if the No side succeed will be “devastating especially for people our age... we were born into Europe and benefited from it so far, so we should cooperate.”
James from Athy is 24 and in full time employment. “I voted No the last time around probably because I was afraid of what would happen to Ireland. Some said we would lose our influence in Europe... I didn’t know who to believe...and couldn’t find the facts.” Recently James decided to vote Yes because of the guarantees that were sought by the Irish Government. “Any worries I had were sorted by the guarantees...and I accept this Treaty will make Europe more efficient.” James has since become active on Boards.ie and Politics.ie telling other younger voters why he has changed his mind. “There is still a lot of uncertainty among young people but I have been telling them what sites to go on and what is or isn’t fact.”
Public debate over the next few weeks will feature claims however ridiculous from both sides urging voters to side with them to secure Ireland’s future. While the excitement of this referendum will keep voters enthralled, it is imperative to be aware of the facts. Separate the typical election drivel from what this Treaty really involves and bear in mind that for every decision made there will be a consequence.
Tuesday, July 21
OK Northern Ireland...we just aren't getting it
By Katie Murphy
The previous weekend saw the 12th of July celebrations in full swing throughout the province. Many people prepared to host barbecues with their families, attend communal bonfires and anticipated watching the marching parades around various big cities and towns in Northern Ireland. For the most part, the 12 July celebrations passed without as much upheaval as in previous years and many a citizen of all sides of the community enjoyed a leisurely holiday weekend. Like most Northern Irish young people, the only connection I can make with the customary 12 July celebrations and Europe is that during this summer weekend many people travel to Europe in seek of a blissful holiday destination. Imagine my confusion when, on my travels around the city of Belfast, I noticed a European flag perched on top of a ‘boney’ or ‘bonfire’ with the intention of being burnt in a commemoration of the unionist win at the battle of the Boyne all those years ago.
It is common for a tricolor to be perched on top of such ‘bonfires’ to portray the unionist opposition to nationalism in Northern Ireland, but why on earth would the extreme unionist people wish to show any opposition to the European Union or other European countries? Are Northern Irish people suddenly anti-Europe? Are the unionist people displeased at the outcome of the recent European Elections in June? For those who are not aware, Sinn Féin candidate Bairbre De Brun received the highest number of votes in this years’ European elections in Northern Ireland, beating favourable Unionist candidates Jim Nicholson (UUP) and Diane Dodds (DUP). On the other hand could it be that Northern Irish people are opposed to European citizens seeking job opportunities in our country, following the racist attacks on the Romanian families recently that grabbed headlines around the world in June?
At this point I began to wonder if any voter in Northern Ireland, young or old, realised that the European Parliament is much different to the parliament we have constructed here in Northern Ireland, Stormont. For a start, the MEPs sitting in the European Parliament come from a wide array of backgrounds and hold a vast amount of different religious beliefs. The European Parliament is a culmination of people from different backgrounds who have come together to make laws to benefit Europe as a whole, taking into consideration the different views and cultures of every European citizen. I wondered if any voter in Northern Ireland realised that in the European Parliament your religious views or ethnic background do not determine your eligibility of being a good ambassador or voice for your country. For all that the European Union and European Parliament stand for, inclusiveness, togetherness and co-operation, I was baffled as to why any community in Northern Ireland would express opposition to the EU.
When my fellow Northern Irish correspondents and I were following the campaign trail in the run up to the elections, one of our big concerns was that our young people would adopt a sectarian approach to voting. After conversing with my fellow first time voters on the upcoming elections and the election process, many highlighted that people in Northern Ireland vote for the candidates who represent their religious community, rather than the candidate who is best for the job and who intends to work to benefit the community as a whole. Surely, for the European Elections at least, the Northern Irish people would realise that our political and religious struggles are irrelevant? Surely, they would realise that any candidate selected to go forward to represent our country in the European arena is there as an ambassador for every social and cultural group throughout the province, not just one? Why are our MEPs not stressing to the voting public that voting on the grounds of religion stifles the political process of our country and our full engagement with the European Parliament? I wondered if this sectarian approach to voting suited some of our running MEPs as it secured their votes and in turn, secured their position in the European Parliament. Why would they not attempt to appeal to all sides of the community and stress the importance of a united Northern Ireland in the European arena if they were dedicated to their cause and in establishing Northern Ireland’s voice in Europe?
Northern Ireland has the potential to become a great advocate for issues that are prevalent and up for debate in the EU such as human rights, workers rights and environmental protection, if we only rejected this ‘politics of division’ that tore our country apart.
The previous weekend saw the 12th of July celebrations in full swing throughout the province. Many people prepared to host barbecues with their families, attend communal bonfires and anticipated watching the marching parades around various big cities and towns in Northern Ireland. For the most part, the 12 July celebrations passed without as much upheaval as in previous years and many a citizen of all sides of the community enjoyed a leisurely holiday weekend. Like most Northern Irish young people, the only connection I can make with the customary 12 July celebrations and Europe is that during this summer weekend many people travel to Europe in seek of a blissful holiday destination. Imagine my confusion when, on my travels around the city of Belfast, I noticed a European flag perched on top of a ‘boney’ or ‘bonfire’ with the intention of being burnt in a commemoration of the unionist win at the battle of the Boyne all those years ago.
It is common for a tricolor to be perched on top of such ‘bonfires’ to portray the unionist opposition to nationalism in Northern Ireland, but why on earth would the extreme unionist people wish to show any opposition to the European Union or other European countries? Are Northern Irish people suddenly anti-Europe? Are the unionist people displeased at the outcome of the recent European Elections in June? For those who are not aware, Sinn Féin candidate Bairbre De Brun received the highest number of votes in this years’ European elections in Northern Ireland, beating favourable Unionist candidates Jim Nicholson (UUP) and Diane Dodds (DUP). On the other hand could it be that Northern Irish people are opposed to European citizens seeking job opportunities in our country, following the racist attacks on the Romanian families recently that grabbed headlines around the world in June?
At this point I began to wonder if any voter in Northern Ireland, young or old, realised that the European Parliament is much different to the parliament we have constructed here in Northern Ireland, Stormont. For a start, the MEPs sitting in the European Parliament come from a wide array of backgrounds and hold a vast amount of different religious beliefs. The European Parliament is a culmination of people from different backgrounds who have come together to make laws to benefit Europe as a whole, taking into consideration the different views and cultures of every European citizen. I wondered if any voter in Northern Ireland realised that in the European Parliament your religious views or ethnic background do not determine your eligibility of being a good ambassador or voice for your country. For all that the European Union and European Parliament stand for, inclusiveness, togetherness and co-operation, I was baffled as to why any community in Northern Ireland would express opposition to the EU.
When my fellow Northern Irish correspondents and I were following the campaign trail in the run up to the elections, one of our big concerns was that our young people would adopt a sectarian approach to voting. After conversing with my fellow first time voters on the upcoming elections and the election process, many highlighted that people in Northern Ireland vote for the candidates who represent their religious community, rather than the candidate who is best for the job and who intends to work to benefit the community as a whole. Surely, for the European Elections at least, the Northern Irish people would realise that our political and religious struggles are irrelevant? Surely, they would realise that any candidate selected to go forward to represent our country in the European arena is there as an ambassador for every social and cultural group throughout the province, not just one? Why are our MEPs not stressing to the voting public that voting on the grounds of religion stifles the political process of our country and our full engagement with the European Parliament? I wondered if this sectarian approach to voting suited some of our running MEPs as it secured their votes and in turn, secured their position in the European Parliament. Why would they not attempt to appeal to all sides of the community and stress the importance of a united Northern Ireland in the European arena if they were dedicated to their cause and in establishing Northern Ireland’s voice in Europe?
Northern Ireland has the potential to become a great advocate for issues that are prevalent and up for debate in the EU such as human rights, workers rights and environmental protection, if we only rejected this ‘politics of division’ that tore our country apart.
Wednesday, June 17
Workshop memories...
Meeting the political correspondents at Leinster House...
The training workshop in the Google offices...
Friday, June 12
To Brussels Batman!!!
By Kate Manning
The people have spoken. The elections are over and MEPs all over Europe are organising their life for their move to Brussels. Former MEPs are possibly still coming to terms with their defeat and wondering what went wrong. Unsuccessful candidates are hoping a general election is on the way soon so they can put themselves forward for that. Journalists are back to looking for stories rather than being bombarded with leads on candidates.
On reflection, this year’s elections were most definitely not short on drama. In Ireland as a whole, the smooth election of Nessa Childers in the East Constituency was not predicted, as a battle between herself and Senator John Paul Phelan was supposed to be on the cards. Instead sitting MEP Liam Aylward faced the uphill challenge. Both Mr Aylward and Senator Phelan hail from Kilkenny with Aylward coming up with the goods in the end. Younger voters, in particular Young Fine Gael members, were devastated that their main man failed to succeed.
Libertas had a humiliating defeat with no candidates securing a seat in Ireland and Declan Ganley announcing his exit from politics. While many will find this decision to be the best decision he has ever made, the fact remains, Irish voters could not find a good enough reason to bring Libertas to the Parliament. Perhaps it was the lack of a clear, concise and across the board manifesto that caused the end result.
In Dublin, there was always going to be a fight to the end as the constituency was to lose a seat. Mary Lou McDonald and Eoin Ryan lost their seat while Socialist Joe Higgins secured the last seat. While Eoin Ryan’s losing of his seat was potentially because of his party and the current economic climate, Mary Lou McDonald lost hers on her dreadful attendance record in the Parliament. The voters would prefer to have Joe Higgins criticising the Parliament from Brussels rather than Ms McDonald who spoke out against the Parliament from back home.
In the rest of Europe as a whole, it was good news for the Parliament as the centre right EPP ED secured 263 seats maintaining its role as the largest grouping. Even with the desertion of the Tories and Czech MEPs, it remains on top.
Libertas only managed to secure one seat in the whole of Europe, the lone rider being Philippe de Villiers, a French MEP. This caused even further embarrassment for leader Declan Ganley.
It was bad news for Britain's Labour Party as they received a serious backlash from the voters, which saw the BNP secure two seats in the Parliament. The BNP are very much anti-EU and are desperate to call a halt to immigration. The election of two BNP MEPs is worrying and Nick Griffin’s (BNP leader) pelting with eggs last week is proof that this latest move in Britain will have huge consequences for the Parliament.
In the Netherlands, Geert Wilders' Freedom Party won four seats. The party is anti-Europe, anti-Islamic and anti everything that will raise an eyebrow. You can be guaranteed that they will make noise in the Parliament with the BNP MEPs. Great, just what the Parliament needs to slow it down!
The people have indeed spoken. I only wish the rest of Europe (in particular Britain) had spoken as commendably as Ireland did.
The people have spoken. The elections are over and MEPs all over Europe are organising their life for their move to Brussels. Former MEPs are possibly still coming to terms with their defeat and wondering what went wrong. Unsuccessful candidates are hoping a general election is on the way soon so they can put themselves forward for that. Journalists are back to looking for stories rather than being bombarded with leads on candidates.
On reflection, this year’s elections were most definitely not short on drama. In Ireland as a whole, the smooth election of Nessa Childers in the East Constituency was not predicted, as a battle between herself and Senator John Paul Phelan was supposed to be on the cards. Instead sitting MEP Liam Aylward faced the uphill challenge. Both Mr Aylward and Senator Phelan hail from Kilkenny with Aylward coming up with the goods in the end. Younger voters, in particular Young Fine Gael members, were devastated that their main man failed to succeed.
Libertas had a humiliating defeat with no candidates securing a seat in Ireland and Declan Ganley announcing his exit from politics. While many will find this decision to be the best decision he has ever made, the fact remains, Irish voters could not find a good enough reason to bring Libertas to the Parliament. Perhaps it was the lack of a clear, concise and across the board manifesto that caused the end result.
In Dublin, there was always going to be a fight to the end as the constituency was to lose a seat. Mary Lou McDonald and Eoin Ryan lost their seat while Socialist Joe Higgins secured the last seat. While Eoin Ryan’s losing of his seat was potentially because of his party and the current economic climate, Mary Lou McDonald lost hers on her dreadful attendance record in the Parliament. The voters would prefer to have Joe Higgins criticising the Parliament from Brussels rather than Ms McDonald who spoke out against the Parliament from back home.
In the rest of Europe as a whole, it was good news for the Parliament as the centre right EPP ED secured 263 seats maintaining its role as the largest grouping. Even with the desertion of the Tories and Czech MEPs, it remains on top.
Libertas only managed to secure one seat in the whole of Europe, the lone rider being Philippe de Villiers, a French MEP. This caused even further embarrassment for leader Declan Ganley.
It was bad news for Britain's Labour Party as they received a serious backlash from the voters, which saw the BNP secure two seats in the Parliament. The BNP are very much anti-EU and are desperate to call a halt to immigration. The election of two BNP MEPs is worrying and Nick Griffin’s (BNP leader) pelting with eggs last week is proof that this latest move in Britain will have huge consequences for the Parliament.
In the Netherlands, Geert Wilders' Freedom Party won four seats. The party is anti-Europe, anti-Islamic and anti everything that will raise an eyebrow. You can be guaranteed that they will make noise in the Parliament with the BNP MEPs. Great, just what the Parliament needs to slow it down!
The people have indeed spoken. I only wish the rest of Europe (in particular Britain) had spoken as commendably as Ireland did.
Thursday, June 11
What next - For winners? For losers? For Youth Media for Europe?
By Grace Campbell
All but a few election posters remain, dotted around towns in Kildare. Similarly to the candidates after the election, the remaining posters look tired and worn, battered by the changing weather of the last few weeks, clinging by the last piece of string to stay upright on their designated lamp posts. The European election has drawn to a close and unlike the campaign posters whose role is completed, the work of the newly elected MEPs has only begun.
The East sees the return of two MEPs who now begin their second term of office in Brussels. In the overall scheme of events for Aylward and McGuinness, the elections were a distraction from the work they are involved in at EU level. On her Facebook page Mairead McGuinness blogged: "The next five years will be pivotal for Ireland and for the food sector and agriculture in particular. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in." A farmer's work is never done!
Nessa Childers will understandably take the longest to settle into her new role as MEP. This is the time where Ms. Childers must prove that she is more than just a name. She must come out from behind the shadow of her late father and show that she deserves to be in the European Parliament.
All is not lost for the candidates in the East who were not elected. Senator John Paul Phelan and Thomas Byrne TD will return to their day jobs, which cannot be taken for granted in these economic times. Sinn Féin candidate Tomas Sharkey was elected to Louth County Council at the weekend and commented on his Facebook page: "I topped the poll in the Council area and was elected on the first count with a huge surplus." His running mate Kathleen Funchion also begins her work as a local councillor, joking on Facebook: "Any pot holes need fixing?"
The independent candidates will carry on with their lives - back to normality for the three men who remained predominantly under the radar. Jim Tallon has entered every election since 1981 with his highest number of votes polling at 163. On Sunday he trumped his record by receiving 2,412 first preference votes. Don't be surprised if you see Mr. Tallon's name again after this result; coming to a ballot paper near you!
Unfortunately for one of the losers in the East, it can be argued that all is lost for Libertas candidate Raymond O'Malley and his political future. Whether Mr. O'Malley will reinvent himself for the next election or put a halt to his political aspirations like leader Declan Ganley, only time will tell. Libertas has made a lot of enemies on the campaign circuit so keeping a low profile for the foreseeable future is the best option.
And that leaves us with Youth Media for Europe. The European election has been a learning curve, providing an interactive taste of the goings-on of politics at election time. European politics should not be viewed as alien by the young, it is vital to participate in healthy debate, discussing issues of concern. On the flip side, politicians should not overlook the power of the youth and make every effort to get young people involved in topics at local, national and EU level.
Watch out in the future as the youngsters of Youth Media for Europe become the new broadcasters of RTE, the new columnists of the Irish Times or even the new candidates knocking at your door looking for your number one to send them to Brussels. It could be your face on one of those worn out posters next!
Youth Media for Europe
All but a few election posters remain, dotted around towns in Kildare. Similarly to the candidates after the election, the remaining posters look tired and worn, battered by the changing weather of the last few weeks, clinging by the last piece of string to stay upright on their designated lamp posts. The European election has drawn to a close and unlike the campaign posters whose role is completed, the work of the newly elected MEPs has only begun.
The East sees the return of two MEPs who now begin their second term of office in Brussels. In the overall scheme of events for Aylward and McGuinness, the elections were a distraction from the work they are involved in at EU level. On her Facebook page Mairead McGuinness blogged: "The next five years will be pivotal for Ireland and for the food sector and agriculture in particular. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in." A farmer's work is never done!
Nessa Childers will understandably take the longest to settle into her new role as MEP. This is the time where Ms. Childers must prove that she is more than just a name. She must come out from behind the shadow of her late father and show that she deserves to be in the European Parliament.
All is not lost for the candidates in the East who were not elected. Senator John Paul Phelan and Thomas Byrne TD will return to their day jobs, which cannot be taken for granted in these economic times. Sinn Féin candidate Tomas Sharkey was elected to Louth County Council at the weekend and commented on his Facebook page: "I topped the poll in the Council area and was elected on the first count with a huge surplus." His running mate Kathleen Funchion also begins her work as a local councillor, joking on Facebook: "Any pot holes need fixing?"
The independent candidates will carry on with their lives - back to normality for the three men who remained predominantly under the radar. Jim Tallon has entered every election since 1981 with his highest number of votes polling at 163. On Sunday he trumped his record by receiving 2,412 first preference votes. Don't be surprised if you see Mr. Tallon's name again after this result; coming to a ballot paper near you!
Unfortunately for one of the losers in the East, it can be argued that all is lost for Libertas candidate Raymond O'Malley and his political future. Whether Mr. O'Malley will reinvent himself for the next election or put a halt to his political aspirations like leader Declan Ganley, only time will tell. Libertas has made a lot of enemies on the campaign circuit so keeping a low profile for the foreseeable future is the best option.
And that leaves us with Youth Media for Europe. The European election has been a learning curve, providing an interactive taste of the goings-on of politics at election time. European politics should not be viewed as alien by the young, it is vital to participate in healthy debate, discussing issues of concern. On the flip side, politicians should not overlook the power of the youth and make every effort to get young people involved in topics at local, national and EU level.
Watch out in the future as the youngsters of Youth Media for Europe become the new broadcasters of RTE, the new columnists of the Irish Times or even the new candidates knocking at your door looking for your number one to send them to Brussels. It could be your face on one of those worn out posters next!
Youth Media for Europe
Life after Libertas
By Dónal Hassett
Few political obituaries provoked as much interest in the wake of this week's Euro-elections as that of the ever-controversial Libertas leader Declan Ganley. Ganley, who burst onto the political scene as leader of, and infamously, chief financier of Libertas' No to Lisbon campaign, is now licking his wounds from his brief and colourful, but ultimately unsuccessful, foray into Irish politics. The Libertas ‘pan-European’ party, Ganley’s brainchild, failed spectacularly in a European elections which saw an increase in support for virtually all right-wing Eurosceptic parties except those standing under the Libertas banner. While party supporters had predicted upwards of 100 seats, the final result was dismal- just one MEP, French ultra-conservative Phillipe de Villiers, was returned to the Parliament for the party. Where did all go wrong for the Ganleyites and their dream of converting Ireland’s No to Lisbon into a Yes to Libertas?
Undoubtedly, Libertas in Ireland was seeking to tap into a resevoir of conservative Catholic traditionalist voters. Ganley’s candidacy in the North West constituency sought to attract the substantial support base of former MEP Dana Rosemary Scallon who stood on a platform of social conservatism and Euroscepticism. In an effort to woo her voters, Ganley attacked his main rival, Independent MEP Marian Harkin by alleging her allies in the European Parliament were all pro-abortion, attempting to undermine Harkin’s self-professed “social conservatism”. However this move backfired when it emerged that a leading candidate for Libertas in the Netherlands had strong links to pro-abortion and even pro-euthenasia groups. While Dana’s endorsement, arriving late as it did, did indeed bouy up the Ganley campaign, it proved too little too late for what was to be an expensive experiment in Irish politics.
What can the Libertas experience tell us about Irish voters? Firstly, it seems evident that the resevoir of conservative Catholic voters is slowly being eroded in the newly modernised Irish society. Not only did Libertas candidates fail to secure any seats but also Kathy Sinnot, who shares many conservative ideals with Ganley and Dana, lost her seat in the South constituency.
Secondly, these elections show up the ideological divide within the anti-Lisbon campaign. In television interviews from the count centre, Ganely expressed confidence that transfers from the Sinn Féin candidate would narrow the gap between him and the leading candidates. However, transfer rates showed little distinction between pro- and anti-Lisbon candiadtes, in this most anti-Lisbon part of the country. Clearly Sinn Fein's left-wing republican voters saw no great attraction in voting for a conservative pro-enterprise candidate (with an English accent as it happens!)
Finally, the failure of the Libertas campaign was a failure for the kind of expensive and negative campaigning often practiced in America. Ganley’s highly personalised attacks on candidates, a policy echoed by the party’s candiadtes in Dublin (Caroline Simons) and in East (Raymond O’Malley), seem not to have gone down well with the Irish electorate. Simons’ constant barracking of other candiates during a radio debate was very unpopular, while O’Malley’s solo run on ‘blue cards’ for ‘foreign’ workers did not go down well in border areas. No amount of money and slick media advisors could cover these candidates’ gaffes.
The Libertas experience, while a colourful sideshow in these elections, should reassure mainstream politicians that personal attacks and negative campaigning appeals only to a marginal constituency of the Irish electorate. This electoral failure also augurs well for the pro-Lisbon campaign.
Few political obituaries provoked as much interest in the wake of this week's Euro-elections as that of the ever-controversial Libertas leader Declan Ganley. Ganley, who burst onto the political scene as leader of, and infamously, chief financier of Libertas' No to Lisbon campaign, is now licking his wounds from his brief and colourful, but ultimately unsuccessful, foray into Irish politics. The Libertas ‘pan-European’ party, Ganley’s brainchild, failed spectacularly in a European elections which saw an increase in support for virtually all right-wing Eurosceptic parties except those standing under the Libertas banner. While party supporters had predicted upwards of 100 seats, the final result was dismal- just one MEP, French ultra-conservative Phillipe de Villiers, was returned to the Parliament for the party. Where did all go wrong for the Ganleyites and their dream of converting Ireland’s No to Lisbon into a Yes to Libertas?
Undoubtedly, Libertas in Ireland was seeking to tap into a resevoir of conservative Catholic traditionalist voters. Ganley’s candidacy in the North West constituency sought to attract the substantial support base of former MEP Dana Rosemary Scallon who stood on a platform of social conservatism and Euroscepticism. In an effort to woo her voters, Ganley attacked his main rival, Independent MEP Marian Harkin by alleging her allies in the European Parliament were all pro-abortion, attempting to undermine Harkin’s self-professed “social conservatism”. However this move backfired when it emerged that a leading candidate for Libertas in the Netherlands had strong links to pro-abortion and even pro-euthenasia groups. While Dana’s endorsement, arriving late as it did, did indeed bouy up the Ganley campaign, it proved too little too late for what was to be an expensive experiment in Irish politics.
What can the Libertas experience tell us about Irish voters? Firstly, it seems evident that the resevoir of conservative Catholic voters is slowly being eroded in the newly modernised Irish society. Not only did Libertas candidates fail to secure any seats but also Kathy Sinnot, who shares many conservative ideals with Ganley and Dana, lost her seat in the South constituency.
Secondly, these elections show up the ideological divide within the anti-Lisbon campaign. In television interviews from the count centre, Ganely expressed confidence that transfers from the Sinn Féin candidate would narrow the gap between him and the leading candidates. However, transfer rates showed little distinction between pro- and anti-Lisbon candiadtes, in this most anti-Lisbon part of the country. Clearly Sinn Fein's left-wing republican voters saw no great attraction in voting for a conservative pro-enterprise candidate (with an English accent as it happens!)
Finally, the failure of the Libertas campaign was a failure for the kind of expensive and negative campaigning often practiced in America. Ganley’s highly personalised attacks on candidates, a policy echoed by the party’s candiadtes in Dublin (Caroline Simons) and in East (Raymond O’Malley), seem not to have gone down well with the Irish electorate. Simons’ constant barracking of other candiates during a radio debate was very unpopular, while O’Malley’s solo run on ‘blue cards’ for ‘foreign’ workers did not go down well in border areas. No amount of money and slick media advisors could cover these candidates’ gaffes.
The Libertas experience, while a colourful sideshow in these elections, should reassure mainstream politicians that personal attacks and negative campaigning appeals only to a marginal constituency of the Irish electorate. This electoral failure also augurs well for the pro-Lisbon campaign.
Tuesday, June 9
It’s Goodbye Mary-Lou…but why?
By Dónal Hassett
Outgoing Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald was seen by many as the poster girl for Sinn Fein's attempt to extend its political hegemony south across the border. Appointed as Gerry Adams number 2, McDonald’s clean cut image and soft-spoken accent went down very well with Southern voters and her spearheading of the party’s anti-Lisbon campaign was very successful, playing on her extensive knowledge of European affairs to add to a traditional protest vote. So where did it all go wrong for the Sinn Fein golden girl?
With the Dublin constituency losing a seat this time around, it was always going to be hard fo Sinn Fein to retain their seat but with the capital predicted to return an anti-Lisbon candidate, Mary Lou was seen to have the edge over Fianna Fáil’s Eoin Ryan, victim of the tide of public anger against the Soldiers of Destiny. Few commentators would have predicted socialist stalwart Joe Higgins’ surprise victory in the early hours of Monday morning. While Higgins is renowned for his extraordinary commitment, irreproachable integrity and witty eloquence, his victory cannot be purely attributed to his strength as a candidate but also to a failure on Sinn Fein's part to monopolise the radical protest vote in the capital. While Higgins’ Socialist Party held their own in the local elections and the radical left People before Profit Alliance made important gains, Sinn Fein actually lost council seats on Dublin City Council.
So what lies behind Sinn Fein's failure in this crucial constituency? Firstly, the concerns raised about Mary Lou’s attendance in Brussels and Strasbourg, the lowest of all of Ireland’s MEPs even when maternity leave was discounted, undermined her reputation as a hard worker and probably lost her votes to Joe Higgins, who is universally recognised as extremely hard-working. Sinn Fein's local problems in a former stronghold of theirs in Dublin’s South Inner City may have compounded Mary Lou’s problem. Esther Uzell, whose brother Joseph Rafferty was murdered by people linked to the IRA, led a campaign which succeeded in unseating high-profile Sinn Fein councillor Daithí Doolan for his alleged failure to help catch the killers. The backlash against Sinn Fein in their own backyard may have impacted on Mary Lou’s first preference vote.
However, local issues aside, perhaps it is simply a case of Sinn Fein having peaked after a sudden surge in the wake of the Good Friday agreement and now the party’s support has levelled out at circa 10% across the Republic. The last Dáil elections actually resulted in the loss of a seat, Seán Crowe in Tallaght, and Mary Lou’s own much mooted candidacy in Dublin Central was a big disappointment. Sinn Fein stalwart, Chirsty Burke’s poor performance (around 9.5%) in the Dublin Central by-election seems to confirm Sinn Fein's stagnation, a percentage mirrored by the much vaunted candidacy of Padraig Mac Lochlainn in the North West Euro constituency. Toireasa Ferris' large vote in the South constituency, while promising for the party, was doomed by Sinn Fein's notorious inability to attract transfers. Bairbre de Brún’s poll-topping performance north of the Border seems unlikely to be emulated in the South for years to come.
What then for Mary Lou? While the golden girl of ‘respectable republicanism’ is now left without an elected position, we are sure to see plenty of her in the upcoming Lisbon campaign and with the government looking increasingly unstable perhaps she will be knocking at doors in the near future (though not in Dublin Central) in her bid to get into the Dáil. Or might we see Mary Lou trying to fulfil that dearly-held Sinn Fein ambition of taking the Áras in time for the centenary celebrations of 1916, though I’m sure her former European colleagues, newly re-elected MEPs Mairéad McGuinness and Brian Crowley, may well give her a run for her money.
Outgoing Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald was seen by many as the poster girl for Sinn Fein's attempt to extend its political hegemony south across the border. Appointed as Gerry Adams number 2, McDonald’s clean cut image and soft-spoken accent went down very well with Southern voters and her spearheading of the party’s anti-Lisbon campaign was very successful, playing on her extensive knowledge of European affairs to add to a traditional protest vote. So where did it all go wrong for the Sinn Fein golden girl?
With the Dublin constituency losing a seat this time around, it was always going to be hard fo Sinn Fein to retain their seat but with the capital predicted to return an anti-Lisbon candidate, Mary Lou was seen to have the edge over Fianna Fáil’s Eoin Ryan, victim of the tide of public anger against the Soldiers of Destiny. Few commentators would have predicted socialist stalwart Joe Higgins’ surprise victory in the early hours of Monday morning. While Higgins is renowned for his extraordinary commitment, irreproachable integrity and witty eloquence, his victory cannot be purely attributed to his strength as a candidate but also to a failure on Sinn Fein's part to monopolise the radical protest vote in the capital. While Higgins’ Socialist Party held their own in the local elections and the radical left People before Profit Alliance made important gains, Sinn Fein actually lost council seats on Dublin City Council.
So what lies behind Sinn Fein's failure in this crucial constituency? Firstly, the concerns raised about Mary Lou’s attendance in Brussels and Strasbourg, the lowest of all of Ireland’s MEPs even when maternity leave was discounted, undermined her reputation as a hard worker and probably lost her votes to Joe Higgins, who is universally recognised as extremely hard-working. Sinn Fein's local problems in a former stronghold of theirs in Dublin’s South Inner City may have compounded Mary Lou’s problem. Esther Uzell, whose brother Joseph Rafferty was murdered by people linked to the IRA, led a campaign which succeeded in unseating high-profile Sinn Fein councillor Daithí Doolan for his alleged failure to help catch the killers. The backlash against Sinn Fein in their own backyard may have impacted on Mary Lou’s first preference vote.
However, local issues aside, perhaps it is simply a case of Sinn Fein having peaked after a sudden surge in the wake of the Good Friday agreement and now the party’s support has levelled out at circa 10% across the Republic. The last Dáil elections actually resulted in the loss of a seat, Seán Crowe in Tallaght, and Mary Lou’s own much mooted candidacy in Dublin Central was a big disappointment. Sinn Fein stalwart, Chirsty Burke’s poor performance (around 9.5%) in the Dublin Central by-election seems to confirm Sinn Fein's stagnation, a percentage mirrored by the much vaunted candidacy of Padraig Mac Lochlainn in the North West Euro constituency. Toireasa Ferris' large vote in the South constituency, while promising for the party, was doomed by Sinn Fein's notorious inability to attract transfers. Bairbre de Brún’s poll-topping performance north of the Border seems unlikely to be emulated in the South for years to come.
What then for Mary Lou? While the golden girl of ‘respectable republicanism’ is now left without an elected position, we are sure to see plenty of her in the upcoming Lisbon campaign and with the government looking increasingly unstable perhaps she will be knocking at doors in the near future (though not in Dublin Central) in her bid to get into the Dáil. Or might we see Mary Lou trying to fulfil that dearly-held Sinn Fein ambition of taking the Áras in time for the centenary celebrations of 1916, though I’m sure her former European colleagues, newly re-elected MEPs Mairéad McGuinness and Brian Crowley, may well give her a run for her money.
Monday, June 8
The Final Countdown
By Grace Campbell
Driving up to the Punchestown Event Centre, my mind was running wild about what madness would greet me at the count centre’s door. Images of sweat trickling down the foreheads of worried faces, nervous hands twitching in anticipation of results, people walking aimlessly around the centre to settle their restlessness – and that was just the journalists.
By the time I entered the doors in Punchestown on Sunday afternoon, the elements of the East candidate’s campaigns were reflected in the sights that met my eyes. The hall was predominantly empty with very few supporters and only one candidate in attendance. The media occupied a small corner cordoned off behind railings and other than that vote counters and tallymen stood casually around, tired and fed up with the long weekend they had just endured.
Where was the excitement? Where was the drama? Similarly to the campaigns, the counts were there to fulfil a purpose. Entertainment was only a by-product that had to flow naturally from the process. In this case it did not.
The attempt to add excitement to the campaign trail saw Mairead McGuiness and John Paul Phelan being placed against each other to recreate the tension that existed between McGuinness and Doyle five years previous. Whether this game plan was constructed within Fine Gael or by the media is yet to be determined, but either way, the drama fizzled out early on when it became apparent that McGuinness and Phelan had nothing but goodwill for each other. The chance of a cat fight or even a war of words was next to none.
One would think that having a Libertas candidate thrown into the mix would create the much needed buzz that was missing from the East constituency. Raymond O’Malley failed to make a splash however and his dismal performance in the count of first preference votes illustrated this.
The looming results of the first count were being delivered at
Candidates were dotted around the centre, each surrounded by their 'people' offering moral support. When
The returning officer announced the predictable results we all saw coming but this did not take away from the raw emotion that filled the count centre. Fine Gael supporters lapped up the victory and Labour followers were ecstatic, even though Childers had yet to reach the quota.
For those few moments, the experience of a count is electric, the atmosphere unparalleled. I felt like I was witnessing history in the making. It was worth the long and tiring wait. Similarly to the campaigns by candidates in the East, the count was a slow burner but as they say “patience is a virtue” and it certainly paid off in Punchestown.
Plenty more where that came from
By Kate Manning
People running all over the place, phones hopping and results coming in every minute. That was KCLR96fm, the local radio station for Carlow and Kilkenny on Saturday. It was election count day and the station newsroom was certainly alive.
The early morning was relatively peaceful. News clips to portray the anticipation among the candidates had to be gotten. European and local election hopeful, Kathleen Funchion spoke of her “nervousness about the day ahead”. Green TD Mary White told of the busy day facing everyone and hoped it would end up favouring her party. The stations Journalists were called to get feedback on the atmosphere that was beginning to build at the count-centres.
With so much newsworthy material coming from the count centres, it was difficult to find and develop the “In other news” stories. Having to condense the election feedback proved a challenge and most bulletins became extended. A fatal stabbing in Carlow had to be followed up on and it was tricky to manage that with the elections.
With so much newsworthy material coming from the count centres, it was difficult to find and develop the “In other news” stories. Having to condense the election feedback proved a challenge and most bulletins became extended. A fatal stabbing in Carlow had to be followed up on and it was tricky to manage that with the elections.
Election results were arriving by the minute and the news stories kept evolving. A bulletin could be broadcast and by the time it was finished another candidate could have been elected. Local listeners began calling the newsroom looking for tit-bits of results that they had missed.
By 11.30 am, word had reached the station that the tallies showed that Mairead McGuinness looked on course to reclaim her seat in the European Parliament. Surprisingly, Nessa Childers also looked to have polled well and was ahead of Fianna Fáil’s sitting MEP Liam Aylward. Predictions emerged which indicated that John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael) would battle with Aylward over the third seat. Nothing was certain at this time and a lot could change.
By 11.30 am, word had reached the station that the tallies showed that Mairead McGuinness looked on course to reclaim her seat in the European Parliament. Surprisingly, Nessa Childers also looked to have polled well and was ahead of Fianna Fáil’s sitting MEP Liam Aylward. Predictions emerged which indicated that John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael) would battle with Aylward over the third seat. Nothing was certain at this time and a lot could change.
The day pretty much flew. The buzz of what was going on around the local area and the country never eased. Looking back the unpredictability and the fast pace was definitely worth doing again. I would recommend for anyone to get involved in elections. I followed it and was involved in it from start to finish and there was nothing about it that I didn’t like. Even to just get involved on election count day and witness the results being read out with the candidates either celebrating or commiserating with each other is a great experience. While I chose to get involved on the media side of things, there are other ways to get involved. You could join in the campaign trail of a candidate you’ve taken a shine to. Or put yourself forward to run in the elections. It’s achievable. Either way, to get a feel for the diverse personalities that represent our country at European level and our home towns at local level is important and can be quite entertaining.
With the second Lisbon Treaty referendum fast approaching, not to mention the constant threat of a general election potentially becoming a reality, Irish politics will be fast-paced and exciting for the indefinite future.
Bring it on I say!
Friday, June 5
We are living in the X-Box Generation!
By Elaine Canny
Ireland is one of the most sporting countries in the world. GAA, international soccer, boxing, swimming, motor sport, equestrian sport and sailing are dominating the world and being led by the Irish. Sport plays a vital role in the development of young people in this country. Sports have been in our culture for many centuries, and during this European elections campaign, Sports and the lack of emphasis put on young people’s involvement in them had been raised. With the current TV and computer games culture taking over young people, sporting is a major issue in getting young people involved in these elections.
Micheal Seoige a young student from north Galway said "I think sport should be one of the main issues that MEPs should focus on if they want young people to become more involved in politics. Sport is a major pastime among my age. Not only did playing sports keep me fit and active but on a more serious level, it kept me on the straight and narrow while I was in school. It kept me more focused on school, I had training four times a week so I was taking care of myself, I didn’t touch alcohol even though most my friends were out drinking, I couldn’t as I wouldn’t have been able to perform as well as I did. I also had to keep my grades up in order to make the teams, so I did well in school too".
Sporting plays a vital role in bringing communities together. MEPs such as Fine Gael’s MEP Jim Higgins and Fianna Fail’s MEP candidate Paschal Mooney emphasised the importance in raising the issue of sports among young people.
Paschal Mooney said "The EU plays a pro-active role through the ‘Sports for All’ program. We are living in the X-box generation, where the computer is more relevant than the football, the basketball, or the racket. Obesity levels have risen dramatically in the last ten years, so it is MEPs' jobs to harness young people’s focus on sports. I must applaud the various sporting bodies in Ireland like the GAA who have played a sterling role in getting young people involved in sports. I think the focus is on jobs and the economy so the issue of sports is being somewhat neglected. It is an issue that interests me myself, i was a sports broadcaster for many years, if i was elected MEP, i would explore the issues of sports and initiatives.
Jim Higgins said "Sports and athletics have been a long time passion for me. As a former GAA player i believe the promotion of sports provided and important recreational and social outlet for participants and spectators. I sponsor a premier league match for Sligo Rovers each year. I am also a patron of Finn Harps FC in Donegal. All politics is local".
With the like of Katie Taylor (Boxing ) and Adam Carroll (Motor Sport) making a name for themselves, with the backing of MEPs the issue of sports with young people will be brought into more focus.
Elections are Friday 5 June with both Jim Higgins and Paschal Mooney running for election in the North West Constiuency.
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