CARL O'BRIEN'Ssideways look at Election 2011
Gilmore of '92 favours issues and polo-necks over barbs
Back in 1992 an earnest Eamon Gilmore – then a Democratic Left candidate – was appealing for votes in the general election.
“Since I was elected to the Dáil, I have become increasingly annoyed about politics in this country,” he said in a letter to constituents. “Some media gurus seem to think it is all about image.”
Clearly, judging by his dark polo-neck, image was the last thing on his mind at the time. He looks as if he’s modelling for a 1950s cigarette advert.
“But my colleagues and I in Democratic Left think that substance and policy are more important than style and performance,” he continued.
He went on to attack the leaders of the main political parties – Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and, er, Labour – for “spending the past two weeks calling names at each other”.
Gilmore, voters were assured, was above all this – and wouldn’t dream of personal barbs or, we presume, accusing a serving taoiseach of economic treason. But that’s another matter.
Instead, he vowed to get stuck into real issues – rather than getting stuck into rival party candidates. “There are signs it could be a nasty election. But is it not time to stop the name-calling and the dirty political tricks and to get on with tackling the real issues of jobs, housing, social welfare cuts, health?”
For more old election literature check out irishelectionliterature.wordpress.com
Election online: the best bits from YouTube
Confused about politics, the economy or the IMF bailout? Then let 14-year-old “Harry the ledge” clear everything up for you. Complex issues such as Nama and the voting system are explained through matchstick drawings and Post-It notes. All very enlightening. Can we get this young man to run for election?
http://tiny.cc/y9bel
Have you seen any curious or colourful election posters without any mention of a political party or candidate? If so, the chances are it’s the work of Upstart, a non-profit arts collective which “aims to put creativity at the centre of the election campaign”. This novel video uses animation and drawing to highlight its work and to ask for submissions by interested artists.
http://tiny.cc/na2zq
Funerals and gombeenism get heave-ho
Eric Coyle-Higgins, an Independent candidate in Kildare North, has made a bold election pledge.
“I promise never to attend a funeral, save where the deceased was personally known to me.”
But that’s not his only electoral promise by any means. He also pledges “never to call to constituents’ doors seeking their votes” or to hold traditional party clinics.
He continues: “I promise never to accept so much as a single cent in travel expenses . . . or to pursue the interests of Kildare North with indifference to the overall national interests . . . or to otherwise engage in political gombeenism”.
If any voters disagree with him and want the old-style politics and things to remain in their “current dreadful condition”, he has a simple message: “Do not vote for me.”
He may be just a single Independent candidate, but he can hardly be accused of lacking ambition.
The candidate plans to “confront sectional interests which militate against the fellowship of citizens” and to “overcome the massive economic difficulties now facing Ireland”.
That’s a lot to achieve in a single Dáil term – though he does accept in his campaign literature that it will “take a miracle” to get elected.
Words from the leaders . . .
"I am not here today to sugar-coat the situation or promise that all will be well if you simply vote for my party. I will leave that talk to Fine Gael, Labour and Sinn Féin" - Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin dismisses the campaign promises of rival parties
"For the first time ever in the 90-year history of this State we can elect a government which is led by neither Fianna Fáil nor Fine Gael" - Labour leader Eamon Gilmore insists his party can lead the next government
"It doesn't make sense to me how any party which is progressive could have a vision which is as narrow and as stunted as that which is about putting Fine Gael into power" - Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams on Labour's electoral ambition
Why are you still in Fianna Fáil? Mary ready to be voice in the wilderness
We know of many crises facing Fianna Fáil – a disorganised party and demoralised membership, etc, etc. But the existential crisis was a new one on us.
Councillor Mary Fitzpatrick’s frank and honest circular to her constituents in Dublin Central reveals as much.
“Why are you still in Fianna Fáil?” her letter plaintively asks.
A good question, given what the Drumcondra Mafia has put her through in recent years.
She continues: “It was once the biggest party in the State because its goals and objectives closely matched those of the Irish people.
“Fianna Fáil has disappointed its members, its supporters and the country. It made mistakes . . .”
Just when we think she is ready to declare herself an Independent, she pulls back from the edge and returns to the party fold.
“There are many decent, hard-working people who support Fianna Fáil and want the best for their communities . . . I am one of those people. I want to play my part.”
Fitzpatrick was famously denied a seat in the 2007 election after being kept in the dark about a letter from Bertie Ahern circulated on the eve of election which urged voters to back Ahern first, followed by Cyprian Brady, with Fitzpatrick languishing at the bottom of the heap.
Funnily enough, Fitzpatrick’s letter makes no mention of running mate Brady – or indeed Ahern, for that matter.
“Opinion polls suggest Labour and Fine Gael will win two and possibly three seats in Dublin Central.
“It is critical [we] have a strong and constructive voice in opposition . . . If elected , I can be that voice.”