The Big Fight Ahern v Kenny
Official Thread
http://www.politics.ie/viewtopic.php?t=20797&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=
Bertie 48%
Enda 36%
Friday, May 18, 2007
Election 2007
Irish Politicians...Check this out its a must!!
A link with lots of current political content regarding the upcomming election
http://www.irishpoliticians.com/links.php
A link with lots of current political content regarding the upcomming election
http://www.irishpoliticians.com/links.php
The Election Book
"The Election Book"
Your essential guide to the inside workings of politics, political procedures and elections in Ireland, from Ireland's leading commentators. Let RTÉ's political experts take you through the roles of: the tallymen, the campaign trail, the spin doctors, financing the elections, passing time in seanad, the leaders, the long counts and the political parties (big and small) and the Independents.
With a constituency-by-constituency guide to the issues, personalities and local intrigue of the 2007 general election.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Road Transport Association...600 truck traffic disruption on M50
Haulier protest to disrupt M50 Monday, 7 May 2007 20:54
http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0507/hauliers.html
Gardaí have warned motorists in Dublin to expect major traffic disruption tomorrow as up to 600 truckers are expected to take part in a protest against the Heavy Goods Vehicles ban in Dublin city centre.
The protest, which is being organised by a new group called the Road Transport Association, will begin at 5am on the northbound and southbound lanes of the M50 and at Dublin Port.
The Road Transport Association say the HGV ban is forcing them to use an already overburdened M50.
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They say the tolls, extra mileage and traffic congestion on the motorway means their costs are increasing while their productivity is decreasing.
An estimated 600 trucks will converge at three locations from 5am in the morning and begin moving 30 minutes later.
The first group will start at Finglas and will drive south on the M50 to the Ballymount exit before turning around and going towards the M1/M50 interchange.
The second group will also travel on the M50 from Citywest to M1/M50 interchange.
The third group will drive from the Point Depot to Dublin Port and back.
They say the protest will not stop until they get progress.
The AA say there could be delays of up to one hour on the M50 tomorrow and are advising motorists to leave early.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0507/hauliers.html
Gardaí have warned motorists in Dublin to expect major traffic disruption tomorrow as up to 600 truckers are expected to take part in a protest against the Heavy Goods Vehicles ban in Dublin city centre.
The protest, which is being organised by a new group called the Road Transport Association, will begin at 5am on the northbound and southbound lanes of the M50 and at Dublin Port.
The Road Transport Association say the HGV ban is forcing them to use an already overburdened M50.
Advertisement
They say the tolls, extra mileage and traffic congestion on the motorway means their costs are increasing while their productivity is decreasing.
An estimated 600 trucks will converge at three locations from 5am in the morning and begin moving 30 minutes later.
The first group will start at Finglas and will drive south on the M50 to the Ballymount exit before turning around and going towards the M1/M50 interchange.
The second group will also travel on the M50 from Citywest to M1/M50 interchange.
The third group will drive from the Point Depot to Dublin Port and back.
They say the protest will not stop until they get progress.
The AA say there could be delays of up to one hour on the M50 tomorrow and are advising motorists to leave early.
McDowell 'utterly rejects' Kenny's comments
http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0507/election.html
There have been sharp exchanges between the Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and the Tánaiste Michael McDowell over leaks from the Mahon Tribunal about the personal finances of the Taoiseach.
Mr McDowell said that Mr Kenny's suggestions that he had been responsible for the leaks to the media were 'beneath contempt'.
Mr McDowell has said he 'utterly rejects' any suggestion that he was involved in leaking Mahon Tribunal documents about the Taoiseach's personal finances to the media.
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As he wound up his manifesto launch this morning, Enda Kenny claimed that if the Taoiseach wanted to know who was putting out information from Tribunals he only had to look across the cabinet table.
Later on the RTÉ Radio's News At One, he confirmed he had meant Michael McDowell, prompting a furious response from the PD leader.
This afternoon Enda Kenny's spokesman said he did not intend to allege the Justice Minister had been responsible for the original leak from the Tribunal about the Taoiseach's financial affairs but had been referring to events of the last week when Mr McDowell's adviser had been passed material relating to the inquiry.
There have been sharp exchanges between the Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and the Tánaiste Michael McDowell over leaks from the Mahon Tribunal about the personal finances of the Taoiseach.
Mr McDowell said that Mr Kenny's suggestions that he had been responsible for the leaks to the media were 'beneath contempt'.
Mr McDowell has said he 'utterly rejects' any suggestion that he was involved in leaking Mahon Tribunal documents about the Taoiseach's personal finances to the media.
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As he wound up his manifesto launch this morning, Enda Kenny claimed that if the Taoiseach wanted to know who was putting out information from Tribunals he only had to look across the cabinet table.
Later on the RTÉ Radio's News At One, he confirmed he had meant Michael McDowell, prompting a furious response from the PD leader.
This afternoon Enda Kenny's spokesman said he did not intend to allege the Justice Minister had been responsible for the original leak from the Tribunal about the Taoiseach's financial affairs but had been referring to events of the last week when Mr McDowell's adviser had been passed material relating to the inquiry.
Mr Bush blundered his way through his speech
Bush Blunder: One Is Slightly Amused
By Royal Correspondent Sarah Hughes Updated: 18:28, Monday May 07, 2007
The Queen has spoken of the special relationship between the US and Britain as she met President George Bush at the White House.
Mr Bush looks to the Queen while cracking a joke
But it was Mr Bush who had everyone laughing as he blundered his way through his speech - and then bailed his way out with a sharp one-liner.
He gave the wrong date for the American bicentenary.
The crowd began to laugh and the President delivered a quip about the Queen's reaction.
"You helped our nation to celebrate its bicentennial in 17....1976," the leader said.
He paused, turned to the Queen and added: "You gave me a look that only a mother could give a child."
More than 7,000 people were in attendance as the British and American national anthems were played, followed by a 21-gun salute.
The Duke of Edinburgh and First Lady Laura Bush stood by as the monarch and American leader took their places on the small platform, decorated in the red, white and blue colours
The Queen did not directly mention the Iraq war in her speech, but it was clear she was referring to the strains it had put on the relationship.
"A state visit provides us with a brief opportunity to step back from our current preoccupations to reflect on the very essence of our relationship," she said.
Sarkozy takes over from Jacques Chirac on 16 May
France looks to new Sarkozy era
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6631813.stm
Mr Sarkozy appeared relaxed as he left a Paris hotel on MondayFrance is preparing to enter a new political era, one day after choosing right-wing Nicolas Sarkozy to be the country's next president.
Previously a divisive cabinet minister, Mr Sarkozy won a clear election victory over Socialist opponent Segolene Royal.
Mr Sarkozy has pledged to boost the economy by creating jobs, liberalise employment laws, be tough on crime and control immigration.
He officially takes over from Jacques Chirac on 16 May.
Before then, campaign aides say Mr Sarkozy, 52, will spend a few days resting at an undisclosed location to finalise his government line-up and policy priorities.
On Monday, Mr Sarkozy revealed that his choice of prime minister would be Francois Fillon, who is currently Mr Sarkozy's senior political adviser.
Mr Sarkozy's remarks came during a telephone conversation with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The size of Sunday's election victory - a resounding win by 53% to 47% in a two-horse race, with a turnout of 85% - gives the new president real authority, correspondents say.
"We have to act, the French people expect it. They have given him a real mandate," chief of staff Claude Gueant told French radio.
France has given me everything, and now it is my turn to give back to France what France has given me
Nicolas Sarkozy
Sarkozy victory speech
World reacts to Sarkozy win
What next for Sarkozy?
Mr Sarkozy is expected to quickly name a 15-strong cabinet for the start of his five-year term in office.
The first key hurdle for the new president will be nationwide parliamentary elections in June.
Securing a workable majority in the National Assembly would greatly ease the passage of Mr Sarkozy's planned reforms.
Early polling for those elections puts Mr Sarkozy's UMP party ahead of the Socialists by about six percentage points, the Reuters news agency reported.
Ms Royal's defeat was the Socialists' third successive presidential election loss, and the party is now expected to face calls for internal change.
Reform pledge
Mr Sarkozy has promised to try to reform France to face the challenges of the 21st century, and creating jobs is at the top of his agenda.
Mr Sarkozy appeared relaxed as he left a Paris hotel on MondayFrance is preparing to enter a new political era, one day after choosing right-wing Nicolas Sarkozy to be the country's next president.
Previously a divisive cabinet minister, Mr Sarkozy won a clear election victory over Socialist opponent Segolene Royal.
Mr Sarkozy has pledged to boost the economy by creating jobs, liberalise employment laws, be tough on crime and control immigration.
He officially takes over from Jacques Chirac on 16 May.
Before then, campaign aides say Mr Sarkozy, 52, will spend a few days resting at an undisclosed location to finalise his government line-up and policy priorities.
On Monday, Mr Sarkozy revealed that his choice of prime minister would be Francois Fillon, who is currently Mr Sarkozy's senior political adviser.
Mr Sarkozy's remarks came during a telephone conversation with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The size of Sunday's election victory - a resounding win by 53% to 47% in a two-horse race, with a turnout of 85% - gives the new president real authority, correspondents say.
"We have to act, the French people expect it. They have given him a real mandate," chief of staff Claude Gueant told French radio.
France has given me everything, and now it is my turn to give back to France what France has given me
Nicolas Sarkozy
Sarkozy victory speech
World reacts to Sarkozy win
What next for Sarkozy?
Mr Sarkozy is expected to quickly name a 15-strong cabinet for the start of his five-year term in office.
The first key hurdle for the new president will be nationwide parliamentary elections in June.
Securing a workable majority in the National Assembly would greatly ease the passage of Mr Sarkozy's planned reforms.
Early polling for those elections puts Mr Sarkozy's UMP party ahead of the Socialists by about six percentage points, the Reuters news agency reported.
Ms Royal's defeat was the Socialists' third successive presidential election loss, and the party is now expected to face calls for internal change.
Reform pledge
Mr Sarkozy has promised to try to reform France to face the challenges of the 21st century, and creating jobs is at the top of his agenda.
SARKOZY: KEY POLICIES
Exempt overtime (above 35 hours) from taxes and social security charges
Minimum sentences for repeat offenders, tougher sentences for juveniles
Selective immigration that favours arrival of qualified workers
Increase taxes on polluters
Oppose Turkish EU membership
He has pledged to bring unemployment down from 8.3% to below 5% by 2012.
During his first 100 days in office he is also expected to propose tax cuts and table legislation to keep trains running during strikes.
While he has said he will not end France's 35-hour working week, Mr Sarkozy proposes allowing staff to work overtime, as well as cutting restrictions on hiring and firing staff.
Known as a divisive figure from his years as a strict interior minister, Mr Sarkozy appears intent on a tough approach to law and order, favouring minimum sentences for repeat offenders and tougher sentences for juveniles.
He struck a conciliatory tone in his victory speech on Sunday evening, telling crowds in Paris and those watching around the country that he would be president "of all the French".
Himself the son of a Hungarian immigrant, Mr Sarkozy said: "France has given me everything, and now it is my turn to give back to France what France has given me."
Exempt overtime (above 35 hours) from taxes and social security charges
Minimum sentences for repeat offenders, tougher sentences for juveniles
Selective immigration that favours arrival of qualified workers
Increase taxes on polluters
Oppose Turkish EU membership
He has pledged to bring unemployment down from 8.3% to below 5% by 2012.
During his first 100 days in office he is also expected to propose tax cuts and table legislation to keep trains running during strikes.
While he has said he will not end France's 35-hour working week, Mr Sarkozy proposes allowing staff to work overtime, as well as cutting restrictions on hiring and firing staff.
Known as a divisive figure from his years as a strict interior minister, Mr Sarkozy appears intent on a tough approach to law and order, favouring minimum sentences for repeat offenders and tougher sentences for juveniles.
He struck a conciliatory tone in his victory speech on Sunday evening, telling crowds in Paris and those watching around the country that he would be president "of all the French".
Himself the son of a Hungarian immigrant, Mr Sarkozy said: "France has given me everything, and now it is my turn to give back to France what France has given me."
HAVE YOUR SAY
I'd like to say congratulations and good luck to President-elect Sarkozy
Eric Loadman, USA
Send us your comments
Media hope for unity
Nevertheless, there were minor clashes with protesters in Paris and some other cities after the result was announced.
Several hundred rioters in the Place de la Bastille threw bottles and stones at police, shouting "Sarko-fascist".
Two police officers were injured in Nantes, where 1,000 demonstrators turned to violence. Arrests were made in half-a-dozen cities, but the trouble soon subsided.
The election result was widely welcomed outside France, with the US, EU, China and Japan offering congratulations to Mr Sarkozy.
I'd like to say congratulations and good luck to President-elect Sarkozy
Eric Loadman, USA
Send us your comments
Media hope for unity
Nevertheless, there were minor clashes with protesters in Paris and some other cities after the result was announced.
Several hundred rioters in the Place de la Bastille threw bottles and stones at police, shouting "Sarko-fascist".
Two police officers were injured in Nantes, where 1,000 demonstrators turned to violence. Arrests were made in half-a-dozen cities, but the trouble soon subsided.
The election result was widely welcomed outside France, with the US, EU, China and Japan offering congratulations to Mr Sarkozy.
The Turkish prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was more cautious, saying he hoped Mr Sarkozy would review his opposition to Turkey joining the EU.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Calls for Taoiseach to issue public statement
There have been calls for Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to make a personal statement on his finances.
The calls follow the revelation that Mr Ahern's former partner received a large sum in cash in the 90s which he says went towards stamp duty and renovations to his rented house.
The Greens were the first to raise the issue this morning as leader Trevor Sargent launched his party's tax policy.
Mr Sargent said the issue needed to be clarified. He claimed the public good would be better served by transparency, rather than by hiding behind the tribunals.
Mr Sargent said the issue needed to be clarified. He claimed the public good would be better served by transparency, rather than by hiding behind the tribunals.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte has said he was happy to let the Mahon Tribunal investigate what he described as 'the Taoiseach's byzantine financial affairs'.
He added that he had never heard of stamp duty being paid on a rented house.
Sinn Féin's Dublin Central candidate Mary Lou McDonald also said Mr Ahern should answer any outstanding questions about his finances.
She said the electorate had a right to know all the information about monies he or his former partner received.
But Fianna Fáil Dublin West Candidate Brian Lenihan said Mr Ahern had already made a personal statement last October and the only new information related to a private citizen who was a good friend of the Taoiseach.
PD leader Michael McDowell has said he will not turn the election campaign into a mini tribunal on the Taoiseach's finances when the Mahon inquiry had decided that it would be unfair to conduct hearings ahead of 24 May.
Mr McDowell said he was satisfied that the Irish people had been governed well in the last five years and the real question was would that continue after an election that was not about what happened in Manchester in the 90s.
Mr Ahern repeated today that he will deal with the matter at the Mahon Tribunal.
Election poster threat to road safety
Complaints over posters blocking signs
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has issued a warning about pedestrian safety and traffic signs being obscured by election posters.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has issued a warning about pedestrian safety and traffic signs being obscured by election posters.
The RSA warning follows the unseemly haste with which election workers from every party strapped multiple posters to lamp posts in the hours following the Taoiseach's dawn visit to Áras an Uachtaráin to dissolve the Dáil.
Lithuanian workers put up election posters in Dublin on Saturday.
RSA chief executive Noel Brett said the competitive jockeying for prime position adjacent to major roads and junctions is creating problems for motorists and pedestrians and is leading to complaints.
Mr Brett said his office had received three formal complaints by yesterday afternoon and numerous queries and expressions of concern.
"The signage on our roads, whether put there by the National Roads Authority, local authorities or the gardaí or construction and road repair teams, are there to help motorists stay safe," Mr Brett said.
"So it is vital that no action is taken that either obscures them or distracts road users from their content.
"The election posters are quite wide and quite large. People are contacting us concerned about the visibility of traffic signs and also the safety of pedestrians if these posters fall," he said.
Mr Brett said all the complaints have been referred on to the relevant local authority for investigation.
Under the Road Traffic Act of 1961 it is an offence to place any sign or notice that blocks a traffic sign.
Responsibility for enforcing this legislation rests with the local authorities through which the road travels.
Among the signs that cannot be blocked are those relating to speed limits, junction warnings, road works, and directions.
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