Sinn Fein? They have gone away, you know.

[glens abu]

Latest Irish Times/IPSOS Mori Poll

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/poll-puts-fine-gael-and-fianna-f%C3%A1il-neck-and-neck-1.1749603

Poll puts Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil neck and neck
Stephen Collins.  Last Updated: Friday, April 4, 2014, 08:28

Fine Gael has suffered a significant drop in support and Fianna Fáil has recovered ground, according to the latest Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI poll.  The two parties are neck and neck with less than two months to go to the European and local elections.  The ongoing controversy over the administration of justice has clearly had a damaging impact on the level of support for the Government parties, with Fine Gael taking the biggest hit.  The poll was conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week when the motion of no confidence in Minister for Justice Alan Shatter was being debated in the Dáil.  The bounce both Coalition parties got at the time of the exit from the EU-IMF bailout in December has now evaporated and Fine Gael and Labour are back to the level of support they had for most of last year.  Support for Sinn Féin has stayed unchanged at 21 per cent since the last Irish Times poll in December but support for Independents and Others is up.

When people were asked who they would vote for if an election were held tomorrow, party support – when undecided voters are excluded – compared with the last Irish Times poll was: Fine Gael, 25 per cent (down five points); Labour, 8 per cent (down one point); Fianna Fáil, 25 per cent (up three points); Sinn Féin, 21 per cent (no change); and Independents and Others, 21 per cent (up three points).

The survey was taken among a representative sample of 1,000 voters, in face-to-face interviews at 100 sampling points in all constituencies. The margin of error is plus or minus 3 per cent.

The core vote for the parties compared with the last poll was: Fine Gael, 18 per cent (down two points); Labour, 5 per cent (down one); Fianna Fáil, 18 per cent (up three); Sinn Féin, 15 per cent (up one); Independents/Others, 15 per cent (up three) and undecided voters, 29 per cent (down four).

The big gainer is Fianna Fáil, with the party moving up again after remaining becalmed in the polls since last summer. The aggressive stance adopted by party leader Micheál Martin in the various controversies surrounding the Department of Justice and the Garda has clearly paid dividends. Mr Martin has also seen an increase in his personal satisfaction rating. Fianna Fáil is again the biggest party in Munster, Connacht Ulster and the rest of Leinster. However, it is still trailing well behind Fine Gael in Dublin and is also behind Sinn Féin in the capital. The poll indicates that the party is going to find it very difficult to win a seat in Dublin in the European elections or make a significant impact in any of the four local authority areas in the county.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has had a significant increase in his satisfaction rating, up six points to 33 per cent, giving him the highest rating of any party leader.

Satisfaction with the Government has dropped four points to 22 per cent but, despite all the controversies of recent months, that is still higher than it achieved for the 18 months before the bailout exit.  Satisfaction with Enda Kenny is down three points to 30 per cent, while satisfaction with Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore is up one point to 20 per cent, the highest rating he has achieved since autumn 2012.  There will be some satisfaction in Labour that the drop in party support since the last poll has been marginal, given the range of problems besetting the Government. However, with just 8 per cent support, the scale of the challenge it faces in the European and local elections is still enormous.  The increase in the level of support for Independents and Others to 21 per cent indicates that there is potential for at least one seat in each of the three European constituencies from that grouping.  The poll also highlights the prospect of a significant number of councillors being elected from the ranks of small parties and Independents, particularly given the large new electoral areas that will elect between six and 10 councillors.

yeah although its only a poll,that's two in a row now putting SF at 21% which for us is great.Also good to see big Gerry top the leaders poll,must be a bit annoying for all the hate Gerry men.Sinn Fein abu .The brothers-in- law in Tyrone,McIntyre,Jim Allister,Jamie Bryson,and Dixie must be doing somersaults.    

[muppet]

What is really sad is that nothing new has emerged.

We seem to be stuck with a choice of civil war politics and all of their extensive baggage and hangers on.

I think the next government will be a far left leaning coalition. Then there could be some serious soul searching after we get taxed to death.

[Denn Forever]

We wanted rid of FF.  Any one else would be better.  Then we came to the conclusion that nothing changes. 

A ULA based  government will have a tight rope to walk as so much integrity and squeaky clean ness will be expected.

[orangeman]

Harsh words here.



Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has said Peter Robinson "has crossed the line" by saying they had reached agreement on welfare reform.

His comments came after the first minister claimed in an interview that they had agreed a number of measures last May.

However, he said Mr McGuinness had been unable to sell the deal to senior Sinn Féin members of the Irish parliament.

Mr McGuinness said Mr Robinson's version of events was not true.

"I think he crossed the line and I think it was a big mistake for him to cross that line," he said.


"Quite clearly some of the things that he said in relation to the discussions that took place between himself and myself and other negotiators on our side and his side on the issue of welfare cuts bear no reality to what happened at the time.

"I take umbrage at that."

He added: "The only way to resolve these issues is by mature leadership, sitting down with executive colleagues and finding a resolution rather than grandstanding on the media and presuming to speak for me."

[Applesisapples]

I'll bet Pete is devestated. Electioneering from both sides.

[Rossfan]

I think the next government will be a far left leaning coalition. Then there could be some serious soul searching after we get taxed to death.

You're beginning to sound as paranoid as the anti GAA/Sky deal people.

[Maguire01]

Watchdog throws out bizarre 'lost votes' argument from Robinson and McGuinness

Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness's department has argued that it should be allowed to withhold information if releasing it might cost the First Minister and Deputy First Minister votes.

The extraordinary attempt to circumvent the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act was made in response to a request from the News Letter for the department's 'risk register'.

However, the Information Commissioner, the watchdog which enforces the open government law, has dismissed the argument and ordered that the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) provide the information by May 1.

A formal decision notice upheld this newspaper's appeal against Stormont Castle's decision.

That 10-page document reveals that OFMDFM "argued specifically that disclosure of the requested information '... could prejudice ministers' electoral prospects and would most certainly have a 'chilling effect' on the future development of corporate risk registers'."

In dismissing that argument, the commissioner noted: "While the electoral prospects of individuals are not strictly a relevant factor when weighing the public interest in the disclosure of information, the commissioner is of the view that access rights afforded by FoI constitute an accountability tool which can help the public make up its mind for the purpose of participation in democratic elections.

"Contrary to OFMDFM's assertion, this is therefore a public interest argument in favour of disclosure in respect of supporting accountability and transparency."

The decision notice also reveals that the decision to refuse the original request was taken personally by "the First Minister and Deputy First Minister acting jointly".

The department also argued that releasing the risk registers – which record the issues causing concern within OFMDFM – would "inhibit the free and frank exchange of views" and could turn future such registers into "anodyne documents".

But the commissioner rejected all of those arguments.

OFMDFM has repeatedly been found to have broken the terms of the Freedom of Information Act.

Delays – which in some cases extended to more than 300 days past the 20-day legal limit – to answering requests led in late 2012 to the department being one of just four public bodies across the UK to be monitored by the commissioner.

In one instance it only answered a request the night before the applicant was to appear in the High Court to ask for the law to be enforced.

OFMDFM did not respond to a request for comment.

http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/regional/watchdog-throws-out-bizarre-lost-votes-argument-from-robinson-and-mcguinness-1-5972210#.UzsmGTqTjIw.twitter

This highlights the difficulty for Sinn Féin in riding two horses. In the south, as opposition,  they're demanding transparency, but when in power, they're no different to the rest of the establishment.

Even given the hypocrisy though, the excuse used here to refuse disclosure is truly bizarre: it might cost them votes! It really does beg the question - what are they trying to hide?

[muppet]

Watchdog throws out bizarre 'lost votes' argument from Robinson and McGuinness

Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness's department has argued that it should be allowed to withhold information if releasing it might cost the First Minister and Deputy First Minister votes.

The extraordinary attempt to circumvent the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act was made in response to a request from the News Letter for the department's 'risk register'.

However, the Information Commissioner, the watchdog which enforces the open government law, has dismissed the argument and ordered that the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) provide the information by May 1.

A formal decision notice upheld this newspaper's appeal against Stormont Castle's decision.

That 10-page document reveals that OFMDFM "argued specifically that disclosure of the requested information '... could prejudice ministers' electoral prospects and would most certainly have a 'chilling effect' on the future development of corporate risk registers'."

In dismissing that argument, the commissioner noted: "While the electoral prospects of individuals are not strictly a relevant factor when weighing the public interest in the disclosure of information, the commissioner is of the view that access rights afforded by FoI constitute an accountability tool which can help the public make up its mind for the purpose of participation in democratic elections.

"Contrary to OFMDFM's assertion, this is therefore a public interest argument in favour of disclosure in respect of supporting accountability and transparency."

The decision notice also reveals that the decision to refuse the original request was taken personally by "the First Minister and Deputy First Minister acting jointly".

The department also argued that releasing the risk registers – which record the issues causing concern within OFMDFM – would "inhibit the free and frank exchange of views" and could turn future such registers into "anodyne documents".

But the commissioner rejected all of those arguments.

OFMDFM has repeatedly been found to have broken the terms of the Freedom of Information Act.

Delays – which in some cases extended to more than 300 days past the 20-day legal limit – to answering requests led in late 2012 to the department being one of just four public bodies across the UK to be monitored by the commissioner.

In one instance it only answered a request the night before the applicant was to appear in the High Court to ask for the law to be enforced.

OFMDFM did not respond to a request for comment.

http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/regional/watchdog-throws-out-bizarre-lost-votes-argument-from-robinson-and-mcguinness-1-5972210#.UzsmGTqTjIw.twitter

This highlights the difficulty for Sinn Féin in riding two horses. In the south, as opposition,  they're demanding transparency, but when in power, they're no different to the rest of the establishment.

Even given the hypocrisy though, the excuse used here to refuse disclosure is truly bizarre: it might cost them votes! It really does beg the question - what are they trying to hide?

Just like Bertie's changes to the FOI Act.

They want you to hear all of the good they do, and no more.

[give her dixie]

Watchdog throws out bizarre 'lost votes' argument from Robinson and McGuinness

Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness's department has argued that it should be allowed to withhold information if releasing it might cost the First Minister and Deputy First Minister votes.

The extraordinary attempt to circumvent the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act was made in response to a request from the News Letter for the department's 'risk register'.

However, the Information Commissioner, the watchdog which enforces the open government law, has dismissed the argument and ordered that the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) provide the information by May 1.

A formal decision notice upheld this newspaper's appeal against Stormont Castle's decision.

That 10-page document reveals that OFMDFM "argued specifically that disclosure of the requested information '... could prejudice ministers' electoral prospects and would most certainly have a 'chilling effect' on the future development of corporate risk registers'."

In dismissing that argument, the commissioner noted: "While the electoral prospects of individuals are not strictly a relevant factor when weighing the public interest in the disclosure of information, the commissioner is of the view that access rights afforded by FoI constitute an accountability tool which can help the public make up its mind for the purpose of participation in democratic elections.

"Contrary to OFMDFM's assertion, this is therefore a public interest argument in favour of disclosure in respect of supporting accountability and transparency."

The decision notice also reveals that the decision to refuse the original request was taken personally by "the First Minister and Deputy First Minister acting jointly".

The department also argued that releasing the risk registers – which record the issues causing concern within OFMDFM – would "inhibit the free and frank exchange of views" and could turn future such registers into "anodyne documents".

But the commissioner rejected all of those arguments.

OFMDFM has repeatedly been found to have broken the terms of the Freedom of Information Act.

Delays – which in some cases extended to more than 300 days past the 20-day legal limit – to answering requests led in late 2012 to the department being one of just four public bodies across the UK to be monitored by the commissioner.

In one instance it only answered a request the night before the applicant was to appear in the High Court to ask for the law to be enforced.

OFMDFM did not respond to a request for comment.

http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/regional/watchdog-throws-out-bizarre-lost-votes-argument-from-robinson-and-mcguinness-1-5972210#.UzsmGTqTjIw.twitter

This highlights the difficulty for Sinn Féin in riding two horses. In the south, as opposition,  they're demanding transparency, but when in power, they're no different to the rest of the establishment.

Even given the hypocrisy though, the excuse used here to refuse disclosure is truly bizarre: it might cost them votes! It really does beg the question - what are they trying to hide?

Just like Bertie's changes to the FOI Act.

They want you to hear all of the good they do, and no more.

Plus, they get to hide who donates to their respective parties.

[orangeman]

It's a lot easier being on the back benches to be fair.

[orangeman]

Air rifle - not too many air rifles used in Belfast in the troubles. I love the way the councillor a come out with the same press friendly lines.


PUBLISHED 05 APRIL 2014 12:07 PM

AN air rifle has been found near Sinn Fein Gerry Adams's home in west Belfast home of the County Louth TD Gerry Adams.

The weapon was found on Friday concealed in a hedge near the Co Louth TD's home in the  Norfolk Parade area off the Glen Road. The weapon was removed following a security operation and was taken away for forensic examination.

Sinn Fein councillor Caoimhin MacGiolla Mhin said that he alerted the police after being told that a gun had been placed in a hedge in the street.

"Thankfully due to the diligence of members of the community this weapon has been taken off the streets. Children or anyone could have come across it and we could have been talking about a tragedy.  Weapons have no place in our community and the more that are removed the better for all", he said.

[lawnseed]

Air rifle - not too many air rifles used in Belfast in the troubles. I love the way the councillor a come out with the same press friendly lines.


PUBLISHED 05 APRIL 2014 12:07 PM

AN air rifle has been found near Sinn Fein Gerry Adams's home in west Belfast home of the County Louth TD Gerry Adams.

The weapon was found on Friday concealed in a hedge near the Co Louth TD's home in the  Norfolk Parade area off the Glen Road. The weapon was removed following a security operation and was taken away for forensic examination.

Sinn Fein councillor Caoimhin MacGiolla Mhin said that he alerted the police after being told that a gun had been placed in a hedge in the street.

"Thankfully due to the diligence of members of the community this weapon has been taken off the streets. Children or anyone could have come across it and we could have been talking about a tragedy.  Weapons have no place in our community and the more that are removed the better for all", he said.

Was wullie about hes class at finding stuff

[orangeman]

Martina Purdy's take on it

As a youth, Martin McGuinness wore the uniform of an IRA volunteer - secretly, illegally and defiantly. Now, decades later, he will don a white tie and tails and publicly, cheerfully and - perhaps -still defiantly, attend the Queen's banquet at Windsor Castle.

We should not be too surprised. His journey has already seen him shake the hand of the Queen.

Not to attend the first state visit of an Irish president would undermine all his promises, made as an Irish presidential candidate, that he would work for peace.

It will put him in the company of Ireland's most senior figure, Michael D Higgins, and the presidency is a post that Sinn Féin covets.

It will also win praise in Dublin and the Republic, helping to reverse the political blunder of Sinn Féin's refusal to attend the Queen's visit to the Irish presidential residence in 2011.

And whatever votes Sinn Féin loses in Northern Ireland, if any, will be offset by potential gains in the south of Ireland.

Having conquered Northern Ireland, it is to the south that Sinn Féin's hungry eyes look for growth.

This decision is good for Martin McGuinness, peace and for Sinn Féin

[lawnseed]

Martina Purdy's take on it

As a youth, Martin McGuinness wore the uniform of an IRA volunteer - secretly, illegally and defiantly. Now, decades later, he will don a white tie and tails and publicly, cheerfully and - perhaps -still defiantly, attend the Queen's banquet at Windsor Castle.

We should not be too surprised. His journey has already seen him shake the hand of the Queen.

Not to attend the first state visit of an Irish president would undermine all his promises, made as an Irish presidential candidate, that he would work for peace.

It will put him in the company of Ireland's most senior figure, Michael D Higgins, and the presidency is a post that Sinn Féin covets.

It will also win praise in Dublin and the Republic, helping to reverse the political blunder of Sinn Féin's refusal to attend the Queen's visit to the Irish presidential residence in 2011.

And whatever votes Sinn Féin loses in Northern Ireland, if any, will be offset by potential gains in the south of Ireland.

Having conquered Northern Ireland, it is to the south that Sinn Féin's hungry eyes look for growth.

This decision is good for Martin McGuinness, peace and for Sinn Féin

Said it before.. The brits are the best friends we have on this planet. Biggest trading partners, etc etc ffs we are blood related to most of them. Hostilities make no sense once they learn respect and boundaries. When this problem is resolved eventually both countries will derive strenght from good relations. Sinn fein are showing maturity and forward thinking in attending. Also the royals are doing their bit so I dont see a difficulty

[T Fearon]

On twitter,in a response to a curmudgeonly unionist's "champagne socialists" jibe,Danny Morrison pointed out that Mc Guinness would be bringing a few OTR letters with him!