The Official 2016 Irish General Election thread

[Farrandeelin]

And that last paragraph of AZ's is one of the reasons why I couldn't be the minor party in govt.

[seafoid]

SF will have another chance after the next crash.

[Declan]

I think the important point is that for first time in history of state largest 2 parties haven't got >50% of vote

[haranguerer]

Those who vote because of Gerry, do you think any of them wouldn't vote SF if Mary-Lou took over?

He has a large personal vote, I think it's likely some at least wouldn't be as inclined to.

I also think when Gerry does step down, it won't be an easy transition; it could go either way, and I'd prefer he stayed for a while yet to further establish SF. All the talk about him holding SF back is based on this hypothetical idea that, OK, under his leadership they have grown massively, but they would have grown even more without his leadership. The evidence suggests otherwise

[Rossfan]

Guru on RTÉ radio saying FF might end up as biggest Party

[Declan]

Guru on RTÉ radio saying FF might end up as biggest Party

Well that proves Eistein's quote re insanity

[From the Bunker]

Guru on RTÉ radio saying FF might end up as biggest Party

Well that proves Eistein's quote re insanity

[AQMP]

Guru on RTÉ radio saying FF might end up as biggest Party

If that's true then surely Kenny is toast??

[muppet]

Worshipping and hatred are both blind muppet. By you logic had SF got 30% you'd have been saying they should have got 35%.  The phrases"there's no point debating is always a good retreat strategy😛

If they had got 35% they would have been the biggest party and would be in pole position to form a government.

How on earth is that my logic?

They appear to be a very poor 3rd to FG & FF who are both suffering from association with austerity.

FF will improve, this seems to be lost on everyone. FG will probably stay as they are now and below the 2011 figures. If the economy doesn't crash again we could easily slip back to the 1980s/1990s Lanigan's Ball politics of FF steps in and FG steps out. Whither SF then?

[muppet]

The Healy-Rae party has over 40% of 1st preferences in Kerry with 30% of the boxes open. I am praying that merely reflects the geography of the boxes opened!

[seafoid]

Worshipping and hatred are both blind muppet. By you logic had SF got 30% you'd have been saying they should have got 35%.  The phrases"there's no point debating is always a good retreat strategy😛

If they had got 35% they would have been the biggest party and would be in pole position to form a government.

How on earth is that my logic?

They appear to be a very poor 3rd to FG & FF who are both suffering from association with austerity.

FF will improve, this seems to be lost on everyone. FG will probably stay as they are now and below the 2011 figures. If the economy doesn't crash again we could easily slip back to the 1980s/1990s Lanigan's Ball politics of FF steps in and FG steps out. Whither SF then?

It will crash again the way things are going. Neoliberalism is all about impoverishING working class people so SF have a bright future.

[Rossfan]

If Shinners pray I expect it's for a formal FG/FF Government with SF as the only real opposition.
One way or other I presume the Labour rump will go into opposition and lurch to the left.

[AQMP]

The Healy-Rae party has over 40% of 1st preferences in Kerry with 30% of the boxes open. I am praying that merely reflects the geography of the boxes opened!

We agree on this muppet!! A good day for the Healy-Raes is a headline that will put the shivers up most people

[muppet]

Mick Wallace's tally in North Wexford is half of the 2011 figure. I have no idea whether that is signifiant, but I hope so!

Jaysus I hate politics, but I love a good count.

[AQMP]

Mick Wallace's tally in North Wexford is half of the 2011 figure. I have no idea whether that is signifiant, but I hope so!

Jaysus I hate politics, but I love a good count.

There's a joke there muppet! Aye no one in my house has the least understanding of my love of elections