Race for the ARAS 2025

[gallsman]

You don't think elections, and those who don't get elected not getting to take seats isn't fundamental democracy? Bit mad if you ask me.

I think co-opting should be banned in all circumstances. Special election, by-election whatever you want to call it is the only democratic option, pain in the ass though it may be. Nobody said democracy was easy. My point was that maybe your could argue (I wouldn't) that when someone is elected on a party platform, co-option of their replacement is perhaps more justified/tolerable than it is in the case of an independent, given there is presumably, despite the vote ultimately being personal, some degree of endorsement of said party platform.

[PadraicHenryPearse]

Again I never stated what you are implying re fundamental democracy. I was speaking about the very specific circumstances within the Irish election process.

your idea is costly but more importantly would reward the bigger parties and I would argue isnt  very fair (subjective). I haven't really considered it too much but the if 5 elected then offered to 6th 7th etc until someone takes it might just be best but then it might be someone who hold opposing views to those who left the role.

[Rossfan]

I think a by election is inappropriate in a multi seat stv system.
The party or group who won the seat are entitled to hold it till the next election.
Especially in Stormont elections with the divide there.

[gallsman]

A fair point and a real consideration, but one that ignores the fact that for independents and smaller parties or loosely aligned groups, the vote is much more personal in nature.

As you mention Stormont, take Gerry Carroll in West Belfast for example. Obviously I can't and haven't spoken with everyone who votes for him, but I struggle to believe and you'd struggle to convince anyone with half a brain that his base is anything other than a highly personal one. Nobody in West Belfast is voting for the inspirational leadership of Dun Laoghaoire's own RBB. If something were to happen GC, why on earth should RBB and co get to decide who fills the seat?

[seafoid]

Nobody cares about co-opting. Why not talk about policies?
https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/10/06/what-on-earth-was-micheal-martin-thinking-jim-gavin-clearly-wasnt-ready/

Ms Connolly said she will "be a voice for peace, a voice to reflect positive neutrality, a voice that articulates the existential threat posed by climate change, and also a voice to reflect the essence of our community".

[johnnycool]

Can this still be considered a race?

It looks like last (wo)man standing will get the job.

I find it interesting that Micheál Martin knew about the €3k thing from the get go having been told by the person involved, knew he was deputy editor in the SW and couldn't suppress the story yet went ahead with Jim Gavin.

It tells you two things, he thinks it was no big deal to steal €3k from people and also that Jim would have enough browny points to ride it out.

Jim is a big name in the GAA, but we don't like thieving hoors in the landlord classes even if they've managed Dublin to x number of AI and Leinster titles.

Serious bad judgement for Micheál yet again.

It also tells you that Jim thought this would be an easy run and wasn't prepared for the level of scrutiny that he faced and looked entirely out of his depth with. He was ill prepared for this.
You need a serious thick skin for politics and public life.

Also,
your one Humphries and her husbands OO membership.

If she'd have owned it from the start she'd have rode it out by now, it's not as if the southern electorate have ever shown any distain for the OO before now.



 

[Armagh18]

Nobody cares about co-opting. Why not talk about policies?
https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/10/06/what-on-earth-was-micheal-martin-thinking-jim-gavin-clearly-wasnt-ready/

Ms Connolly said she will "be a voice for peace, a voice to reflect positive neutrality, a voice that articulates the existential threat posed by climate change, and also a voice to reflect the essence of our community".

Connolly comes across as very genuine and a decent human being which is probably the top attribute we need as president.

[Dag Dog]

Nobody cares about co-opting. Why not talk about policies?
https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/10/06/what-on-earth-was-micheal-martin-thinking-jim-gavin-clearly-wasnt-ready/

Ms Connolly said she will "be a voice for peace, a voice to reflect positive neutrality, a voice that articulates the existential threat posed by climate change, and also a voice to reflect the essence of our community".

Connolly comes across as very genuine and a decent human being which is probably the top attribute we need as president.

Or seriously deluded.
As if Putin is going to reverse his tanks out of the Ukraine because The Catherine asks him in a polite way.

[armaghniac]

Nobody cares about co-opting. Why not talk about policies?
https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/10/06/what-on-earth-was-micheal-martin-thinking-jim-gavin-clearly-wasnt-ready/

Ms Connolly said she will "be a voice for peace, a voice to reflect positive neutrality, a voice that articulates the existential threat posed by climate change, and also a voice to reflect the essence of our community".

Connolly comes across as very genuine and a decent human being which is probably the top attribute we need as president.

Genuine is just another word for obstinate and a person that opposes aid to Ukraine is hardly decent.
However, in addition to these qualities a President has to be able and wise, we do not want an unwise person as Head of State. There is a real doubt over the wisdom of someone who can condemned most of the countries in Europe.

[Snapchap]

Nobody said it was, as far as I can see. I don't think anyone called for her to stand aside.

The question, quite fairly (and like many, many others that apply to Humphreys too) given she's put herself up for election, is whether co-option of a family member, who had previously democratically lost her seat on Galway CC (again, quite fairly labelled as nepotism) is a reflection of a lack of principles.

As I said, there were howls of fury (no Snapchap, I don't have videos of anyone on the board staring at their phone and screaming at it the moment they heard the news) when ELP was brought back from the dead. If it was unacceptable from the DUP, why wouldn't it be unacceptable from an Irish presidential candidate?

We've been over this, gallsman. I know my post was maybe a bit long, but I thought you'd got there in the end. Do I have to try again, but with fewer big words? 

[Snapchap]

You stated she wasn't corrupt and I said 'she is not above a bit of good old Irish nepotism though'.

That's not whataboutery, you silly boy.

It's almost a textbook example of nepotism, "you silly boy".

But if it's nepotism you want to drag into it, I've absolutely no problem criticising it. It's a two horse race though and if the choice is between someone who gave a council seat to her sister, and a Thatcherite who wanted to humiliate the disabled by putting them through a demeaning examination to test their fitness for work and who tells journalists asking legitimate questions to "f**k off", then it's the easiest of easy choices. Connolly for President.