Hey, it's election time in the Wee Six again!! Following the resignation of Barry "Bread on the Head" McElduff, next Thursday sees the election to find his replacement in the constituency of West Tyrone. The candidates are:
Orfhlaith Begley (SF)
Thomas Buchanan (DUP)
Stephen Donnelly (All)
Daniel McCrossan (SDLP)
Chris Smyth (UUP)
Ladbrokes are offering these odds (to win the seat)
SF 1/100
DUP 16/1
Alliance 100/1
SDLP 50/1
UUP 50/1
Last year the figures were:
Barry McElduff (SF) 22,060 50.7%
Thomas Buchanan (DUP) 11,718 26.9%
Daniel McCrossan (SDLP) 5,635 13.0%
Alicia Clarke (UUP) 2,253 5.2%
Stephen Donnelly (All) 1,000 2.3%
Ciaran McClean (GP) 427 1.0%
Barry Brown (CISTA) 393 0.9%
Majority 10,342
Turnout 68.2%
Looks like a forgone conclusion for SF to hold the seat which may explain the low key campaign. Remains to be seen if the McElduff episode has any effect on the SF vote. At the last election he polled more than 50% of the votes cast. Turnout will be key, will people bother to come out to vote, will SF get the vote out to back a virtual newcomer to the political scene, will people come out to endorse the SF strategy or will there be an anti-Arlene effect among nationalists.
The candidates had a "debate" on The View last night. Best performer (IMHO) was Stephen Donnelly (All). I know Orfhlaith Begley is a young, inexperienced candidate who appeared quite nervous but her performance was pretty poor. McCrossan remains a divisive "Marmite" candidate in the area.
SF to hold with a much reduced majority with a low turnout.
Orfhlaith Begley getting a big push around these parts - lots of exposure and she's certainly putting herself around on social media. She'll likely walk this one much like Barry McElduff - don't actually see the SF vote dropping at all.
SF doing a nice subtle rebrand these days with the ladies around the six.
Orfhlaith Begley is a pure Sinn Fein Robot, a very poor performance last night. Shows how much SF care about the constituents in this seat when they're putting her forward.
McCrossan did rightly and certainly came across the most polished who actually talked sense.
Buchanan couldn't get to grips with the idea that the West Tyrone overwhelmingly voted Remain yet he was for Brexit.
Chris Smyth seems a right sort but he's strangled by the fact he's in the UUP
Stephen Donnelly also talks a lot of sense. Alliance vote will probably drop on the back of this.
Begley to romp home. Turnout down. Which doesn't say much for the electorate in West Tyrone.
Quote from: trailer on April 27, 2018, 10:47:18 AM
Orfhlaith Begley is a pure Sinn Fein Robot, a very poor performance last night. Shows how much SF care about the constituents in this seat when they're putting her forward.
McCrossan did rightly and certainly came across the most polished who actually talked sense.
Buchanan couldn't get to grips with the idea that the West Tyrone overwhelmingly voted Remain yet he was for Brexit.
Chris Smyth seems a right sort but he's strangled by the fact he's in the UUP
Stephen Donnelly also talks a lot of sense. Alliance vote will probably drop on the back of this.
Begley to romp home. Turnout down. Which doesn't say much for the electorate in West Tyrone.
Agree with most of this.
Orlaith Begley was described by someone on twitter last night as a Stepford candidate and I definitely seen that last night. Everything appeared scripted. In her defence this was her first big gig and it was wise to stick to the script.
Daniel McCrossan is his own worst enemy. Talks sense at times, I think his heart is in the right place especially for us around Strabane. However his body language etc is awful. Looks sneery and disrespectful at times. I think he would fare much better if he carried himself a lot better. However he may have burnt too many bridges already.
Stevie Donnelly comes across well on social media and again last night. His target will be to tag on another 500 votes to the last election I'd assume. Alliance, I believe, have the best leader in Naomi Long, and Donnelly would benefit from a PR drive over the last week and next week around WT with Long leading the charge. However I am not sure if she has even been on the doors yet.
I didn't think any of the five candidates were overly impressive based on last night's 20 minute showing.
On another matter does Buchanan look and sound like Brian Dooher's da?
First past the post reinforces polarisation in NI . It also increases the likelihood of crap SF and DUP MPs who cannot address the problems NI is facing The Shinner will win regardless of how good she is . Same for the DUP in Antrim.
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on April 27, 2018, 10:55:06 AM
On another matter does Buchanan look and sound like Brian Dooher's da?
;D Don't see it myself.
My sister wanted to get a postal vote in WT - I personally handed the form to the electoral office in Belfast, but it was denied because her signature at the age of 35 is not the same as her signature at the age of 18. Seriously, is there no better way to determine eligibility?
Órfhlaith Begley- Young and inexperienced so hard to be overly harsh after what was clearly not a strong TV performance. My worry was that she seemed to be the SF selection solely on the basis that she is A: Female and B: Young and Mary Lou as good confirmed that in an interview during the week. Hopefully she will grow into the role but last night was certainly not too confidence inspiring. There wasn't a single cliched election-candidate soundbite she didn't trot out. However, TV debates are after all, just shallow B.S. and you don't need to be a natural in a TV studio in order to be hard working elected rep. As a lifelong SF voter and supporter, I'll still be giving her my No. 1 vote.
Back to the 'gender quota' thing. I fear that SF's rush to propel young women to the forefront is being done so at the expense of much more capable and experienced candidates in certain instances. Certainly to my mind, Conor Murphy or John O'Dowd would have been infinitely more confidence inspiring as leader in the six counties than Michelle O'Neill is. No leader should ever have to appear in front of the TV cameras in Stormont's hall and just read a pre-prepared statement from a page. Neither Adams nor McGuinness did so and that exuded confidence. Michelle O'Neill's tendency to do so just looks so amateurish. And in West Tyrone, there are numerous very capable and hard working SF councillors who deserved their chance. Sadly, as I say, my worry is that their age, and in particular their gender, made them non-runners. That being said, I've no doubt about Orfhlaith's intelligence and work ethic and hopefully she will make a success of it. I'm a republican and I'll continue to vote for the SF as a republican party.
Daniel McCrossan - More of the same from him. An unbelievably arrogant attitude, constant negativity, constant interruptions. Seems wholly incapable of putting forward any good reason to actually vote for him or the SDLP, but instead devotes his time to attacking Sinn Féin. All party's will attack other partys in a campaign, but Daniel seems wholly incapable of selling his own candidacy. Snide, nasty, vindictive attacks on others seem to be his default position. Interesting to see his column in the Ulster Herald yesterday. He barely mentioned the SDLP once. It was just his standard, lengthy anti-SF diatribe. Barry McElduff once called him the most negative politican he ever met. Hard to disagree. I had reason to contact him on a constituency matter previously. After repeated attempts at getting a response from him, I had to give up.
Buchanan - Typically uninspiring stuff from Tom. Nothing new to offer what-so-ever. He began by suggesting that the McElduff episode would boost the DUP vote. And odd suggestion. I don't think unionsts will flock to the poll with any serious ambition of giving SF a bloody nose, and I have yet to meet a SF voter who saw Barry record a silly video and decided that the DUP was the way to go from then on.
Chris Smyth - While he was a confident enough talker etc, I cannot like him. All politicians claim to be non-sectarian and fair minded. I've seen his mask slip.
Stephen Donnelly - Confident talker, but I suppose that comes with having 5 election campaigns under your belt at such a young age. Articulate last night, probably more so than the others, but still without being all that inspiring.
Another Stepford Wife candidate as the Shinners move to the right and target the Smoked Salmon Socialist vote
Quote from: Snapchap on April 27, 2018, 12:42:45 PM
Órfhlaith Begley- Young and inexperienced so hard to be overly harsh after what was clearly not a strong TV performance. My worry was that she seemed to be the SF selection solely on the basis that she is A: Female and B: Young and Mary Lou as good confirmed that in an interview during the week. Hopefully she will grow into the role but last night was certainly not too confidence inspiring. There wasn't a single cliched election-candidate soundbite she didn't trot out. However, TV debates are after all, just shallow B.S. and you don't need to be a natural in a TV studio in order to be hard working elected rep. As a lifelong SF voter and supporter, I'll still be giving her my No. 1 vote.
This is a FPTP election Snap. An 'x' is all that's required ;)
Órfhlaith Begley and Buchanan were easily the two poorest performers in that debate last night but are odds on to take the first two places. The west tyrone election is a synopsis of the whole problem with Northern Ireland politics where people blindly vote along orange and green lines despite the quality of the candidate.
Quote from: awideisneverasgood on April 27, 2018, 01:01:00 PM
Órfhlaith Begley and Buchanan were easily the two poorest performers in that debate last night but are odds on to take the first two places. The west tyrone election is a synopsis of the whole problem with Northern Ireland politics where people blindly vote along orange and green lines despite the quality of the candidate.
Or lack of "quality" more like it
Quote from: AQMP on April 27, 2018, 12:52:10 PM
Quote from: Snapchap on April 27, 2018, 12:42:45 PM
Órfhlaith Begley- Young and inexperienced so hard to be overly harsh after what was clearly not a strong TV performance. My worry was that she seemed to be the SF selection solely on the basis that she is A: Female and B: Young and Mary Lou as good confirmed that in an interview during the week. Hopefully she will grow into the role but last night was certainly not too confidence inspiring. There wasn't a single cliched election-candidate soundbite she didn't trot out. However, TV debates are after all, just shallow B.S. and you don't need to be a natural in a TV studio in order to be hard working elected rep. As a lifelong SF voter and supporter, I'll still be giving her my No. 1 vote.
This is a FPTP election Snap. An 'x' is all that's required ;)
Figure of speech ye pedantic hoor :P
How big a thing in the future will the fact that the leader of SF lives in the south?
Quote from: Denn Forever on April 27, 2018, 01:41:23 PM
How big a thing in the future will the fact that the leader of SF lives in the south?
All Ireland Party, no issue really surely? Only serves to reinforce their stance I suppose.
Quote from: Denn Forever on April 27, 2018, 01:41:23 PM
How big a thing in the future will the fact that the leader of SF lives in the south?
Not really an issue so far. Sure Gerry A spent a fair bit of time in the South ;)
At least there is an election. Whereas Snarlene, Wee Sammy, Poots etc are too arrogant to admit they made mistakes and resign.
Quote from: Orior on April 27, 2018, 02:39:34 PM
At least there is an election. Whereas Snarlene, Wee Sammy, Poots etc are too arrogant to admit they made mistakes and resign.
I see Poots Óg being investigated in Lisburn for conflicts of interest.
He's chair of the planning body and had a casting vote for a development Daddy happened to be lobbying for.
There's nothing wrong with that allegedly.
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on April 27, 2018, 01:51:53 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on April 27, 2018, 01:41:23 PM
How big a thing in the future will the fact that the leader of SF lives in the south?
All Ireland Party, no issue really surely? Only serves to reinforce their stance I suppose.
I think it depends on how much attention the ledership pay to the North.
Success in the South (pop 4.8m) would bring more power than sharing power with the DUP in the north (pop 1.8m).
The perks on offer in the Roi semi state sector are very juicy as well.
Even SF could shaft the people in the North if push came to shove.
Quote from: seafoid on April 27, 2018, 03:45:03 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on April 27, 2018, 01:51:53 PM
Quote from: Denn Forever on April 27, 2018, 01:41:23 PM
How big a thing in the future will the fact that the leader of SF lives in the south?
All Ireland Party, no issue really surely? Only serves to reinforce their stance I suppose.
I think it depends on how much attention the ledership pay to the North.
Success in the South (pop 4.8m) would bring more power than sharing power with the DUP in the north (pop 1.8m).
The perks on offer in the Roi semi state sector are very juicy as well.
Even SF could shaft the people in the North if push came to shove.
Depending on who you talk to, wouldn't be the first time they betrayed their original power source :-X
Quote from: trailer on April 27, 2018, 10:47:18 AM
Orfhlaith Begley is a pure Sinn Fein Robot, a very poor performance last night. Shows how much SF care about the constituents in this seat when they're putting her forward.
McCrossan did rightly and certainly came across the most polished who actually talked sense.
Buchanan couldn't get to grips with the idea that the West Tyrone overwhelmingly voted Remain yet he was for Brexit.
Chris Smyth seems a right sort but he's strangled by the fact he's in the UUP
Stephen Donnelly also talks a lot of sense. Alliance vote will probably drop on the back of this.
Begley to romp home. Turnout down. Which doesn't say much for the electorate in West Tyrone.
I thought McCrossan came across as a bit of arrogant little twit ...
Yer man Donnelly from Alliance was the best speaker of the lot of them and spoke sense with it....
At times the young SF girl Begley looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights but she got through it ...
She would need to try and get rid of that awful monotone voice .. maybe that was just on the night and she's not like that generally..
.. anyway, between the scared look & the monotone voice she was very robotic .... but here, she's very young, it was her first crack at it and she'll no doubt get better....
Quote from: Avondhu star on April 27, 2018, 01:03:54 PM
Quote from: awideisneverasgood on April 27, 2018, 01:01:00 PM
Órfhlaith Begley and Buchanan were easily the two poorest performers in that debate last night but are odds on to take the first two places. The west tyrone election is a synopsis of the whole problem with Northern Ireland politics where people blindly vote along orange and green lines despite the quality of the candidate.
Or lack of "quality" more like it
Yawn Avondhu Yawn
Just watched the view jeez the SF woman was desperate. McCrossan spoke pretty well doesn't seem too popular on this site though. As for the others Buchanan came across as a tool. The UUP and Alliance candidates both did fine
Quote from: Therealdonald on April 27, 2018, 06:33:33 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on April 27, 2018, 01:03:54 PM
Quote from: awideisneverasgood on April 27, 2018, 01:01:00 PM
Órfhlaith Begley and Buchanan were easily the two poorest performers in that debate last night but are odds on to take the first two places. The west tyrone election is a synopsis of the whole problem with Northern Ireland politics where people blindly vote along orange and green lines despite the quality of the candidate.
Or lack of "quality" more like it
Yawn Avondhu Yawn
From the constituency where the local "character" of an M.P. thinks it's very funny walking around with a sliced pan on his head. The bread probably has more brains
Quote from: Avondhu star on April 27, 2018, 07:51:01 PM
Quote from: Therealdonald on April 27, 2018, 06:33:33 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on April 27, 2018, 01:03:54 PM
Quote from: awideisneverasgood on April 27, 2018, 01:01:00 PM
Órfhlaith Begley and Buchanan were easily the two poorest performers in that debate last night but are odds on to take the first two places. The west tyrone election is a synopsis of the whole problem with Northern Ireland politics where people blindly vote along orange and green lines despite the quality of the candidate.
Or lack of "quality" more like it
Yawn Avondhu Yawn
From the constituency where the local "character" of an M.P. thinks it's very funny walking around with a sliced pan on his head. The bread probably has more brains
zzzzzzzz and again zzzzzzzzz.
Quote from: Therealdonald on April 27, 2018, 09:47:30 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on April 27, 2018, 07:51:01 PM
Quote from: Therealdonald on April 27, 2018, 06:33:33 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on April 27, 2018, 01:03:54 PM
Quote from: awideisneverasgood on April 27, 2018, 01:01:00 PM
Órfhlaith Begley and Buchanan were easily the two poorest performers in that debate last night but are odds on to take the first two places. The west tyrone election is a synopsis of the whole problem with Northern Ireland politics where people blindly vote along orange and green lines despite the quality of the candidate.
Or lack of "quality" more like it
Yawn Avondhu Yawn
From the constituency where the local "character" of an M.P. thinks it's very funny walking around with a sliced pan on his head. The bread probably has more brains
zzzzzzzz and again zzzzzzzzz.
He isn't wrong.
McCrossan is a smug git. I understand Begley is a solicitor, so she's well educated. Only saw a bit of the debate, given it was Begley's first time she seemed to do okay all things considered. Buchanan was out of his depth
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on April 28, 2018, 08:59:01 AM
McCrossan is a smug git. I understand Begley is a solicitor, so she's well educated. Only saw a bit of the debate, given it was Begley's first time she seemed to do okay all things considered. Buchanan was out of his depth
You would need to be doing badly to be out of your depth with politicians here
Yeah people should know the rules.
If you're out of your depth blame SF/DUP (delete as appropriate).
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on April 28, 2018, 08:59:01 AM
McCrossan is a smug git. I understand Begley is a solicitor, so she's well educated. Only saw a bit of the debate, given it was Begley's first time she seemed to do okay all things considered. Buchanan was out of his depth
" so she's well educated"
It's very important to be able to distinguish between education and intelligence. They are not the same.
Quote from: Avondhu star on April 28, 2018, 09:41:45 AM
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on April 28, 2018, 08:59:01 AM
McCrossan is a smug git. I understand Begley is a solicitor, so she's well educated. Only saw a bit of the debate, given it was Begley's first time she seemed to do okay all things considered. Buchanan was out of his depth
" so she's well educated"
It's very important to be able to distinguish between education and intelligence. They are not the same.
Its very obvious you have neither.
Quote from: Avondhu star on April 28, 2018, 09:41:45 AM
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on April 28, 2018, 08:59:01 AM
McCrossan is a smug git. I understand Begley is a solicitor, so she's well educated. Only saw a bit of the debate, given it was Begley's first time she seemed to do okay all things considered. Buchanan was out of his depth
" so she's well educated"
It's very important to be able to distinguish between education and intelligence. They are not the same.
I understand the difference. She is intelligent too but she lacks experience. It takes a while to develope the level of cuteness required to be an effective operation in political circles.
Quote from: Carmen Stateside on April 28, 2018, 09:52:44 AM
Quote from: Avondhu star on April 28, 2018, 09:41:45 AM
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on April 28, 2018, 08:59:01 AM
McCrossan is a smug git. I understand Begley is a solicitor, so she's well educated. Only saw a bit of the debate, given it was Begley's first time she seemed to do okay all things considered. Buchanan was out of his depth
" so she's well educated"
It's very important to be able to distinguish between education and intelligence. They are not the same.
Its very obvious you have neither.
Did your nurse help you type that?
f**king hell. Cops at a polling station In Greencastle after someone brandished a gun.
Quote from: gallsman on May 03, 2018, 04:42:12 PM
f**king hell. Cops at a polling station In Greencastle after someone brandished a gun.
Was somebody caught voting Alliance? ;)
Does anyone even give a shite how the knuckle draggers in Tyrone vote?
Obviously you do when you're in this thread writing crap!
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on April 28, 2018, 08:59:01 AM
McCrossan is a smug git. I understand Begley is a solicitor, so she's well educated. Only saw a bit of the debate, given it was Begley's first time she seemed to do okay all things considered. Buchanan was out of his depth
That girl is a terrible communicator - whatever her level of education. It's a reflection on the standing of politicians nowadays when you see the calibre of candidates here across the parties - able people just aren't going to get into that arena.
I'm assuming the Begley girl is a shoe in for Barry's seat?
Quote from: AQMP on May 03, 2018, 04:54:33 PM
Quote from: gallsman on May 03, 2018, 04:42:12 PM
f**king hell. Cops at a polling station In Greencastle after someone brandished a gun.
Was somebody caught voting Alliance? ;)
Id say something to do with dalradian - whole things gone nuts about that in recent times!
I've known Ms Begley for a number of years and she's very capable. Both intelligent and well educated. Whilst I didn't see her in the media during the campaign I'd be confident that if she came across as a poor communicator it would have been out of character for her. Hopefully she will do a good job in her new role.
Quote from: David McKeown on May 04, 2018, 03:09:51 AM
I've known Ms Begley for a number of years and she's very capable. Both intelligent and well educated. Whilst I didn't see her in the media during the campaign I'd be confident that if she came across as a poor communicator it would have been out of character for her. Hopefully she will do a good job in her new role.
Im sure she capable but I doubt she will do much without taking her seat. Still, she could get the A5 upgrade done on her watch which could look good for her.
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2018, 05:15:45 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on May 04, 2018, 03:09:51 AM
I've known Ms Begley for a number of years and she's very capable. Both intelligent and well educated. Whilst I didn't see her in the media during the campaign I'd be confident that if she came across as a poor communicator it would have been out of character for her. Hopefully she will do a good job in her new role.
Im sure she capable but I doubt she will do much without taking her seat. Still, she could get the A5 upgrade done on her watch which could look good for her.
It'd be good for a Sinn Fein MP to randomly appear in Westminster for a key Brexit vote. Tip the maths away from Tory/DUP. Is the oath still such a red line?
Quote from: omaghjoe on May 04, 2018, 05:15:45 AM
Quote from: David McKeown on May 04, 2018, 03:09:51 AM
I've known Ms Begley for a number of years and she's very capable. Both intelligent and well educated. Whilst I didn't see her in the media during the campaign I'd be confident that if she came across as a poor communicator it would have been out of character for her. Hopefully she will do a good job in her new role.
Im sure she capable but I doubt she will do much without taking her seat. Still, she could get the A5 upgrade done on her watch which could look good for her.
Certainly would except that as an MP she has no input into an Executive project and her SF colleagues moved the project out of West Tyrone to Foyle before the last Assembly elections. The Ballygawley to Omagh and Omagh to Strabane sections are now as far away as ever.
Don't know her at all David so I'll take your word for it about her being smart but, while I was a bit sleepy, I think I heard her use the word "implementated" on the radio a few minutes ago. Presume it was her victory speech.
Result:
Orfhlaith Begley (SF) 16,346 - 46.7%
Thomas Buchanan (DUP) 8,390 - 23.9%
Daniel McCrossan (SDLP) 6,254 - 17.9%
Chris Smyth (UUP) 2,909 - 8.3%
Stephen Donnelly (All) 1,130 - 3.2%
Turnout: 55%
SF Majority 7,956
Comfortable hold for SF. Turnout was down more than 13% on last year so vote share is a better indicator than number of votes cast. Good performance from SDLP and decent show by the UUP. McCrossan's share of the vote up nearly 5% and UUP up 3.2%. SF down 4% and DUP down 3%. Seems that more SF and DUP voters stayed at home but there's still a wee swing from SF to SDLP. Local sources tell me that SF's stance on the 8th Amendment Referendum was an issue for some people.
Other than that there was the gun slinging in Greencastle. I note this incident is now being played down significantly. UUP candidate Chris Smyth tweeted yesterday that a man came in pointing a gun saying he was "looking for unionists". This immediately didn't ring true as he was in Greencastle where unionists are, as they say, like hen's teeth! Arlene Foster called it an attack on democracy. It now seems that as the man produced his polling card to vote a member of staff saw what she thought was a gun. The man voted, left the polling station, staff contacted the PSNI and since he has just given in his polling card they had his name and address, so the PSNI went and arrested him and are investigating. DUP Belfast City Councillor Dale Pankhurst had called for the election to be suspended and for SF to be excluded from a re-arranged by-election!
I'd say SF will be happy with a solid performance by virtual unknown Begley.
Quote from: gallsman on May 03, 2018, 04:42:12 PM
f**king hell. Cops at a polling station In Greencastle after someone brandished a gun.
I think somebody said Quantum Leap was a shite show.
Quote from: AQMP on May 04, 2018, 09:13:12 AM
Result:
Orfhlaith Begley (SF) 16,346 - 46.7%
Thomas Buchanan (DUP) 8,390 - 23.9%
Daniel McCrossan (SDLP) 6,254 - 17.9%
Chris Smyth (UUP) 2,909 - 8.3%
Stephen Donnelly (All) 1,130 - 3.2%
Turnout: 55%
SF Majority 7,956
Comfortable hold for SF. Turnout was down more than 13% on last year so vote share is a better indicator than number of votes cast. Good performance from SDLP and decent show by the UUP. McCrossan's share of the vote up nearly 5% and UUP up 3.2%. SF down 4% and DUP down 3%. Seems that more SF and DUP voters stayed at home but there's still a wee swing from SF to SDLP. Local sources tell me that SF's stance on the 8th Amendment Referendum was an issue for some people.
Other than that there was the gun slinging in Greencastle. I note this incident is now being played down significantly. UUP candidate Chris Smyth tweeted yesterday that a man came in pointing a gun saying he was "looking for unionists". This immediately didn't ring true as he was in Greencastle where unionists are, as they say, like hen's teeth! Arlene Foster called it an attack on democracy. It now seems that as the man produced his polling card to vote a member of staff saw what she thought was a gun. The man voted, left the polling station, staff contacted the PSNI and since he has just given in his polling card they had his name and address, so the PSNI went and arrested him and are investigating. DUP Belfast City Councillor Dale Pankhurst had called for the election to be suspended and for SF to be excluded from a re-arranged by-election!
I'd say SF will be happy with a solid performance by virtual unknown Begley.
You can't be serious - Someone brings a gun and its Sinn Feins fault - but to be fair most people who brought guns to Greencastle probably voted Sinn Fein! lol
That awkward moment when you go to vote and your gun falls out!
In other election news, across the water Labour fails to make significant gains in the English Council elections as the Tory vote holds up.
Quote from: gallsman on May 03, 2018, 04:42:12 PM
f**king hell. Cops at a polling station In Greencastle after someone brandished a gun.
Exciting day in Greencastle.
Quote from: AQMP on May 03, 2018, 04:54:33 PM
Was somebody caught voting Alliance? ;)
Due to local issues, mainly Dalradian and the Cyanide Processing Planet they want to build on the outskirt of the village, I'd say the SF would have taken hit in favour of Alliance.
Quote from: Avondhu star on May 03, 2018, 11:51:12 PM
Does anyone even give a shite how the knuckle draggers in Tyrone vote?
Crawl back under your stone.
Quote from: AZOffaly on May 04, 2018, 09:16:28 AM
Quote from: gallsman on May 03, 2018, 04:42:12 PM
f**king hell. Cops at a polling station In Greencastle after someone brandished a gun.
I think somebody said Quantum Leap was a shite show.
Justified lol
Quote from: AQMP on May 04, 2018, 09:28:42 AM
In other election news, across the water Labour fails to make significant gains in the English Council elections as the Tory vote holds up.
Hmmm. Interesting one that.
Quote from: Farrandeelin on May 04, 2018, 09:38:45 AM
Quote from: AQMP on May 04, 2018, 09:28:42 AM
In other election news, across the water Labour fails to make significant gains in the English Council elections as the Tory vote holds up.
Hmmm. Interesting one that.
UKIP vote has collapsed - they've lost nearly all their councillors - and it seems that has benefited the Tories. Any anti-Brexit vote seems to have gone to the Lib Dems. It's a sort of an "as you were" result overall but it's disappointing for Labour and Corbyn. They didn't make the big gains in London that were predicted. Their long term Brexit strategy of "don't interrupt the Tories while they're making a mistake" has some logic to it but ordinary voters seem confused as to what their Brexit policy is.
Quote from: AQMP on May 04, 2018, 09:13:12 AM
Result:
Orfhlaith Begley (SF) 16,346 - 46.7%
Thomas Buchanan (DUP) 8,390 - 23.9%
Daniel McCrossan (SDLP) 6,254 - 17.9%
Chris Smyth (UUP) 2,909 - 8.3%
Stephen Donnelly (All) 1,130 - 3.2%
Turnout: 55%
SF Majority 7,956
Not a bad performance by McCrossan, up in share of votes and actual votes given the considerably reduced turnout. The outcome was never in doubt anyway.
Quote from: Owenmoresider on May 04, 2018, 12:18:52 PM
Quote from: AQMP on May 04, 2018, 09:13:12 AM
Result:
Orfhlaith Begley (SF) 16,346 - 46.7%
Thomas Buchanan (DUP) 8,390 - 23.9%
Daniel McCrossan (SDLP) 6,254 - 17.9%
Chris Smyth (UUP) 2,909 - 8.3%
Stephen Donnelly (All) 1,130 - 3.2%
Turnout: 55%
SF Majority 7,956
Not a bad performance by McCrossan, up in share of votes and actual votes given the considerably reduced turnout. The outcome was never in doubt anyway.
Yeah, I think he'll be happy enough with that result.
I note turnout in Carrickmore, Orfhlaith Begley's (and Barry McElduff's) home village was 60%, down 12.5% from the election last year. Election fatigue, plus the winner never being in doubt probably accounts for the lower turnout.
Quote from: AQMP on May 04, 2018, 12:30:04 PM
Quote from: Owenmoresider on May 04, 2018, 12:18:52 PM
Quote from: AQMP on May 04, 2018, 09:13:12 AM
Result:
Orfhlaith Begley (SF) 16,346 - 46.7%
Thomas Buchanan (DUP) 8,390 - 23.9%
Daniel McCrossan (SDLP) 6,254 - 17.9%
Chris Smyth (UUP) 2,909 - 8.3%
Stephen Donnelly (All) 1,130 - 3.2%
Turnout: 55%
SF Majority 7,956
Not a bad performance by McCrossan, up in share of votes and actual votes given the considerably reduced turnout. The outcome was never in doubt anyway.
Yeah, I think he'll be happy enough with that result.
I note turnout in Carrickmore, Orfhlaith Begley's (and Barry McElduff's) home village was 60%, down 12.5% from the election last year. Election fatigue, plus the winner never being in doubt probably accounts for the lower turnout.
You would have thought turnout in Carrickmore would have been up. Young candidate, one of their own, show support etc.
When the results were read out the laughter from SF at McCrossan's total was a bit cringe. Respect agenda anyone?
Quote from: trailer on May 04, 2018, 12:41:35 PM
When the results were read out the laughter from SF at McCrossan's total was a bit cringe. Respect agenda anyone?
Respect for opponents! You realise this is Tyrone you are on about
Quote from: AQMP on May 04, 2018, 09:28:42 AM
In other election news, across the water Labour fails to make significant gains in the English Council elections as the Tory vote holds up.
Despite some wishful thinking the Brexit support is holding and no rush into Corbyns arms by the British public
Quote from: Avondhu star on May 04, 2018, 01:22:31 PM
Quote from: AQMP on May 04, 2018, 09:28:42 AM
In other election news, across the water Labour fails to make significant gains in the English Council elections as the Tory vote holds up.
Despite some wishful thinking the Brexit support is holding and no rush into Corbyns arms by the British public
Despite some wishful extrapolation regarding Brexit, the British public and Jeremy Corbyn following the recent round of council elections in England, its a simple fact that Jeremy Corbyn was on a sum total of 0 ballot papers during the same council elections... and that the elections had nothing to do with Brexit...
Quote from: tiempo on May 04, 2018, 01:40:30 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on May 04, 2018, 01:22:31 PM
Quote from: AQMP on May 04, 2018, 09:28:42 AM
In other election news, across the water Labour fails to make significant gains in the English Council elections as the Tory vote holds up.
Despite some wishful thinking the Brexit support is holding and no rush into Corbyns arms by the British public
Despite some wishful extrapolation regarding Brexit, the British public and Jeremy Corbyn following the recent round of council elections in England, its a simple fact that Jeremy Corbyn was on a sum total of 0 ballot papers during the same council elections... and that the elections had nothing to do with Brexit...
Absolute rubbish. Immigration was a big factor in Brexit. It is the pressure on local services such as schools and hospitals caused by massive immigration that led the British working class to vote for Brexit. Schools and hospital services are controlled by local authorities so local elections have a big connection to the Brexit issue.
The Shinners wishful thinking want to break the May Foster agreement and bring their pal Corbyn in to No. 10
Quote from: Avondhu star on May 04, 2018, 02:10:57 PM
Quote from: tiempo on May 04, 2018, 01:40:30 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on May 04, 2018, 01:22:31 PM
Quote from: AQMP on May 04, 2018, 09:28:42 AM
In other election news, across the water Labour fails to make significant gains in the English Council elections as the Tory vote holds up.
Despite some wishful thinking the Brexit support is holding and no rush into Corbyns arms by the British public
Despite some wishful extrapolation regarding Brexit, the British public and Jeremy Corbyn following the recent round of council elections in England, its a simple fact that Jeremy Corbyn was on a sum total of 0 ballot papers during the same council elections... and that the elections had nothing to do with Brexit...
Absolute rubbish. Immigration was a big factor in Brexit. It is the pressure on local services such as schools and hospitals caused by massive immigration that led the British working class to vote for Brexit. Schools and hospital services are controlled by local authorities so local elections have a big connection to the Brexit issue.
The Shinners wishful thinking want to break the May Foster agreement and bring their pal Corbyn in to No. 10
One small step for man... one giant extrapolated buck-lep for a bed wetter in his wellingtons.
Quote from: Avondhu star on May 04, 2018, 02:10:57 PM
Quote from: tiempo on May 04, 2018, 01:40:30 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on May 04, 2018, 01:22:31 PM
Quote from: AQMP on May 04, 2018, 09:28:42 AM
In other election news, across the water Labour fails to make significant gains in the English Council elections as the Tory vote holds up.
Despite some wishful thinking the Brexit support is holding and no rush into Corbyns arms by the British public
Despite some wishful extrapolation regarding Brexit, the British public and Jeremy Corbyn following the recent round of council elections in England, its a simple fact that Jeremy Corbyn was on a sum total of 0 ballot papers during the same council elections... and that the elections had nothing to do with Brexit...
Absolute rubbish. Immigration was a big factor in Brexit. It is the pressure on local services such as schools and hospitals caused by massive immigration that led the British working class to vote for Brexit. Schools and hospital services are controlled by local authorities so local elections have a big connection to the Brexit issue.
The Shinners wishful thinking want to break the May Foster agreement and bring their pal Corbyn in to No. 10
Immigration and
ignorance were indeed big factors in Brexit, but the biggest issue with local services such as hospitals and schools is not immigrants who actually work in these places but the austerity policies of the last few Tory Governments.
Quote from: johnnycool on May 04, 2018, 02:51:40 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on May 04, 2018, 02:10:57 PM
Quote from: tiempo on May 04, 2018, 01:40:30 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on May 04, 2018, 01:22:31 PM
Quote from: AQMP on May 04, 2018, 09:28:42 AM
In other election news, across the water Labour fails to make significant gains in the English Council elections as the Tory vote holds up.
Despite some wishful thinking the Brexit support is holding and no rush into Corbyns arms by the British public
Despite some wishful extrapolation regarding Brexit, the British public and Jeremy Corbyn following the recent round of council elections in England, its a simple fact that Jeremy Corbyn was on a sum total of 0 ballot papers during the same council elections... and that the elections had nothing to do with Brexit...
Absolute rubbish. Immigration was a big factor in Brexit. It is the pressure on local services such as schools and hospitals caused by massive immigration that led the British working class to vote for Brexit. Schools and hospital services are controlled by local authorities so local elections have a big connection to the Brexit issue.
The Shinners wishful thinking want to break the May Foster agreement and bring their pal Corbyn in to No. 10
Immigration and ignorance were indeed big factors in Brexit, but the biggest issue with local services such as hospitals and schools is not immigrants who actually work in these places but the austerity policies of the last few Tory Governments.
Certainly Tory cuts are hitting hard but increased demand caused by immigration is a contributory factor
Quote from: Avondhu star on May 04, 2018, 04:36:00 PM
Certainly Tory cuts are hitting hard but increased demand caused by immigration is a contributory factor
EU immigrants provide more than enough taxes to provide these facilities, the Tories chose not to while blaming the immigrants.
https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/theresa-may-nhs-doctors-immigration_uk_5ae877afe4b04aa23f2717dc
Quote from: armaghniac on May 04, 2018, 04:38:17 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on May 04, 2018, 04:36:00 PM
Certainly Tory cuts are hitting hard but increased demand caused by immigration is a contributory factor
EU immigrants provide more than enough taxes to provide these facilities, the Tories chose not to while blaming the immigrants.
I remember watching a episode of BBC Question Time, probably about 5 years ago, when the audience were complaining about the pressure immigrants were putting on the NHS and schools in the area. One of the panel pointed out that he had checked the Census stats and that in 2011 that particular constituency was 93% White British, so it was hard to argue that it was the other 7% putting the strain on the NHS and schools.
Quote from: AQMP on May 04, 2018, 04:59:36 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on May 04, 2018, 04:38:17 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on May 04, 2018, 04:36:00 PM
Certainly Tory cuts are hitting hard but increased demand caused by immigration is a contributory factor
EU immigrants provide more than enough taxes to provide these facilities, the Tories chose not to while blaming the immigrants.
I remember watching a episode of BBC Question Time, probably about 5 years ago, when the audience were complaining about the pressure immigrants were putting on the NHS and schools in the area. One of the panel pointed out that he had checked the Census stats and that in 2011 that particular constituency was 93% White British, so it was hard to argue that it was the other 7% putting the strain on the NHS and schools.
You dont have to scratch the surface too hard for the old Alf Garnett to appear.
Quote from: armaghniac on May 04, 2018, 04:38:17 PM
Quote from: Avondhu star on May 04, 2018, 04:36:00 PM
Certainly Tory cuts are hitting hard but increased demand caused by immigration is a contributory factor
EU immigrants provide more than enough taxes to provide these facilities, the Tories chose not to while blaming the immigrants.
Some of the biggest pro Brexit votes came in staunch Labour constituencies so not only the Tories are to blame