Bogmens’ burning desire to oust Michael D – for peat’s sake!

Bradley Bytes – A sort of political column by Dara Bradley 

There’s an assumption out there that Michael D Higgins is revered by all. It’s true, the President is the darling of the media. And he enjoys massive public support, and approval. People genuinely have warmed to him and his endearing charm. He’s even got a cute cuddly dog. What’s not to like?

But not everyone is a fan.

In fact, it might surprise you to learn he’s hated by a certain breed: turf cutters.

If you don’t believe us, check out the vitriol online that pours out of bog men and women who blame Michael D for signing into law the EU Habitats Directive in 1997 when he was a Government minister.

The EU Habitats Directive, according to turf cutters, makes criminals out of people who cut turf on certain designated bogs.

It may be more than 11 years since that law was passed, and Michael D may have already addressed it in the 2011 Presidential campaign, but they’re as angry now as ever.

One Galway Facebook page (Barroughter and Clonmoylan Bogs Action Group) has ratcheted-up its anti-Michael D rhetoric in recent weeks.

“He must not get even one vote from the turf cutters and their extended families given what he did to the turf cutting families in 1997,” thundered one post.

Another post on the same page read: “In February 1997, he sold the heritage and traditional rights of the Irish turf cutters and bog owners”.

The name-calling and comments about Michael D under each of those posts by followers of the Facebook page are quite acidic and not repeatable in a family newspaper.

The incumbent won’t be going knocking on doors for votes around Barroughter and Clonmoylan in South East Galway during the Presidential campaign because, in fairness, the turf cutters do grudges well.

For more Bradley Bytes read this week’s Galway City Tribune