FG ‘microsite’ reflects size of voters’ IQ

Bradley Bytes – A Sort of Political Column by Dara Bradley

Fine Gael thinks the electorate is stupid.

Granted, it’s the same electorate that voted Fine Gael into power, so the party may have a point.

It’s not unusual for the biggest party in the State to treat voters with contempt – in fact it seems to be a prerequisite – but FG seems to think the electorate is really, really stupid.

That’s the only conclusion that can be drawn from the Blueshirts’ new website to campaign for the abolition of the Seanad.

Called a micro-site, whatever that is, the website was launched last week.

All the FG foot-soldiers were tweeting about how great it is.

It’s multi-coloured and has cartoon characters and short concise slogans.

It’s basically designed with children in mind, which is what Fine Gael thinks of you; you’re simpletons incapable of understanding anything that isn’t dumbed-down and spoon-fed to you.

When you’re finished with the playdough, have a look at it: www.finegael.ie/seanad.

If nothing else you’ll laugh at how thick they think you are.

Seanad No-Brainer

Reason Number 83 to Abolish the Seanad: Declan Ganley wants to keep it.

Reason Number 67 to Save the Seanad: Gerry Adams wants it abolished.

A bit like Dublin versus Mayo in the All-Ireland football final, unfortunately both sides can’t lose.

Burke tries to dethrone King again

The GAA vote has always been an important one for incumbent and would-be politicians. It’s even bigger in a city context.

Just look at the jostling between Salthill/Knocknacarra GAA stalwarts, Independent Councillor Donal Lyons (aka the King of Knocknacarra) and Fianna Fáil’s wannabe councillor David Burke.

Burke is chairman of Salthill/Knocknacarra GAA – because he defeated the incumbent at the time, Lyons, in a vote at the club’s AGM three years ago. The vote split approximately three to one in favour of Burke . . . which must have come as a shock to Lyons who is used to topping the poll and ruling the roost in local elections. 

Although there are probably enough votes in the area to elect the two of them, the Lyons/Burke battle is an intriguing side show nonetheless with sitting Fianna Fáil Councillor Peter Keane also keeping a watchful eye as the young pretender Burke snaps at his heels.

Remember they’re a fickle bunch in Salthill/Knocknacarra – just ask former mayors John Mulholland (FG) and Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green), who were unceremoniously booted out. The ‘King’ is on his guard, no doubt.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.