Left Seat to be won in Sligo/Leitrim North

by Observer Tue Apr 03, 2007 13:09

Now we'll have a SF TD in the South who has previously supported water charges to go with the ministers in the North who are going to implement them.

by Ryan Tue Apr 03, 2007 13:15

I think this is great news for the left. This gives a boost to us here in this region if we could ensure that a seat is won here.

Observer, Sean MacManus never voted for water charges. You have your info mixed up.

by SF supporter Tue Apr 03, 2007 13:26

Please don’t turn this into a SF/Labour bashing thread as always happens with this particular constituency. This poll is welcome news to a beleaguered region which has been continuously misrepresented by RW feeble minded morons.

Everyone of a left slant should endeavour to do everything they can to get Sean elected. The less options FF have the better.

by Shinner Tue Apr 03, 2007 13:34

Seán Mac Manus lives in Sligo with his wife Helen who is a native of Glenfarne, Co. Leitrim. Seán is a member of both Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council and will be the Sinn Fein candidate in Sligo/North Leitrim in the forthcoming general election. Recognised as the senior republican representative in the North West, Seán has been active in Sinn Fein since the seventies.

Seán received 5,001 first preference votes in the 2002 General Election in the Sligo/Leitrim constituency and has also contested the European elections in the Connaught/Ulster constituency. He was the party's main spokesperson during the first referendum on the Nice Treaty, which was rejected by the people. He is also a senior member of the party's peace process negotiating team

Mayor of Sligo in 2000 and again in 2004, he has been the promoter of numerous initiatives to help develop Sligo including the North West Economic Forum, the retention of Borough status for Sligo and the "Save Lisadell" campaign. Sean is also recognised as a leading campaigner on local health issues, he was the first politician in this area to raise issues such as the lack of "Breastcheck" and radiotherapy in Sligo General Hospital

Seán served on the party's Ard Comhairle (National Executive) for many years and was National Chairperson of the party from 1984 to 1990. He has played a central part in developing the party's current peace strategy and was instrumental in developing its local government policy. He has been an important member of many delegations in meetings with British Cabinet ministers, including with British Prime Minister Tony Blair at 10 Downing Street. He has also extensively represented Sinn Fein throughout North America and Europe.

Seán also participated in the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation which was organised by the Irish Government following the IRA cessation of August 1994.

You can contact Sean at:

Tel: 086 8198456

Email: [email protected]

Clinics: Every Wednesday night 7-8.30pm

by Listener Tue Apr 03, 2007 13:38

Sean MacManus was a popular radio disc jockey in the north east of england oncce uppon a time.

by Biker Tue Apr 03, 2007 13:40

How could there be a left seat if there's no left candidate?

by Observer Tue Apr 03, 2007 13:44

Forgot it was bin charges!!!!

by Pat Fallon Tue Apr 03, 2007 13:45

You are obviously not from the region or you would know that Sean is a very good Left candidate. Fair play to him and I hope he makes it. It could start a revival for the left in the region

by Lefty Tue Apr 03, 2007 14:16

Perhaps all ye shinners would like to remind us how Sean got his Mayoral chain in Sligo and the deal that he signed up to with Fianna Fail that privatised the towns refuse service.He thought that would get him elected to Dail Eireann and it did'nt.He would do it again in the morning if he thought it would get him in to Leinster House.He's as bad(or as good) as the rest of them.If this is the best the left have to offer well its a sad day for socialism.

by Pat Fallon Tue Apr 03, 2007 14:45

Lefty (yeah right I believe that one) Sean did not vote to privatise the refuse service, he actually voted against it. Check your facts.

Am I assume you would prefer FGs Comiskey or FFs Scanlon to Sean Mac?

by lefty Tue Apr 03, 2007 14:54

For the record,Sean McManus and his Sinn Fein collegues sat back on their ass's and abstained when the motion to privatise the refuse service was proposed at the Sligo Corpo meeting.FF and FG voted it through......thanks alot Sean ...James Connolly would be really proud of you.

The following year he voted to INCREASE the services charges.Ring him and ask him, before you put up any more of your propaganda on this thread!..What is it about Sinn Fein and the facts?? Use them when it suits and change them when it doesent??

by SF supporter Tue Apr 03, 2007 15:07

Lefty

The fact is EVERYONE sat on their hands when the vote to increase the service charges passed. Nobody is coming out of that particular episode smelling of roses. I’m getting the feeling this is starting to lean toward a pre-emptive pro-labour stance from you seeing as your only having a pop at Sinn Fein on this issue.

Sean has a realistic chance of a seat here. As I said before limiting FF’s options would also be an added advantage of keeping this seat away from them. The weekender last week called this a decisive constituency, something FF and FG will be aware of.

Its imperative Sean get elected just on that score alone.

by Pat Fallon Tue Apr 03, 2007 16:48

Lefty You have got it totally wrong.

Sean MacManus and SF voted AGAINST the privatisation of the Refuse service. He never voted for Water Charges. EVER

The privatisation was passed with the FF and FG cllrs voting for it and SF and Labor voting against, not abstaining. McGarry was in FG at the time and voted to privatise.

So lefty get your facts straight before you post

by Anti-bin tax Tue Apr 03, 2007 16:59

Sinn Fein got three councillors elected in Sligo in 1999, in the process declaring their opposition to double taxation service charges. Following this they once abstained and then actually voted for the charges as part of a deal for their councillor, McManus, to become the Lord Mayor. An Phoblacht produced a long article to try to justify the position. Reports were included about the activities of Sinn Fein in different areas, fighting on the charges but then it went on to say that in Sligo the situation was very difficult. They argued that Sinn Fein's votes mattered and that the council was under threat of being abolished; that this would be a blow to democracy as an unelected official would be appointed to run the council; that they had to vote for the charges but only did so having made sure that the most hard pressed people would benefit from the waiver scheme etc.

by Lefty Tue Apr 03, 2007 17:53

Your memory is a wee bit better then mine 'anti bin tax',thanks.The much heralded waiver scheme was short lived and a bit of a scam.Monies were diverted from local authority housing repairs to the waiver scheme and many tenents with much needed repairs suffered as a result.Whether or not the Corpo would have been abolished is a matter of conjecture and not fact.Sligo Sinn Feins position was clear.They allowed Sligos Refuse service to fall into private ownership and the people of Sligo are paying through the nose for it ever since.Thanks a bunch Sean!

As far as the Labour Party is concerned my estimation of them is less then that of Sinn Fein.Not exactly a 'pro labour'stance!

by Pat Fallon Tue Apr 03, 2007 18:03

Lefty why do you persist with telling things that are not true.

No Lefty they didnt allow the refuse service be privatised as you say. They voted AGAINST it. How is that allowing the council privatise it? The peole that voted for it were FG and FF. SF and Labour voted against it. Its on th epublic record.

I assume you now accept that you were wrong when you said Sean voted for Water Charges? He never did. Do you accept that now and that you were wrong?

Who do you think us lefties here in Sligo should vote for in this election?

by Pat Fallon Tue Apr 03, 2007 18:09

Lefty you mentioned "Monies were diverted from local authority housing repairs to the waiver scheme and many tenents with much needed repairs suffered as a result". That was at the time of the Privatisation of the Refuse service and Sinn Fein voted against that. In fact they were the only party on the council to do so.

You are confusing different issues and events here.

by Lefty Tue Apr 03, 2007 18:22

If you read the threads from myself and "anti bin tax" you might learn something, rather then shooting your mouth off with misinformation and half baked facts.Why do Sligo Shinners have a problem dealing with facts.You'l be telling me next that the murderers of Garda Gerry McCabe should be released and that they were part of the "armed struggle".I suppose Sean will be ducking that one too.....another issue that he wont want to adress.

You should quit while your behind.

by FG Tue Apr 03, 2007 18:24

So there's a left vote a goin' in S-L.

Terrible pity Declan decided not to run. 1. There would have been a left (anti-coalition) candidate in S-L. 2. Nationally, with him running, the Independent Left Alliance would probably have gone ahead.

by Lefty Tue Apr 03, 2007 18:55

I'm no great fan of Bree.His autocratic style and his track record as a TD is not of my liking.But he's a grafter and anyone who has seen him in action in the Council Chamber would see that he's well prepared and on top of whatever brief he has to deal with.He's a Sligo man.His position on the Anti War movement and the fueling of US planes at Shannon has been consistant,as well as his support for the Shell to Sea campaign.On balance he would have got my vote over McManus.But it appears he will not be running so I'm left without a vote.

by Fyodor Tue Apr 03, 2007 19:10

D Bree not running is a help to Sean actually. And the New left Alliance was by no means contingent on Declans participation or not. That was just insulting to all those who where involved.

I had hoped this thread would not go the way of others whenever the left is mentioned in Sligo, with the usual suspects citing just how left either Sean or Declan is.

All the arguments’, insults, personal gripes and voting records have been posted on other threads and I very much doubt anything new will be posted here to sway anyone in either direction. I sincerely hope a false dichotomy is not being established to spark off another bout of endless arguement.

What has happened here is that a poll has been released showing Sean MacManus in a position to take the third seat in Sligo/North-Leitrim. Now voters face a simple choice, well those whom are not sterile clones anyway. That choice is vote for a left wing candidate (which a Sinn Fein candidate is) or don't, then live with the consequences.

by ned the red Tue Apr 03, 2007 19:25

Excellent opinion poll results in the Weekender,definately a left seat in this constituancy.Great to see McGarry and Henry propping up the pole,Imelda,s only hope of becoming a T.D. like her father is to join him in that exclusive list of T.D,S,the Tax Defaulters,remember he was caught twice by the Revenue for over a million.McGarry and Henry should now take note and realise that neither of them havent a hope of being elected stop wasting their time on a hopless cause and to avoid further embarressment to themselves and their pitiful canvassers do the decent thing and withdraw NOW.

by Realist Tue Apr 03, 2007 19:36

Fyodor says

"I had hoped this thread would not go the way of others whenever the left is mentioned in Sligo, with the usual suspects citing just how left either Sean or Declan is."

Best way to do that is don't drag Bree into it. He's an irrelevence. You might as well throw Mickey Mouse into it as Bree. The poll shows that we have a chance of getting Mac Manus elected, lets work for that and stop going down blind alleys.

by seamus oT Tue Apr 03, 2007 19:56

Good news from this poll. Mcmanus deserves to be elected. He has worked hard for Sinn fein down the years.I figure the majority of Bree’s people will give Mcmanus their vote rather than vote for the renegade Jimmy McGarry

McGarry and the right wing rump of Labour in Sligo are now getting the message loud and clear – even the Bull Mcsharry is polling better than them

McGarry voted for bin charges.He voted for privatisation.He voted against traveller accommodation.He voted in support of US troops using Shannon.He and Rabbitte and co will get their answer shortly.

Tiocfaidh ar la!

by Pat Fallon Tue Apr 03, 2007 19:58

Lefty said: "If you read the threads from myself and "anti bin tax" you might learn something, rather then shooting your mouth off with misinformation and half baked facts."

I did read the threads by you and anti bin tax which is why I had to respond to the false info you were posting. What anti bin tax posted was correct.

What you posted was false.

(1) Sean never voted for Water Charges
(2) Sean and SF voted AGAINST privatisation
(3) Sean and SF voted against the raiding of the housing repair budget.

Can you now be man enough and accept that what you said was wrong

So you wont be voting for anyone now that Bree isnt running. To be honest there isnt a big deal of difference between Sean and Bree (the north was the main one) but its strange that you wouldnt vote for Sean and prefer to see a FFer such as Scanlon or a blueshirt like Comiskey elected in his place. I

t cant be Seans record on refuse charges as Bree has a worse record in that regard (and I am not slagging bree off here) so I dont really know what your problem is. If you prefer FF and FG, then thats your perogative. But some Lefty arent you?

by Wattie Tue Apr 03, 2007 20:08

According to Lefty, speaking about Breezer

His position on the Anti War movement and the fueling of US planes at Shannon has been consistant,as well as his support for the Shell to Sea campaign.

Sean MacManus's position is exactly the same. I trust you will vote for him so.

by realist Tue Apr 03, 2007 20:24

Here we go again, the Bree is a wonderful fellow dawn chorus. Anyone interested in getting Mac Manus elected should ignore this thread. It was posted to polish the bruised ego of Bree and call Mc Garry a few more names.

by Jo Jo Tue Apr 03, 2007 20:47

Where was Sean Mc,Chris and Arthur when we organised an anti war protest in Ballymote.???Answer:Licking Bloombergs arse at a civic reception at the Town Hall.Making sure not to upset their visa applications for Paddys Day in New York.
How many Sinn fein Councillors or activists showed up after being invited???..........I'll tell you..NONE

The only public representative that stood with us was Declan Bree.

Dont talk to me about Sligo Sinn Fein and the Anti War Movement. They are all sauce and no bottle.Some of the "spin and win" comments by Sinn Fein supporters continualy gloss over serious flaws in McManus's credentials as a socialist.

by matador Tue Apr 03, 2007 20:55

Who said they are involved in the so called anti war movement. The IAWM are not the only people opposed to the iraq war and occupation. Do you think ye have exclusive rights only?

Just because they protested differently than you did, doesnt meanthey are not anti-war

by seamus Ot Tue Apr 03, 2007 22:38

Jo Jo has a point, it was disappointing that Sean McManus and the Sinn fein councillors didn't join in the protest against the war. I figure Bloomberg would have respected them more if they had stood by their principles on the issue of the war.

Having said that Sean is the only left of centre candidate contesting the election in Sligo/North Leitrim. People opposed to right wing parties can hardly vote for Jimmy McGarry – he who was refused admission to the PD’s. (The PD’s may be right wing but they have certain standards – not like Rabbittes Labour Party)

Did McGarry participate in the demo against the war? Like hell he did.

by John Gaffney Tue Apr 03, 2007 22:42

It seems logical to me that those of us on the left living in this constituency shoudl now get behind Sean and ensure he is elected.

We may not agree with everything he stands for but he is a far better choice for us all than any of the others running. As well as that it will help to begin the possibility of rebuilding the left in this region.

by interested Tue Apr 03, 2007 23:51

I am a bit disappointed that the only concern is building a Left. As a voter I am only interested in the candidate/party that takes the issues of the people seriously particularly the less advantaged. I go on record of service and only the promise of greater service attracts my attention. I am not worried about right or left but about the needy in our society. The political system has flaws all of the way and should only be of service and not of power.

by jk Wed Apr 04, 2007 00:14

Even john gaffney now recognises that labour and mcgarry have noting to offer. we have gone the full circle. well done mc manus

by Fyodor Wed Apr 04, 2007 01:27

As I feared, we have the limited yet semi vocal local interest groups trying to propel an ongoing call to Declan to throw his name into the fray and give the disgruntled few a voice in the upcoming General election. I can’t help but think why and to what end?

Its now abundantly clear that all it would achieve is send a muffled message to Pat Rabbitte that Sligo has a very personal few who would rather have a point proved than have a new direction for a newly elected government that would in effect dismantle all the neo-con apparatus put in place and provide an alternative route for government in which we can all have a say and get back to basics where the disaffected are represented and vested interests are marginalised.

Bree is not running. The correct choice as far as I’m concerned for him to make in light of the outcome of this poll. Sean is in a commanding position to take this 3rd and final seat and any attempt to derail that is an outright affront to left wing politics in the North West.

Bree was a TD, look to his record as such and search your principles as to whether his re-election would change the face of government policy in the main.

The answer is of course no.

Sean MacManus now represents the only choice available to assist what must be the course for socialists to take. The overthrow of this government and all it stands for.

by seamus Ot Wed Apr 04, 2007 10:33

Fyodor is right Sean McManus represents the only choice of those who want a left wing candidate elected. This provides a real opportunity to wipe out what remains of Rabbittes so called labour party and to build a real left in Sligo

by Realist Wed Apr 04, 2007 10:54

Didn't I tell you, Bree and his sock puppets calling people names. Suffice to say that Bree did not cover himself in glory when it came to up-holding principles. Remember his little pact with FF to get his hands on the Mayors chain and a free trip to Cuba?
I wholeheartedly agree that there now exists an opportunity to build a left organisation in Sligo, but we must learn from history. It was Bree's arrogance that smothered the development of the left there. It was his way or no way. And the real kick in the teeth was when the opportunity presented itself, he sold out. He is every bit a part of the local establishment as any local PD. Any moves to build a left consenus must exclude Bree. He is a divisive indluence and has a history of verbally abusing those that don't toe his line. He turned more young enthusiastic socialists away from the Labour party than all the right wing propaganda put together. He's washed up, leave him to his mirrors.
Good luck to Sean in the election. Would like to see some move from Sinn Fein on how the government can be changed. Will they go into partnership to achieve that if the numbers stack up?

by seamus Ot Wed Apr 04, 2007 13:08

What is realist going off on a tangent and attacking Bree. Sean McManus made an agreement with FF in regard to the position of Mayor and so did Bree. It’s normal practice in local politics. Sean is going to take the seat for Sinn Fein this time and I believe that Declan Bree and his supporters will support Sean. Have you heard of any attacks on Sean McManus or Sinn Fein from Bree and his supporters over the past year or so? They know who the enemy is in terms of building a real left in Sligo – McGarry and the suits in Labour and Siptu . The people of Ireland can plainly see the major achievements Sinn Fein have brought about in the Six Counties and I believe they want to see the same level of achievements in the South. If the numbers stack up and Sinn Fein can ensure that its policies can be implemented it will do as it does in the Six Counties.

by Powder Wed Apr 04, 2007 13:44

The results of the poll are very positive. Even the Bull McSharry is now ahead of McGarry. Doesn’t that say it all. But then again - the Bull has principles. The very best of luck to Sean McManus

by realist Wed Apr 04, 2007 13:56

Seamus OT asks
"What is realist going off on a tangent and attacking Bree for"-simple answer, I am sick to my back teeth of his attacks on everyone else when it suits and normally by using a lackey who knows no better or from behind a pseudonym.

He goes on
"Sean McManus made an agreement with FF in regard to the position of Mayor and so did Bree". This is either a veiled attack on Sean or is a feeble attempt by Bree to seek cover from behind Sean to deflect criticism for his own sell out. He can't even stand on his own two feet when called to account. Remember Bree has spent the past thirty years bereting everybody about the lack of principled politics.

He then claims the classic Bree line "It’s normal practice in local politics" What, principled socialist getting into bed with the party that has corruption as a second nature. A party that has sold off the family silver to their buddies so that they can make fortunes (Eircom etc) and then live off shore so that they don't even have to pay any tax. If doing deals with such a crowd is "normal practice" then there's little hope for us all.

The next bit will be taken with a pinch of salt by Sean if he has any sense, " I believe that Declan Bree and his supporters will support Sean" and then the question, "Have you heard of any attacks on Sean McManus or Sinn Fein from Bree and his supporters over the past year or so?"

And who is attacking Sean on this thread? Sock puppets that's who and it doesn't take much imagination to guess who's behind them, the same person who has been the real enemy "in terms of building a real left in Sligo" None other than Bree himself. So lets forget all the ego inflating crap and be happy that at long last Bree is no longer in the way of havng a left politician take a seat in the Dail from the Sligo Constituency-FOR THE FIRST TIME IN IT'S HISTORY.

by seamus Ot Wed Apr 04, 2007 17:37

OK realist you have a problem with Bree. So be it.

I don’t know where you’re coming from with regard to the agreement with FF. It is normal practice in local government for the various parties and councillors to make agreements with regard to the position of Mayor and committees. If Sean McManus and the Sinn Fein councillors hadn’t entered an agreement with Fianna Fail, then Sean would not have been made Mayor. Its nonsense to talk about “getting into bed with the party that has corruption as a second nature”. This was a straightforward deal with Fianna Fail about the position of Mayor and other appointments, it not only occurs in Sligo but in councils throughout the country. And the fact is that if the numbers stack up Sinn Fein could well be in government with Fianna Fail after the general election.

Despite being criticised for getting into bed with Paisley and the DUP Gerry Adams took the courageous step to enter a coalition government in the Six Counties. That decision has been almost unanimously endorsed by the great majority of the nationalist community. If Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein are acceptable as a partner in government in the Six Counties surely they are good enough to be a partner in government in the 26 Counties.

Being in government is about having Sinn Fein policies implemented. Its clear that Fianna Fail will not have the numbers to form a government without going into coalition with another party. If Sinn Fein gain enough seats in the election, then Sinn Fein can dictate the terms of entering government with Fianna Fail.

by Jim McM Wed Apr 04, 2007 17:50

Forget Declan, hes not running. Forget the arguments and he did this and she done that. There is now a real chance of a Left Wing Seat been gained here. Get behind Sean and sicken FF and FG here andvote for change.

by Fyodor Wed Apr 04, 2007 18:19

Seamus, it was this post that raised suspicion as to your motives with ‘realist’

“Fyodor is right Sean McManus represents the only choice of those who want a left wing candidate elected. This provides a real opportunity to wipe out what remains of Rabbittes so called labour party and to build a real left in Sligo”

And to be honest I can see where realist is coming from. Every other thread on Sligo politics has descended into a slagging match between the Bree camp and the McGarry camp over Labours candidature for the GE with the odd insult thrown in Seans direction for good measure. All particularly nasty stuff and in the main irrelevant now considering this poll has put to bed any notion of Bree running or McGarry getting a seat. Some of them are even locked due to the severity of abuse and the clandestine nature of the insinuations. The last sentence of your post smacked of similar anti-mcgarry language used on these threads and usually by supporters of Bree. To assume your where one was not a difficult assumption to make although I now presume this assumption by realist was in error??

As I said before I had hoped that this thread would not go the way of the other threads because it gave a new hope to the North-West of getting a Left Wing TD and on the bigger stage keep FF and FG’s paws off the third seat.

I wholehearted agree with JimMcM, forget Bree, and add forget McGarry too. Priority now is to get Sean elected with positive contributions and solid groundwork and not to get this tangled up with what is essentially local in-fighting within the Labour Party.

by Powder Wed Apr 04, 2007 18:23

We need to sicken all of them - FF & FG & Labour. The labour candidate in Sligo is more rightwing than the PDs.Vote 1 McManus

by Fyodor Wed Apr 04, 2007 18:32

“We need to sicken all of them - FF & FG & Labour. The labour candidate in Sligo is more rightwing than the PDs.Vote 1 McManus”

Dear me, I rest my case.

by seamus Ot Wed Apr 04, 2007 20:04

Realist appears to have a thing about Bree – I suppose everyone has their own cross to carry.

But realist then launched an attack on the Mayoral agreement with FF and asked what type of principled socialist could make such an agreement with a party that he declared had corruption as a second nature. When I said that this was normal practise in local politics he replied by saying that this was the classic Bree response. The classic Bree response!! I would have figured it would be the logical response from anyone who knows anything about politics. The fact is that Sean McManus would not have been made Mayor without entering such an agreement. And the fact is that Sean McManus is as principled today as he was then.
I also do firmly believe that the election of Sean McManus will wipe out what remains of Rabbittes Labour party in Sligo. Rabbitte is the classic sticky, more unionist that the unionists themselves, while all the time pretending to be left wing. He’s hell bent on getting into government with the Blueshirts and no doubt would then be suggesting that we go back into the commonwealth. His candidate in Sligo/Leitrim is of the same ilk. McGarry and his supporters will crawl back into their holes after the licking they get in this election.
All the indications are that Sinn Fein will pick up enough extra seats and FF will lose enough seats to force FF into a coalition with Sinn Fein. With a Sinn Fein negotiating team led by Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinnes, Bertie will be left with no alternative but to deliver to Sinn Fein.

by Mars Wed Apr 04, 2007 20:27

Seamus OT can't post without attempting to excuse Bree's sellout by claiming that Mac Manus did the same.

"The fact is that Sean McManus would not have been made Mayor without entering such an agreement"

Forget what Sean did. You are the occupant of the high socialist moral ground. Nobody has the purity of soul as you, or so you told us for years. But of course you had feet of clay. When the bearers of brown paper envelopes came a calling you rolled over.

Pragmatism can be discribed as a temporary acceptance of a position that is outside core principles because the common good is served to do so. A sell out is when the beneficiary is the individual and there is no benefit for the common good.
So lets open the debate in earnest. Let us see the details of the pact that Bree entered into and lets see if the common good was served.

And once again I say to Sean , beware Bree bearing gifts.

by Fyodor Wed Apr 04, 2007 20:48

Seamus, you seem to be the one who has the problem with McGarry. You cannot post with having a dig at him. Every single post you made has attacked McGarry either directly or indirectly so by your logic we can now assume you have a ‘thing’ about McGarry?

And we can also now conclude that you are one of the Bree gang/rump or whatever you guys wanna call yourselves and are still only interested in perpetuating this ridiculous feud that is of no interest to anyone other than yourself, especially Sinn Fein Supporters and genuine supporters of Sean. This Labour thing is a side show and was mildly amusing but now it is creeping into and hi-jacking every feckin thread posted about Sligo

Support for Sean is constructive, negative slurred personal aggrieved rubbish is not, all that will happen is a repeat of the other threads with no consensus reached as to the best way forward to get Sean elected and the thread being locked.

It’s fairly plain and completely obvious what is going on here. When you slag mcgarry, someone will slag Bree and on and on it goes.

by Realist Wed Apr 04, 2007 20:53

"Realist appears to have a thing about Bree"

You can sing that, but unlike Bree, I don't open threads to blow my own trumpet. I'm happy that polls suggest that Sean has a chance of a seat and I will do all I can to assist that. If Sinn Fein become the focus for left thinkers in Sligo, that may be the catalyst that is needed to ensure that left politics plays a role in the life of the area commensurate with its strength. Up to now, the left has been divided and the main cause of that division has been the personality politics practised by Bree. That's now over. The king is dead, long live the king.

by Jim McM Wed Apr 04, 2007 21:07

Lads and lassies. Will you quit this nonsense. This thread has nothing to do with Declan or labour. This is about the possibiity of Sean MacManus winning a Left Wing seat here in Sligo/Leitrim.

If ye have ideas to contribute as to how Sean can ensure a victory that would be great. This arguing over nonsense and rows between this man and that are just a diversion from the real task.

Get over the rows and get on with electing Sean.

by Left...outside Wed Apr 04, 2007 22:57

The problem with any Sinn Fein candidate is their unwillingness to transfer their vote and their inability to get transfers.They have only themselves to blame for this conundrum with their practice of "plumping",i.e.vote SF no.1 and DONT TRANSFER.Sean will no doubt get a decent first preferance vote but where will his transfers come from??........The Sligo townies will give him some bur after that hes bolloxed..........In a 4 seat constituency with south Leitrim he had a chance but not now.Pity,hes given his all to the "Cause" and its probably his last throw of the dice.You have to admire the energy and vigour however,his supporters are putting in to this thread but me thinks they would be better off knocking on a few doors or lickig a few envelopes then sitting on their arses in front of a PC.

by ned the red Wed Apr 04, 2007 23:00

I,m reliably informed that the Green Party are about to announce that ex-Labour Councillor Brian Scanlon will be their candidate in the upcoming election,and that Declan Bree will definetly contest the election as an Independent Socialist thus offering the electorate a genuine left alternative.LONG LIVE THE REVOLUTION.

by Litmus Wed Apr 04, 2007 23:45

You can be reliably informed all you like. All Bree has managed to do in that 'masterstroke' of utter self-centered politics is destroy any chance of Sean getting a seat.

And then we have Left..outside wondering where Sean will get transfers from? Do you know anything about this constituency, have you not read the poll? Sean will get transfers from all over the place including McGarry and Scanlon.

Make no mistake, everyone will know why Bree is running and know he is just bitter over his treatment by Labour. He doesn’t give a damn about presenting a ‘real left alternative’ to anyone. It’s a vengeance fuelled last gasp attempt at proving some sort of bullshit point to Pat Rabbitte and the Labour Party. Nor can I believe he manipulated cake into running for the Greens. The depths this muppet will sink to out do McGarry is absolutely astonishing.

All he has done here is gifted the 3rd seat to FF, nothing more.

Then again it shouldn’t surprise me what that me-feiner is capable of. Not since 1981 when he showed all where his sole concern lies and that it is with himself.

I am disgusted by this.

by waldo Wed Apr 04, 2007 23:56

I think he was taking the mickey. I doubt either Bree or Cake will run for anyone.

by Realist Thu Apr 05, 2007 08:48

The latest sock puppet tells us that,
"I think he was taking the mickey. I doubt either Bree or Cake will run for anyone."
Maybe that'a because they don't stand for anything. While Bree is chasing moonbeam's over Galway Bay, Scanlon is chasing rats through his home place. Himself and Bree are part of the Council that has allowed the town become rat infested.

On the more serious issue, given that there is suppoprt for Sinn Fein, is it not time they told us what they intend to do post election. I have no problem with coalition, providing the PD's are not in and all the PD element are removed from the FF leadership and the programme for government is up front and water tight with the clear emphasis on wealth redistribution The main servcies, health, education, housing, water etc provided free at the point of delivery, financed by a progressive tax system that would replace the present regressive one. I think with a clear statement of intent along these lines, the Sinn Fein vote will consolidate. People are sick and tired of finding that when they need a service it is either not there anymore or it is privatised.

by Harry B Thu Apr 05, 2007 10:40

I think this poll is a step in the right direction for the left in Sligo. The bounce from the historic deal in the north wil be significant. The May 8th start up of the Executive will still be fresh in the minds of voters as they go to the polls a week(ish) later.

I think Sean should be on the the steps of stormont side by side with Gerry to drive home his involvement in releasing the Unionist grip from the throat of Nationlists aspirations.

Can the micro left and ALL labourites please take their drivel elsewhere.

Sinn Feins stated agenda once in government was re-affirmed at the last Ard-Fheis. Who they would go into coalition with is also on record and well known.

http://www.sinnfein.org/

http://www.sinnfeinonline.com/

by seamus Ot Thu Apr 05, 2007 12:11

Fyodor, I am not attempting to excuse anyone’s sell out . Realist launched a veiled attack on Sean McManus and an attack on the Mayoral agreement with FF and asked what type of principled socialist could make such an agreement with a party which he declared had corruption as a second nature. Sean McManus did not sell out. He entered an agreement with another party relating to the election of Mayor and other positions. That does not mean a sell out nor does it take away from his principles. Hs has the same views today as he had then.
And yes, I have a problem with McGarry and the labour rump in Sligo. They are pro Brit, pro unionsist and an extension of Rabbittes sticky blueshirt clan. Lets clear them out for once and for all.
In his latest posting realist says is it not time Sinn Fein told us what they intend to do post election. Is he for real?

by Realist Thu Apr 05, 2007 13:01

Seamus oT puts words in my mouth. Typical propagada. My attack is on Bree, your puppet master. As I repeatedly said, he spent the past thirty years preaching about his principled socialism and the best he can do when his sell out is pointed out is to try to hide behind someone else. This thread was posted by Bree to massage his ego and call people names. It's time he got the message and left the field to Sean.
Although to my knowledge, Sean has never declared himself to be a Socialist, I know enough about him to know that he has more principle in his little toe than Bree.
He'll be getting my No.1

by Watcher Thu Apr 05, 2007 13:14

Well done Fyodor for exposing one sock puppet Seamus oT. He fails to mention Brees name in his excuse making for doing deals and then in his parting shot he totally exposes himself as a person obsessed with Mcgarry. Imagine a politicain of Bree's stature being obssessed with an insignificance like McGarry. Say's a lot about Bree don't you think.

Any sane person living in Sligo must vote for Sean McManus if only to support his efforts to save the Health service.

by Harry B Thu Apr 05, 2007 13:16

Seamus, you seem to be a bit all over the place, you have a problem with McGarry and the Labour rump in Sligo. Does that include Declan Bree? Because he is still a card carrying member of the Labour Party so you would have to include him in that rump until he leaves.

Declan himself is a bit all over the place as well in that he attacks Labour, attacks Rabbite, attacks McGarry yet had he been given the nomination I can assure you he would have been more than happy to accept it and run as a Labour candidate.

All his recent hot air is reactionary and straight off the back of the continuing internal feud that is slowly reducing all involved to objects of ridicule.

Declan has also attacked Sean in the past for his involvement in the Mayoral pact so he does leave himself open to calls of hypocrisy when Bree went in on the deal himself.

The point is that Sinn Fein locally doesn’t give a rats ass who is nominated for Labour all they care about is getting Sean elected, so your attempt to curry favour with what you think are the ‘garden variety bar-stool republicans who wear their crucifixes on the outside of their Celtic jerseys’ looked a little crass and just shows how tribal and unsophisticated you think Sinn Fein Support is.

Now I ask again can All the micro left and ALL labourites please take their drivel elsewhere

by seamus Ot Thu Apr 05, 2007 17:50

Realist, Ned the red, Watcher, HarryB etc, this thread has nothing to do with Bree and the row in Labour. This thread is about ensuring that Sean McManus is elected to the Dail. I would suggest that you return to your own threads and carry on your war of words. I have no intention of getting dragged into it.
I see Realist is at it again in a subtle manner saying that Sean has never declared himself to be a socialist. Sean is a socialist, Sinn Fein is a socialist party. Read the party programme. Read the party paper. View the Party website.

by Former Labour Supporter Thu Apr 05, 2007 23:46

I see that Seamus the Shinner is accused of being a puppet of Declan Bree. Dont worry about it Seamus. The same guy/guys using different pseudonyms intervened in the Caoimhe Butterly thread last month when someone mentioned the fact that Declan Bree had organised the Butterly meeting.

The guy/guys hate Bree and go hysterical if anyone as much as suggests that Bree did something positive. And they go into an absolute frenzy if anyone criticises McGarry. In fact they really believe that anyone who criticises McGarry is being manipulated by Declan Bree. Take a look at the thread if you don’t believe me. Pure paranoia!

In future Seamus, if you are criticising Rabbitte or the stickies, dont mention Cllr McGarry - or those guys will end up in coronary care!

The Best of luck to Sean McManus.

by Litmus Fri Apr 06, 2007 01:36

No paranoia at work here, just a thorough understanding of Brees underhanded methods. Seamus was a puppet. His meagre support for Sean was always tied into anti mcgarry rants. The only person in sligo who is solely obsessed with mcgarry is declan bree. Everyone else ignores him and don't waste their time with him.

There is no hatred of declan, just an embarrassing pity for his ludicrous attempt at drumming up support from behind pseudonym and sock puppetry. Those that post a dislike of bree's methods have the excuse of being ordinary citizens voicing their disapproval of less than flattering subterfuge. What’s brees excuse? He hasn’t the courage to post as himself. This is cowardice and is well recognised on the ground by many people in sligo. Most don’t bother posting in response. They recognise Brees and mcgarrys irrelevance and understand completely the futility of getting involved.

Sean is bigger than this in that he doesn’t need to get involved in this pathetic charade. Had bree a modicum of self respect he'd redirect his efforts into getting Sean elected, forget the feud, leave Labour and restore some sort of deference from the people of Sligo.

by Realist Fri Apr 06, 2007 09:11

This is the post that first mentions Bree in the thread. FG is a Bree sock puppet

"FG Tue Apr 03, 2007 18:24
So there's a left vote a goin' in S-L.
Terrible pity Declan decided not to run. 1. There would have been a left (anti-coalition) candidate in S-L. 2. Nationally, with him running, the Independent Left Alliance would probably have gone ahead"

The FG psuedonym has not been used since. In one sense it probably is a pity that Bree is not running. He would get another drubbing and maybe that would encourage a friend to whisper into his ear the fact that he's finished, exposed as a fraud and it's time he retired (that's probably not the best choice of word in the context)

by seamus Ot Fri Apr 06, 2007 10:29

When I decide to criticise Rabbitte and the Stickys I will do so and I will not be censored by anyone.
The fact is that the Stickys have a long history of supporting the Brits and opposing Republicanism. Anyone who criticised the British was attacked by Rabbitte, De Rossa etc.People who even mildly criticised the UDR or the RUC were accused of being pro ‘terrorist’.Over the years they demanded that Section 31 of the Broadcasting Act be used to censor Sinn Fein representatives.
The Stickys fully supported the extradition of Republicans to Britain and they even branded supporters of the Birmingham Six and the Guildford Four as being ‘terrorist’ supporters and sympathisers. This election gives us the opportunity of electing a Sinn Fein T.D. and wiping out Rabbittes rump in Sligo.(and that includes McGarry)

by Litmus Fri Apr 06, 2007 10:56

Well Bree was involved with the Hunger strikers in 81 (as it turned out purely for political ends) and when the decision was reached to run the hunger strikers in the General Election that year it angered bree because he had already decided to run himself as an independent. Bree wouldn’t withdraw and cost Joe the election.

I don’t see Seamus attacking bree for that. Or is he uniquely selective on who he decides in anti-republican or not. Bree is still in Labour and joined Labour in 92 when it had been taken over by the stickies. Still no criticism of Bree on that front from Seamus. Bree was involved with a New Left Alliance that was a front for the SWP and involved the WP-remember Harris-how anti-republican can you get?
Still no criticism of bree from Seamus

So why of a sudden are 'so called' republicans like Seamus up in arms in Sligo over what is happening within Labour?

The truth is they are not. It is just wishful thinking on Brees behalf and all this is part of Brees underhanded obsessive campaign to undermine mcgarry. Seamus is a part of that.

by jk Fri Apr 06, 2007 12:12

Havent you heard on ocean that brian scanlon is to be the green candidate.That shoud ensure that mcgarry will drop behind henry. Itwill also help mcmanus for no 2s. mcgarry and labour are f-kd

by watcher Fri Apr 06, 2007 12:25

If the Greens put Scanlon on their ticket it is they who will be f*cked. There's no way the Greens would get that near to Bree. They may be green, but they are not stupid. By the way, apr 1st was 5 days ago. In any case, if MacManus needs help from that quarter, god help him!!!

by Former Labour Supporter Fri Apr 06, 2007 12:47

You can’t say I didn’t tell you. Even the slightest hint of a criticism of McGarry marks you as one of Bree’s agents or puppets. Its pure and unadulterated paranoia

by watcher Fri Apr 06, 2007 13:32

Well Former Labour Supporter can't be Bree because Bree is still a member of the Labour Party, along with the likes of Conor Cruise Section 31 O'Brien. And sure why not, the pair have so much in common.

by Anti-Coalition Sun Apr 08, 2007 16:24

But good for the Left?

After all SF are happy with the prospect of going into coalition with right-wing parties. In other words Labour Party Mark2.

I don't see how such a development will advance the cause of the Left!

by Anti-Coalition Sun Apr 08, 2007 16:24

But good for the Left?

After all SF are happy with the prospect of going into coalition with right-wing parties. In other words Labour Party Mark2.

I don't see how such a development will advance the cause of the Left!

by ned the red/sligo Sat Apr 21, 2007 20:10

Congratulations to former Labour stalwert Brian Scanlon who has been selected to run for the Greens,this is wonderful news with the Greens on a high in the opinion polls nationally and the opinion polls in this constituancy indicating a left wing seat,Brian has a great chance of being elected.He is well placed to pick up the traditional Labour vote that has abandoned Wee Jimmy in droves,together with the envoirmental voters his time surely has come.

by M.T. Pockets Sat Apr 21, 2007 20:53

Scanlons personal vote has disintegrated. Less than 200 last time out. He brought nothing to the greens only future embarresment.

Please Ned, will you give up this rediculous vendetta you have against mcgarry. Its driving you to new depths of ridicule by claiming Cake as a prayer in this election.

This announcement was met with bemusement on the ground here.
Were just waiting for Bree to announce hes going to run as an independant and the whole side show will fall into place. All transparent predictable nonsense that is fooling no-one only Bree, who for some bizarre reason thinks he might have a chance at getting electing.

Scanlon running will barely make a ripple. Bree running however might actually damage the only chance Sligo has at getting a left wing TD by taking vital votes off Sean MacManus.

by ned the red/sligo Sat Apr 21, 2007 22:17

Me thinks that not only is Wee Jimmy worried about Cakes entry into this race but also the Shinners,anyway why should they worry about a progressive envoirmentalist after all they are not a left wing party,are so too speak of the Fianna Fail gene pool,like their republican cousins they try to be all things to all people,but you cannot fool people all of the time.As a vote in this constituancy for Wee Jimmy is a vote for the Blueshirts,a vote for the Provos is a vote for Bertie.They are as about as left wing as Ian Paisley.

by M.T. Pockets Sat Apr 21, 2007 22:40

No one is worries about Brian Scanlons entrance into the race. Not the Shinners, Not Labour, Not FF not FG. No-one.

He might get a couple of pity transfers but thats about it.

Ned, you can be thoroughly dismissed and your analysis disregarded as rubbish.You can pop up at regular intervals all you want Ned with your insane ranting but at this stage your so off the mark I doubt anyone from here on in will bother with you.

Brian Scanlon will never get a seat in this constituency. It escapes me how anyone could have managed to delude themselves of this considering his record. But you've managed to delude yourself on quite a number of things Ned, including Declan Brees chance of a seat here too.

Keep it up. If just for the comedy.

by Con D Sun Apr 22, 2007 00:52

When Brian Scanlon resigned from Labour he pointed out in the media that Jimmy McGarry voted for Service charges, that McGarry supported privatisation and that he supported US troops using Shannon. Scanlon as the Green candidate will now put the final nail in the labour party’s coffin in Sligo-Leitrim. McGarry will be lucky if he saves his deposit.

by Civic Critic Sun Apr 22, 2007 08:59

Brian Scanlons candidature will hardly cause a dent in Martin Fordes vote never mind Jimmy McGarrys.

Seeing as he didn’t even get 200 votes the last time he ran, I don’t think too many people will be listening to what 'Cake' has to say.

Somebody in Sligo either has a good sense of humour or is so warped by hatred of McGarry that they are shouting such tripe in manic desperation.

Nobody is worried about Scanlon. There will be no ‘final nail’ in labours coffin or any other melodrama. Brian will run, do disastrously and retire after been made a fool of by listening to the wannabe master tactician Bree.

Now this thread is about getting Sean MacManus elected. Any chance of something positive in that regard?

by From over here Sun Apr 22, 2007 10:06

With Jimmy the Rat running we now have Cake the Rat Catcher. There sure must be an awful lot of rats in Sligo, the two legged variety I mean. Anyway this will now put the tin hat on any aspirations of a left seat. I predict FG2 FF1

by Glas1 Sun Apr 22, 2007 11:12

Civic critic is very much off course. Brian scanlon will not only pick up much of the traditional labour vote he will also pick up the Green vote in the constituency, estimated at 8% to 9%. I figure that the majority of the traditional labour people will give Sean mcmanus their second preference but I don’t know how the Green transfers will spread. Its clear at this stage that Mcgarry and labour will be wiped out.

by Hiku Sun Apr 22, 2007 11:18

No one will vote for scanlon. It has nothing to do with what party he runs for. And where did you snatch figures 8%-9% out of? No polls can suggests this because no green candidate was polled.

Somebody up in Sligo really wants this election to about Labour getting wiped out because Bree got over-looked. It is peurile nonsense to suggest Scanlon is the man to do it.

by Con D Sun Apr 22, 2007 11:41

Hiku says no one will vote for scanlon. Give it a week and check with the bookies. See who will have the better odds. Even the Bull McSharry is ahead of McGarry. When McGarry tried to join the PD’s he was rejected. He is obviously comfortable in Rabbittes Labour party and they are welcome to him.

by Hiku Sun Apr 22, 2007 12:08

The last time he ran he polled less than 200. He is now running as a green in a constituency that has been untested by a green candidate. Where on earth did you get the Idea that Scanlon will all of a sudden reverse his abandonment by Sligo voters running on a platform that up til now nobody would have identified him with.

Your constant referal to McGarry and labour exposes exactly what is goin on here and what this is all about. You can daydream all you like of McGarry getting wiped out and Bree being vindicated and Rabitte having to apologise and welcome Bree back into the fold with open arms, but the reality is that McGarry got the nomination with the backing of the local party and there has hardly been a whisper of discontent amongst the locals since. Bree wants people to think that Sligo is on the verge of armed insurrection over how badly treated he was. The truth is it raised a few eye-brows. Go to Sligo and ask the locals, they'll either give you a funny look or shrug indifference as they go about their daily business.

Con D and his host of psuedonyms can type reams of personal and political attacks toward McGarry if he feels it will vent some of the obvious frustration he feels. But all he's doing is giving his fingers exercise. It wont change a damn thing. Labour voters will still vote labour.

And you can check the bookies all you want. But i'll bet you any money you want that come the election McGarry will hold the majority if not all of the Labour vote and Brian will poll roughly around 200-300.

Poor Brian has now gotten tangled up in Brees scheming and its going to cost him his last shred of credibilty.

by Con D Sun Apr 22, 2007 14:59

You can continue whistling in the wind Hiku, the fact is that Brian Scanlon will wipe out McGarry. Watch for the next opinion poll and watch the odds in the bookies. McGarry and Henry are in a race to the bottom of the pole.
As for Rabbitte welcoming people back into the Labour Party – thats a laugh. Rabbitte will be gone as leader (possibly joining FG) and god knows who will be left to pick up the pieces.

by a allen M C R Sun Apr 22, 2007 15:45

just a point of information. D bree was furious that scanlon join the green party. He was planning to refrom he's old ind party and saw scanlon as a loyal servant. now that scanlon is running in the election it had stop him from running himself. He now knows he cant beat mc garry on polling day with scanlon gone to the greens. He will be kicking himself that he did'nt leave labour earlier and say he running at a indy months ago then maybe scanlon would still be with him

by Hiku Sun Apr 22, 2007 16:21

A Allen says Bree cannon beat McGarry, Con D says Cake Scanlon will wipe McGarry out. Mad stuff all together and based on nothing but wishful thinking. No polls, no evidence just pipedream analysis rooted in a mire of hatred for wee jimmy.

As for Bree being furious, will you give me a break? Bree couldn’t have wanted a better candidate there than Cake because the Green vote is the unknown quantity and a good candidate on that ticket could have done real damage to Bree and wee jimmy for that matter. Scanlon didn’t go out on a limb and decide one morning to go Green without Brees approval. This was discussed by the two boys and Bree knows exactly what hes doing.

Bree will now run as an indy and some sort of voting pact announced with Scanlon.

This is terribly transparent stuff guys.

And just for the record both McGarry and Henry are polling higher then Bree in the last General Election (which was 5%). Seeing as A Allen views Scanlon as nothing more than a scivvy for Bree we can assume he would poll no higher either.

by a allen M C R Sun Apr 22, 2007 19:35

hiku you are a sad person i bet you read spy novels. Lets see what the next poll bring. Honesty will win out in the end

by Hiku Sun Apr 22, 2007 20:03

Spy Novels? I’m a sad person? You’re the one claiming to be psychic with your off the wall suppositions about Cake and all without a shred of evidence to back it up.
I think you should take a good look in the mirror before you start throwing names around just because you can’t or choose not to see what is plainly obvious to everyone on the ground in Sligo.

You speak of honesty yet rebuke with childish insults? I will respond to that with the brevity it deserves and simply say ‘Whatever!”

And as for Polls I have no problem waiting for polls. I even went as far as betting you any money you wanted that come the election McGarry would hold the majority if not all of the Labour vote and Brian will poll roughly around 200-300.

You want to adopt a wait and see approach that’s fine with me.

by Glas 1 Sun Apr 22, 2007 21:32

When people go to the polls they will have a clear choice - they can vote for principled left candidates like Sean McManus of Sinn Fein and Brian Scanlon of the Greens. Or they can vote for the right wing candidates in FF, FG and Labour.
McGarry has performed so many u-turns at this stage in his chequered career that even the extreme right of the PD’s wouldn't touch him with a forty foot pole. Brian Scanlon will wipe McGarry off the map and I believe Scanlon will also give Sean McManus a substantial transfer.

by Hiku Sun Apr 22, 2007 22:37

You can say it over and over and over again, but there is absolutely no evidence anywhere, whether it be conducted polls or word of mouth that backs up in any way the ridiculous claim that Brian Scanlon will wipe wee jimmy off the map.

McGarry is polling at 6% this is above what Bree polled in the previous General Election. That is proof that he is holding the Labour vote. The party locals have accepted jimmy as their representative and are going to vote for him. They will not vote for Brian. Why would they? To punish labour for sidelining Bree? Why would they do that, jimmy was put forward as the nominee and ratified by local labour party members. What part of that are you missing?

Now its time you faced facts. McGarry has held the Labour vote. The most recent poll conducted in Sligo proves that. Everyone else accepts these facts except you. Introducing a new candidate especially an ex-labour candidate will not effect McGarrys vote.

Which leads all who are reading to conclude that you're allowing your hatred of McGarry to cloud your judgement.
You clearly wish that Brian would wipe McGarry off the map, but its just that, wishful thinking and has been shown to be.

Brian is taking a gamble and a very poorly informed one at that.

by Glas 1 Mon Apr 23, 2007 00:38

Brian Scanlon has pointed out in the media that McGarry the labour party candidate has voted in favour of service charges. He has pointed out that the labour party candidate has voted for privatisation, he has pointed out that the labour party candidate supports the US military using Shannon etc, etc. The fact is that Brian Scanlon is principled and that will ensure that he will leave McGarry to fight for the bottom of the poll with Henry.

by Hiku Mon Apr 23, 2007 02:00

Ok its now clear that you are simply repeating your pitch over and over again and have your fingers stuck in your ears because you won't listen to the facts.

The Big lie technique, say something over and over and over again until it starts to look like the truth. Problem is, nobody is falling for this crap. Its too big a lie for anyone to swallow.

The next pro-scanlon/bree post will just be a rehash of the same string along drivel posted above. Completely out of touch predictions in the forth-coming election and a total avoidance of the facts. A clear sign if any was needed that the poster is aware of the truth, but is just running on obsessive anger and thinks hes actually damaging McGarry.

Poor bloke, and he had a cheek to call me sad?

by A McCann Mon Apr 23, 2007 08:27

I'm no fan of Mcgarry but all the indicators at the moment point to wee jimmy polling the same as, if not a bit more, than Bree in 2002. That would give Jimmy about 2500-2800 first preferences.

There isnt a hope of Cake coming anywhere near that number.
Word on the ground is he might get a lot of hand out number 2's and 3's but thats about it.

by From over here Mon Apr 23, 2007 08:43

Cake is on local radio explaining why he switched from Labour to the Greens. He claims that Labour has shifted to the right and is not representing "ordinary" people anymore. Strange. Cake was a member of Sligo County Council for 5 years and during that time he voted for budgets and policies that attacked "ordinary" people and stood idly by as every aspect of the councils work was out-sourced. I never heard cake speak out on any of the real issues that really affect the "ordinary" people. Those that know will tell you that Sligo County Council is the most right wing local authority in the country. It is an insult to say that people will vote for Cake in any numbers. As for the left getting a seat, the fact is that the left has been in tatters for years now. FF/FG don't rate any of them and are concentrating their campaign on the usual issues and that is the interests of the usual local business mafia and the farmers.
So get real folks and get used to it.

by Union member Mon Apr 23, 2007 09:12

Brian Scanlon has launched his campaign with an interview on the OceanFM. In the interview, did he attack the governments right wing policy that is destroying our health service, did he speak about corruption in the right wing parties, did he attack the lack of council housing for working people who are now having to pay landlords huge rents for dogboxes, etc, etc. Did he hell. Not a word about the right wing neocons, instead, he attacked the Labour Party.
The local FF and FG members are jumping with joy now that they have another ally to bash Labour. Well done Brian. Maybe it's part of forward planning. Leaving the door open in case the move to the Greens doesn't work. Principled politician how are ya !!!

by LP Member Mon Apr 23, 2007 11:46

Odd how Brian Scanlon left Labour and joined the Greens when his new party has an unofficial voting pact with FG/Lab. Scanlon has attacked McGarry for being an ex-blueshirt yet has joined a party that envisages going into governement with same said Blueshirts.

I'm not entirely sure Scanlon knows what hes at with this latest stunt. Maybe he hasnt quite thought this through.The preferred rainbow option of the greens is FG/Lab/GP, so why is Scanlon attacking those parties?
I can see Scanlons position becoming untenable after May when he realises his adopted party are in bed with the very parties he has publicly attacked. We'll see how principled he is then.

by helena - none Mon Apr 23, 2007 20:45

Will someone please take pat Fallons pen.He is supposed to be working in markievicz house, hope these comments are left on his own time.Everyone knows he is a labour man to the bone, They must be
very afraid of Sean MacManus to be sinking to these depts.
Where were him and his mates when Sean stood on the streets in all weathers with sinn fein womens group collecting signatures for
a free cervical screening for all women.He speaks out about breast check and womens issues.If Mr Fallon cant put up then i suggests he
shuts up.

by Calamity Jane Tue Apr 24, 2007 14:20

Will someone take that shovel off Brian Scanlon. I know he's digging his own grave by foolishly doing Brees bidding, but did he have to pose for a picture in the Sligo Weekender today to further illustrate it? The whole thing has descended into farce

To quote the Greens newly launched (and stolen) campaign slogan, "Its time" Cake woke up and smelled the coffee. Bree didn’t have the guts to take on McGarry as an independent, so the conniver he is, he got Cake to do it for him.

Trevor Sergeant will be none to happy when he realises his party has been made gobshytes out of.

by straw poll Wed Apr 25, 2007 20:18

Sean Mc Manus didnt exactly set the last County Council elections alight, he had around 1200 first preferances votes less than half of what poll topper Tony Mc Loughlin had with 2500 plus.Sean even trailed behind Declan Bree by a couple of dozen votes.Jimmy Mc Garry had around 800 votes,the combined Labour vote in the Sligo/Strandhill area was twice the Sinn Fein total vote.Overall in Sligo/Nt Leitrim the combined Labour vote for all candidates outotaled Sinn Feins votes by roughly a thousand.Taking into account that Declan Bree was not included in the opinion polls,Jimmy Mc Garrys vote is understimated and come election day will be the surprise package.

by LP Member Thu Apr 26, 2007 16:13

Enda Kenny has just publicly urged FG voters to give their transfers to the Greens.
Good news for Brian?
He left the Labour Party over what he called an 'ex-Fine Gael' councillor being ratified as the Parties candidate in Sligo/N Leitrim. I wonder how this latest developement will sit with his principles in that regard.

by greengrass Thu Apr 26, 2007 19:12

Reading the Sligo Champion a report says Wee Jimmy claims he was snubbed at the World Championship Rally event.Its blatantly obvious to everyone but himself that hes going to receive a bigger snubbing by the electorate come election day.Four people at his election launch outside his family circle,canvassing forlornly door to door with one person,abandoned by what remains of the Labour Party in Sligo/ Nt Leitrim,12/1 in the bookies.This tantrum has all the hallmarks of Hitlers Bunker,blame the messanger, im sure Cake will take transfers from whatever quarter but by the looks of things he wont expect many from Wee Jimmy as he is right on course to forfeit his deposit.

by Ann Smyth Thu Apr 26, 2007 19:58

Youre right to some degree Greengrass. McGarry has recieved no support from within the Labour party locally and has to rely almost solely on his family. He is severely browned off at the minute, in particular with Cllr Cawley who hasnt lifted a finger for him.

However, it is stretching it a bit to say McGarry will lose his deposit. He has a fairly strong personal vote in the West Ward of Sligo town and will probably recieve 1000 to 1500 votes. To be honest Cake wont recieve any more than that either.

Good enough for both of them. McGarrys a right wing wally and Cake seems to be all bitter and twisted at the minute over McGarrys nomination.

by A McCann Fri Apr 27, 2007 00:21

He's not right. If McGarry hadn't the support of Labour locally he wouldn't be ratified. It's not a case of family support when it comes to such matters as well you know Ann.

In any case what is truely astonishing is that those who where singing cakes praises and predicting a seat for him are now distancing themselves from such lunacy.

I hope Scanlon is reading and fully realises now the folly of listening to Bree.

Speaking of which, still no word from the breezer as to whether he's throwing his hat into the ring for the election?

Didnt think so. He knows he hasnt a hope.

by ned green Fri Apr 27, 2007 15:49

Wee Jimmy packed the selection convention with gullible friends and relations and in return received a poisoned chalice,Labour havent a ghost of a chance of winning a seat in this constituancy.The vast majority of the once viberant local party have like Cake either left or are totally inactive,all Wee Jimmys left with are a small crew of inexperienced politically naive friends and relations and a SIPTU offical obeying Duke of York wannabee Jack O Conners instructions.Breezer did not contest the convention and in fact issued a public statment at the time stating the whilst Billy Bunter Rabbitte remained as party leader he wouldnt contest.To be quite honest their is no need for Breezer to contest this election on this occasion while Cake is in the frame, he is in effect a rallying figure for all disaffected Labour people in this constituancy who cannot vote for the Provos or Wee Jimmy given their history. and for all genuine left wing people,progressives and envoirmentally aware citizens can vote Green.This election I beleive is a trial run for Cake to regain his seat on Sligo County Council and also to win a seat on the Corpo, but politics is a strange game and with a bit of luck Cake may pip the Blueshirts for the last seat.

by P.K Lynch Fri Apr 27, 2007 16:04

As I said on the other thread there is a green vote out there but they will not vote for a stooge, propped up by a very disgruntled Declan Bree in an obvious feud between old and new labourites.

Scanlon is a hypocrite. The Greens support Refuse charges and water charges. They have admitted on Matt cooper last night that the Water Services Bill has left the door open for privatisation but in the interests of conservation and to keep in line with the EU water directive (which demands water meters installed as a means to 'measure' comsumption) they support it.

Now will Brian Scanlon please explain to this so-called dissenfranchised left-wing voter block how he is going to square his adopted parties open support for these charges when he himself has opposed them.

by JOLLY GREEN GIANT Fri Apr 27, 2007 16:41

I know Cake years and he told me recently that he had severed all ties with his former mentor Declan Bree.Cake has finally grown up and is now his own man fully commited to the Greens.I heard Cake a number of times on local radio during the week , condeming water and service charges, and taking into account his candidature statement that he still remains faithful to his Trade Union and Socialist principles im certain you need not worry about Cake doing a U-TURN unlike Wee Jimmy who regularily does somersaults in introducing service and water charges,and this also applies to the Provos who would anything for a Mayoral chain.

by P.K Lynch Fri Apr 27, 2007 16:53

If he is fully committed to the Green how can he condemn Water and refuse charges?

What are you saying, that he is fully committed to the greens except for those two core principles?

Who on earth do you think you are fooling?

And I don't care what cake told you. Word on the ground is unanimous and it is that Bree is behind all this and nobody for one second is going to think otherwise.

by Jerome - Connolly's Bar Fri Apr 27, 2007 23:21

Most Labour and Sinn Fein people I’ve talked to don’t take Brian’s nomination very seriously at all. Theres actually a joke going round town about having your Cake and eating your Greens.
But a lot of green leaning voters are pissed off that Brian got the nomination. He’s a very poor candidate all round and there’s far too much uncertainty about him.
He has always been seen as one who is easily led rather than lead and nothing has happened in the last 3 years to change peoples mind.

The Greens have done themselves damage with this one.

by pat cuffe/mayo Tue May 29, 2007 07:43

Well done BRIAN SCANLON you are a brave man 'I take my hat of to you

by Marlboro Man Tue May 29, 2007 09:31

Dont start this crap up again. You already have a thread locked over this pathetic bickering.

Do you really think the punters of Indymedia care about this.

Sligo/Leitrim returned 2 FF and a FG seats. So the simple answer is no, there is no left seat in Sligo/Leitrim and its becoming very easy to see why.

by g gannon calry Tue May 29, 2007 18:17

Great to see kake doing well nice guy

by Plato Tue May 29, 2007 18:47

The Greens are not left. Remember they support service charges etc. So be careful what you guys in Sligo wish for. Fryingpan and fire spring to mind.

by Jolly Green betrayal Fri Jun 15, 2007 10:40

Where's the sell out Brian Scanlon now? Where are his so-called principles. We haven't heard a peep out him since his political masters completely and utterly sold out just to get into government.

Scanlon is party to this with his silence. Time to stand up and be counted Brian. Or are you going to do a Bree when he sold and blame all and sundry in a desperate attempt to deflect criticism?

The people of Sligo where sold a lemon. Twice