Gilmore snubs Sarkozy visit

[wysiwyg]

What do posters think of this, and why do they think Eamon Gilmore has taken this stance ?

"In an unprecedented political gesture to the leader of a country who holds the EU presidency, Labour leader Eamon Gilmore yesterday confirmed he will not attend the hour-long meeting. He dubbed it "an optics exercise" and said going to it was "pointless".

http://www.independent.ie/national-news ... 35763.html

Has he decided on this position from the point of view that the democratic will of the people expressed in the Lisbon vote should be respected, or is it more politically pragmatic to distance Labour from a possible 2nd rejection of a Lisbon vote, which would cede even more ground on the Left to Sinn Féin. Seemingly Labour voters rejected Lisbon by a large majority and is Gilmore now moving back into step with his own constituency.

And, where does this leave FG ? Will they be caught as cheerleaders for FF, against what could very easily turn out to be another Treaty vote disaster ?

Interesting times

[The Earl of Desmond]

Good for him. Also good to see he was able to make a quick defiend decisions which contrasts with FG's dithering and weakness.

[returning officer]

imagine if if had to explain his party's 'lisbon' posters to the President. Gilmore has no idea what is going to happen,so why leave hostages to fortune. It is a no win situation for his irrelevant party.

[Catalpa]

Gilmore's new self help book is out later this year:

Back Peddling: How I did it!

If that goes well he has another one in the pipeline:

U Turns: The Do's and Don'ts :P

[politicsisrotten]

Good Stuff.Well Done.

[wysiwyg]

imagine if if had to explain his party's 'lisbon' posters to the President. Gilmore has no idea what is going to happen,so why leave hostages to fortune. It is a no win situation for his irrelevant party.

I know somewhere in this post you are trying to make sense.. I just dont know where ...

[Keith-M]

Gilmore represents a party that used the Lisbon referendum as an excuse to put up posters of its candidates in next year's local elections. Labour are not interested in Lisbon, or the place of this country at the heart of the EU (they are late and questionable converts to European unity) and party should continue to be shunned by the electorate. They are an ageing and soon to be dying party with nothing to contribute to the country.

[constitutionus]

id respect it if the cnunt wasnt just engaging in optics.

come the next referendum he'll be calling for a yes. this is just good media management, albeit better than endas

[politicsisrotten]

Gilmore represents a party that used the Lisbon referendum as an excuse to put up posters of its candidates in next year's local elections

True but a phrase comes to mind,your only as good as your Last match.
At least he's learned that Lisbon is a farce and accepts he was out of touch with the nation.

Labour are not interested in Lisbon, or the place of this country at the heart of the EU

Good, neither am I or all those who voted No to Lisbon.

[Jolly Red Giant]

A bit of posturing by Gilmore - but welcome non-the-less.

Sarkozy is an arrogant sh*t and should be told take a hike.