Embittered McDowell gives bitter interview about FG

[YoungLiberal]

But where did I say anything about Creighton?

The inference would seem to be that by refusing to take McDowell in that they were choosing Creighton over him. Presumably.

[hiding behind a poster]

The inference would seem to be that by refusing to take McDowell in that they were choosing Creighton over him. Presumably.

I wouldn't have thought so. By taking in McDowell you give yourself two problems - firstly, an uncontrollable ego that can't accept the idea of being on a team; and secondly the fact that while McDowell MIGHT gain you a second seat in DSE, his presence representing your party in the media will cost you buckets of seats elsewhere.

[darkhorse]

I wouldn't have thought so. By taking in McDowell you give yourself two problems - firstly, an uncontrollable ego that can't accept the idea of being on a team; and secondly the fact that while McDowell MIGHT gain you a second seat in DSE, his presence representing your party in the media will cost you buckets of seats elsewhere.

True - McDowell is completely out of control and a law unto himself. No major party would touch him with a bargepole. And if he dared to set up a party himself then no self respecting politician would touch him either. He did have some ideas in his time but his ego took over many years ago - RIP.

[YoungLiberal]

I wouldn't have thought so. By taking in McDowell you give yourself two problems - firstly, an uncontrollable ego that can't accept the idea of being on a team; and secondly the fact that while McDowell MIGHT gain you a second seat in DSE, his presence representing your party in the media will cost you buckets of seats elsewhere.

Oh, I don't think so either. That's just what Libero seemed to have be suggesting (with appropriate apologies to Libero if I've picked him up wrong).

To be honest I think FG were dead right on this one, even if he picked up a second seat, which he would be likely to do if he ran in 2012, he'd be more hassle than he would be worth to the FG leadership.

Personally I've great time for McDowell and if our political system was differently formed I think he'd be great, for example in the US senate. He's just not suited to sitting on the back benches (o. perhaps even front benches of a party) inhibited by a whip.

[Drico]

Oh, I don't think so either. That's just what Libero seemed to have be suggesting (with appropriate apologies to Libero if I've picked him up wrong).

To be honest I think FG were dead right on this one, even if he picked up a second seat, which he would be likely to do if he ran in 2012, he'd be more hassle than he would be worth to the FG leadership.

Personally I've great time for McDowell and if our political system was differently formed I think he'd be great, for example in the US senate. He's just not suited to sitting on the back benches (o. perhaps even front benches of a party) inhibited by a whip.

He is an example of the kind of politician that should be in the Seanad.

[Capt Blah]

... looking at Sindo front page, talk a about a paper descending into complete tabloid muck, who gives a flying f%^k if Johnny what's his name does whatever

I agree ... the Sunday Independent is trash. Makes the Sport look like the Times!

[Libero]

But where did I say anything about Creighton?

You didn't.

I only introduced Creighton to make the point that for all of FG's disdain for McDowell, the party seems to have picked a candidate who embodies many of the man's downsides but not much of his lauded brain power.

By downsides, I mean rich parents paving the way to the Bar, a sense of entitlement, a bit of an annoying public persona, and a fondness for attacking the personalities on the other side rather than engaging with the argument (ref: Lisbon "debate")

This isn't a thread about Creighton and I don't want to turn it into one. I just think it's ironic that while FGers can rightly identify McDowell's limitations (both as a serving TD/Minister and a DSE candidate), to the extent of gleefully reflecting on his downfall, Lucinda Creighton doesn't seem to strike them as having been cast from the same mould.

[LDF]

The only advantage the PD's once had was their policies on the economy. They threw that away when they allowed Ahern to spend billions on the back of an unsustainable property boom. I have yet to hear McDowell apologise for his inaction while in government during that period. Until he does his opinion of others is irrelevant.

[Supermanpolitician]

Oh, I don't think so either. That's just what Libero seemed to have be suggesting (with appropriate apologies to Libero if I've picked him up wrong).

To be honest I think FG were dead right on this one, even if he picked up a second seat, which he would be likely to do if he ran in 2012, he'd be more hassle than he would be worth to the FG leadership.
Personally I've great time for McDowell and if our political system was differently formed I think he'd be great, for example in the US senate. He's just not suited to sitting on the back benches (o. perhaps even front benches of a party) inhibited by a whip.

Finally something we agree on.

But he wouldn't win a seat anyway as he is seen as a quitter!

[Supermanpolitician]

The only advantage the PD's once had was their policies on the economy. They threw that away when they allowed Ahern to spend billions on the back of an unsustainable property boom. I have yet to hear McDowell apologise for his inaction while in government during that period. Until he does his opinion of others is irrelevant.

Excellent point. Nobody had any real problem with the stated policies of the PDs, but their inability to enact them, and their support of FF's cloaked socialism is why they were pummelled.