Return of the Mad Mullah - McDowell in bid to save the Seanad

[turdsl]

It is important that there is a good political debate on this, Mr McDowell may be more of a hindrance than a help.. I do not know what position Sinn Fein are taking on this. If Mr Adams supports the retention,Sinn Fein would keep McDowell on the back burner as McDowell would not have a mandate to speak for anyone only himself. That would be of help.

[eoghanacht]

Well he doesn't seem particularly likely to gain a Seanad seat even if the body is kept so it is hardly self serving to be opposed to its abolition. His "comeback" already happened during the Oireachtas inquiries referendum and the people certainly seemed to listen to the issues he raised with that proposal. I'd imagine the Government will be quite concerned if he does get involved in an organised campaign against the abolition of the Seanad.

Is that you Mick?


Actualy why bother anybody bearing a FF avatar in this day and age is well............

[edifice.]

The Senate as originally designed was a very good development but unfortunately it was hijacked by all the political parties. Perhaps a return to its original format and a cut in numbers would be better than abolition.

On a separate note whatever people think of McDowell he was the one who stood up to the bullying of Sinn Fein during the Northern talks, wouldn't release the McCabe mudererers and refused to engage in further negotiations unles the Provos agreed to the surrender of arms. And for that I for one am very grateful.

Wow...............................you actually believe this!

[baldur0300]

It is important that there is a good political debate on this, Mr McDowell may be more of a hindrance than a help.. I do not know what position Sinn Fein are taking on this. If Mr Adams supports the retention,Sinn Fein would keep McDowell on the back burner as McDowell would not have a mandate to speak for anyone only himself. That would be of help.

I'm sure an equal if not greater amount of people would vote in favour of a proposal based on the fact that SF oppose it.

[baldur0300]

Is that you Mick?


Actyually why bother anybody bearing a FF avatar in this day and age is well............

Oi vey

[edifice.]

I would retain the Seanad for the professional classes to formulate policy and let the Dail perform its task of making legislation for same.

[Socratus O' Pericles]

I would retain the Seanad for the professional classes to formulate policy and let the Dail perform its task of making legislation for same.

What do you mean by the professional classes?

[seanmoylantd]

Social Welfare for the Professional Class.

[edifice.]

What do you mean by the professional classes?

People who know what they are talking about. Barristers should not formulate economic policy, school teachers should not pronounce on integrated transport systems etc. Proven professionals in their field.

[Analyzer]

According to today's Sunday Independent Michael McDowell is ready to return to Irish politics to fight the abolition of Seanad Éireann. McDowell has already met with some FG, Lab and SF Senators on the matter and intends to lead the "No" campaign with Senator Feargal Quinn.

Perhaps McDowell has been inspired by the recent reformation of the Stone Roses. If a drug addled, permanently drunk group of deadbeats can make a comeback why not a former leader of the PD's?

McDowell is an interesting character. Always a legend in his own head the former leader of the free-market, ethical PD's helped flush Ireland's competitiveness down the toilet, allowed a property bubble to develop and stood by as Bertie lied to the Nation again and again.

I wonder if McDowell is back for "one night only" or if he's testing the waters for a more permanent political tour in the form of a new political party? Time will tell if there are any fans left willing to buy his t-shirts.



John Drennan: McDowell in comeback bid to save the Seanad - John Drennan, Columnists - Independent.ie

One would have thought that the performance of the proto-PD type candidate in the Presidential Election might have convinced him otherwise......

The Irish people have rejected PDs. Even Dana, got more votes, despite that "assassination attempt".

Still the fact that there were 2% of the electorate ready to back an unapologetic corporate agendist, should be of concern, given the state of the country after twelve years of having the PDs at the cabinet....

Obviously McDowell reckons that he can turn that into something.

And guess what - he wants to save a quango.