I've just received my first political flyer for the locals. 'Twas from none other than the true Republican party - FF. Picture, name and brief message. The last one I had received for the GE had the big head (Bertie) on it and not the candidate's.

Despite not wanting to take the literature, I was just too damned polite to refuse it. However, under the FF banner, it had just as big underscript proclaiming FF to "The" Republican party. So I asked the fella if he'd be giving his second preference to SF the "original" Republican party. He just giggled and went on this merry way.

From what I can gather SF isn't running anymore than the usual quota in N Monaghan or E Cavan. FG may pick up some seats from FF but imo I believe that a solid 20-25% of FF will see most their present coucillors re-elected.

Most interesting to see the fracturing of fianja fail locally. Huge pain and anger - and that's just among the candidates who cannot fathom the selection process. Interesting in the context of the big efforts the party are purporting to make with regard to the grassroots with the conference in Tullamore before Christmas and the initiative being run by junior minister john Moloney at the request of brian Cowen.

Kate P wrote:

Most interesting to see the fracturing of fianja fail locally. Huge pain and anger - and that's just among the candidates who cannot fathom the selection process. Interesting in the context of the big efforts the party are purporting to make with regard to the grassroots with the conference in Tullamore before Christmas and the initiative being run by junior minister john Moloney at the request of Brian Cowen.

Interesting Kate P - can you describe the selection process? and also the John Moloney thing?

Selection is being done at hq not at cumann level and afaik involves an interview. That may well result in better candidates more able for national olitics but it's causing havoc in local areas with long standing town coulncillirs not getting on the ticket and leaving to go independent. I can't check right now but a cork councillor who organized the councillors conference looked like getting the shove in favour of micheal martins twin brother. Her able woman named deirdre - surname escaped me right now. Haven't heard what has become of that.

John Moloney was charged at that Tullamore garthering with meeting all the localcouncillirs across the country to feed back to hq and Cowen. Hses been travelling the country on that mission - wonderhow he's getting on..

When I say I find it interesting to see, it's not out of any sense of glee. Rather it's an intersting counterpoint to the party's national struggles.

That lady from Cork, Deirdre Forde is her name I think, is actually now standing for Fine Gael, Kate, having left Fianna Fáil.

It is the same in both major parties though, Eugene Regan's daughter (Naja, I think?) is seeking a High Court injunction against Fine Gael in relation to the Dun Laoghaire selection convention.

And the Greens... Their convention begins today. See this RTE report.

Quote :

8-10pm: What matters to us? Local election candidates address convention on important local issues. Speakers will be assessed by a guest panel including Terry Prone and Noel Whelan. The best performers will be win the prize of being seated on stage during John Gormley's televised keynote speech on Saturday night.

Jesus wept! More FF than the FFers themselves.

On mature recollection, I suppose that's the way to save the world. I just hadn't realized it... until now.

Thank God it's Friday. Time to hit the bottle, and settle down with some YouTube. Such as...

God bless amnesia (sung with infinite world-weariness by David Sylvian).

That's right johnfas, Deirdre forde. I had heard the FG story but haven't had time to check it out. Takes ages to log in here if I lose the screen on the phone so I didn't check just now.

Terry prone and Noel Whelan? I almost sprayed my dinner across the table reading that, soubresauts. Still giggling as I try to reconcile that with comments I heard on pat kennys programme this morning about them being able to be seen as different.

Jesus didn't weep: he got down on his knees and howled at the moon...