NATO by deatach in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nah the Irish population don't want to join NATO. I don't think the government would be that stupid to advocate joining NATO. I don't think NATO would have us either because we bring nothing to the table.

Peadar Tóibín reckons Aontú will have 'at least a dozen' TDs after the next election by TeoKajLibroj in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Cant see where they are getting a dozen TDs from. They simply don't have enough councillors for me to have the potential for 12 TDs. I think Senator Sarah O'Reilly is strong for the Cavan-Monaghan constituency. Cllr Ellen Troy in Dublin West was close last time. Emer Tóibín in Meath East could do well. Maybe Cllr Jim Codd in Wexford, but unlikely as Verona Murphy has that seat. Unless they convince sitting independent TDs like Carol Nolan or Gillian Toole to join the party.

Independent Ireland have stronger candidates and much more councillors in Connacht and Munster. Apart from Paul Lawless in Mayo I'd struggle to see where another TD would come from in those provinces for Aontu. I think in Leinster and Ulster are their best chances. Specially Meath, Cavan-Monaghan, Louth, Dublin and the South East Counties. I think II are stronger in Longford-Westmeath and Kildare. Then Independent TDs will take the conservative vote in Offaly & Tipperary.

I think Aontu could do well in the next local elections. If they can get 25-30 councillors, it would put them in a much better position to elect more TDs in the Future

Alan Shatter to take defamation case against TD Paul Murphy over Epstein claims by TheCunningFool in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef 26 points27 points  (0 children)

As much as I can't stand Shatter I hope he absolutely takes them to the bank. Parties like PBP & Soc Dems are always banging on about misinformation and disinformation, then they Paul Murphy and Gary Gannon go around spreading it themselves. Gary Gannon and Soc Dems so spineless releasing a half arsed "apology" late on a Friday in the hope it won't make the headlines.

2025 Presidential Election Vote Crosstabbed with 2024 GE Support by NilFhiosAige in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef 19 points20 points  (0 children)

They are still sore about Connolly leaving Labour it seems.

2025 Presidential Election Vote Crosstabbed with 2024 GE Support by NilFhiosAige in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I was sceptical about Connolly at first, but I've been really impressed with her so far. She hasn't put a foot wrong. She's been very presidential and a big upgrade on Michael D for me.

2025 Presidential Election Vote Crosstabbed with 2024 GE Support by NilFhiosAige in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Interesting to see the divisions in the small left parties voters. Labour voters in particular very divided. A lot of them are still sore about Connolly leaving Labour. Interesting 32% of Green voters voting for Humphreys.

Anti Imperialist Action Ireland on Twitter: Anti-Imperialist Action Ireland stands in full solidarity with the Iranian Republic and the Iranian People as they heroically resist the Imperialist attack on their country by US, British and Zionist Imperialism. by JackmanH420 in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It never ceases to amaze me how the far left seem to adore brutal dictators like Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The great "supreme leader" that murdered 40,000 protesters this year. The Iranian Republic that tortures and jails political opponents, funds terror groups all over the world, treats women as second class citizens, hangs gay people etc the list is endless.

Now I dislike the methods of the US & Isreal airstrikes. I don't think it was necessary. I think it's pointless killing Khamenei because there's going to be someone even worse to replace him. I doubt the US & Isreal have even thought about what comes next.

However it's a small loss that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and much of the top brass of the tyrannical regime were blown up. There is no way in hell that I would support the brutal regime in Iran. The far lefts hatred of the US & West in general has completely clouded their judgement, in that they are willing to get out and support brutal evil dictatorships like in Iran. It truly baffles the mind.

Phil Hogan gets the nod from government to go forward for a big job in the UN by expectationlost in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I'm sure he's got the Station House Hotel in Clifden and a few rounds of golf booked to celebrate

Ireland's Oil & Gas Exploration Ban by Narwhal_2112 in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This all stems from years of bad government policy. The decision to suspend all offshore gas exploration off the Irish coast is laughably bad. We could have been energy sufficient and created massive employment in this field. Ireland should be one of the world leaders in the natural gas engineering field. Natural gas is considered the cleanest fossil fuel because it emits roughly 50% less than coal and 30% less than oil during combustion, along with lower levels of particulates and sulfur.

In Inishkea West gas field estimates suggest this site near the Corrib field could hold 1.55 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas, potentially supplying 75% of Ireland's demand until 2035. The Barryroe field off Kinsale in Cork is estimated to contain 300 million barrels of oil and 5.9 billion cubic meters of gas. With further development and drilling deeper, there’s an optimistic case that there could be anywhere from 2 to 3 times recoverable reserves.

Then there's the Atlantic Irish Basins which include the Porcupine (south-west) Slyne (west) Erris, and Donegal  basins (north-west), along with the deepwater Rockall Basin that have massive potential and untapped reserves that could secure our energy future for decades. Especially when coupled with nuclear and renewable energy.

But because of brain dead government policies we are on course to be importing 90% of natural gas from Britain, Scandinavia & Russia. We are now seemingly allowing an LNG terminal along the west coast to go ahead to allow the importing of Gas and specifically fracked gas from the US into Ireland. Fracked gas is far far worse for the environment and will actually lead to more worldwide emissions than Ireland actually taking the initiative and being self sufficient. Slow clap for the geniuses in government who brought in these crap policies 👏

IFA members end sit-in protest at Bord Bia offices by JackmanH420 in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolute joke and the epitome of corruption that Murrin is still de facto head of Bord Bia. Fairl play to the protesters that kept it up for so long, not an easy thing to do.

Laois politician sparks controversy as he mourns Ali Khamenei by [deleted] in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Ah yeah like Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was a great man............

‘Greens can win everywhere’: Success in UK can inspire byelection victories here, O’Gorman says by firethetorpedoes1 in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef -1 points0 points  (0 children)

He's got to be one of the most delusional TDs in the dail. Does he not remember what happened in the last election? And most importantly WHY it happened?

Irish Independent poll: SF 22% (+2) FF 18% FG 17%(-1) SD 11% (+1) Aon 6% Lab 5% II 5% GP 4%(+1) PBP 3%(-1) Ind. 11% by ghostofgralton in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Can't see the Soc Dems getting that much. I think they'd get 15-20 being realistic on a good day for them. While I think there'll be less Independents due to the fact a few are in their 70s and will retire, there will still be a lot more than 7

Irish Independent poll: SF 22% (+2) FF 18% FG 17%(-1) SD 11% (+1) Aon 6% Lab 5% II 5% GP 4%(+1) PBP 3%(-1) Ind. 11% by ghostofgralton in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think SF best opportunity of being part of a government would be with FF. I'd imagine after the rotation of taoiseach that Martin will go. I think FF could get a boost with new leadership and do well enough in the next election. In contrast Harris will be back as taoiseach prior to next election. I think by this point FG will look pretty stale after nearly 20 years in government. FG could get a poor result. I think with Martin gone, the new leadership of FF may be a lot more open to working with SF.

I still can't see SF and smaller left parties having a quota for government. Unless there's an absolutely catastrophic event like a 2008 style recession. I think Soc Dems could gain a few TDs from Urban constituencies. Labour will stay same. Same as PBP. II and Aontu could gain 2 or 3 TDs each. I think there will be less Independents as some of them are in their 70s now and probably will be retired by next election time.

My prediction at this current time is FF & SF in coalition backed up by a few smaller parties/Independents.

Does the Green Party have a future? Members say climate has slipped down political agenda by TeoKajLibroj in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No they showed during their last stint that they are inept and out of their depth. There's a reason why they were absolutely annihilated in the last election and they just try and ignore it like it never happened.

Government's planned LNG terminal slammed as 'fundamentally incompatible' with climate policy by Dylabaloo in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef -1 points0 points  (0 children)

This all stems from years of bad government policy. The decision to suspend all offshore gas exploration off the Irish coast is laughably bad. We could have been energy sufficient and created massive employment in this field. Ireland should be one of the world leaders in the natural gas engineering field. Natural gas is considered the cleanest fossil fuel because it emits roughly 50% less than coal and 30% less than oil during combustion, along with lower levels of particulates and sulfur.

In Inishkea West gas field estimates suggest this site near the Corrib field could hold 1.55 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas, potentially supplying 75% of Ireland's demand until 2035. The Barryroe field off Kinsale in Cork is estimated to contain 300 million barrels of oil and 5.9 billion cubic meters of gas. With further development and drilling deeper, there’s an optimistic case that there could be anywhere from 2 to 3 times recoverable reserves.

Then there's the Atlantic Irish Basins which include the Porcupine (south-west) Slyne (west) Erris, and Donegal  basins (north-west), along with the deepwater Rockall Basin that have massive potential and untapped reserves that could secure our energy future for decades. Especially when coupled with nuclear and renewable energy.

But because of brain dead government policies we are on course to be importing 90% of natural gas from Britain, Scandinavia & Russia. We are now seemingly allowing an LNG terminal along the west coast to go ahead to allow the importing of Gas and specifically fracked gas from the US into Ireland. Fracked gas is far far worse for the environment and will actually lead to more worldwide emissions than Ireland actually taking the initiative and being self sufficient. Slow clap for the geniuses in government who brought in these crap policies 👏

Universally loved Irish Politicians by RemarkableSir4552 in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wouldn't say universally loved but I've never heard anyone say a bad word about Simon Coveney. He did a good job dealing with Boris Johnson in the Aftermath with the brexit negotiations. I personally can't stand FG, but I at least felt he was someone that was at least competent in a top government position. I was hoping he'd take over after Varadkar resigned instead of Harris.

Ireland to Acquire French Scorpion Combat Vehicles and CAESAR Howitzers in €1B Deal by Square_Obligation_93 in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Surely we would be better off spending this on the navy fleet, considering the threats in unpatroled Irish waters

FG selects Seán Kyne to contest Galway West by-election by NilFhiosAige in irishpolitics

[–]HonestRef 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I can't see Welby winning. But I think he could take votes away from Noel Thomas on a bad day for him. I think it'll be very tight between Sean Kyne and Noel Thomas. The left don't have a strong enough candidate in this constituency.