Search Results for 'Michael Lowry'

Back in 2008, an article gracing the pages of this newspaper appraised scepticism surrounding the ability of Galway West TD Noel Grealish to “land the big road” as promised prior to the General Election of the previous year.

A motion calling on Independent TD Michael Lowry to voluntarily resign his membership of Dáil Éireann has been passed without a vote. However, the obstinate North Tipperary TD has said he will continue to serve his constituents. He remains adamant that he is not a criminal, despite the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal.

It was a case of the pot calling the kettle black in the Dáil this week as the Moriarty Report was finally published and gave a damming account of how Esat Digifone was awarded the country’s second mobile phone licence with the help of former Fine Gael TD Michael Lowry.

“It is entirely up to the people of Carlow Kilkenny as to what they do with their votes but unless there are two seats in this constituency there may not be a senior minister position.” That’s the warning from incoming Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, in last week’s Kilkenny Advertiser. So what happened to picking the best person for the job? Surely that’s what we’re electing this government for, not to return favours to vote getters, regardless of their ability? We’ve seen enough gobshites topping the poll over the years, Bertie Ahern, Padraig Flynn, Jackie Healy-Rae immediately spring to mind, and dragging in a second or even a third candidate on their coat tails. We want the best man or woman for the job, Mr Kenny, the days of returning favours are over. If you don’t believe me ask the IMF or the ECB.

As the election enters its final straight Fine Gael is on course to lead the next Government appears to be the party with the momentum and some observers have speculated about the possibility of a single party FG government. Therefore it is vitally important that people question their FG candidates in some detail over the next week.

Seven independents are running in Galway West while three have thrown their hat into the ring in Galway East. Sinn Féin and the Greens are also running candidates in the constituency and Insider feels that before they can gain our support they must be able to answer the following questions.

While the flurry of autumn polls have been consistent in showing meltdown for Fianna Fáil and the election of a FG/Labour coalition, the most recent Red C poll in the Irish Sun showed a new dynamic entering the race.

The State’s finances are in a bad state and the incoming government after the 2011 General Election will have its work cut out trying to maintain even the most basic of public services like education, health care, and social housing.

If the Government expects people to endure savage cuts in the Budget, then politicians and former Taoisigh must be willing to make sacrifices and accept financial reductions for themselves.

The seventh annual Golfing for Autism will take place on Friday July 23 in Esker Hills Golf Club, Ballinamere, Co Offaly.