Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Updated 19.50pm
https://vine.co/v/OADrVzmbUaD
THE SOCIALIST PARTY’S Paul Murphy has won the Dublin South-West by-election, upsetting the odds to take a Dáil seat that Sinn Féin had been heavily backed to win.
Murphy beat Sinn Féin councillor Cathal King in a tight race with just 566 votes between the pair after the eighth and final count at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght.
King led throughout much of the count but Murphy was able to whittle down Sinn Féin’s initial lead of 748 votes over the Socialists thanks to transfers from several other party and independent candidates as they were eliminated.
Earlier in the day, independent candidates Colm O’Keeffe and Tony Rochford, Green Party candidate Francis Noel Duffy, People Before Profit’s Nicky Coules, independent Declan Burke, Fianna Fáil’s John Lahart, and Labour’s Pamela Kearns were all eliminated.
Eventually, Murphy benefitted from the transfers of eliminated independent Ronan McMahon and Fine Gael’s Cáit Keane to overtake King with 9,565 votes to 8,999 on the final count the result of which was confirmed just after 5.30pm.
Socialist TD Joe Higgins declared the result an “earthquake” to the political system while Murphy said the message to the government was clear:
“Axe the water charges. Axe the tax or watch your vote collapse in the next general election.”
The result is a blow to Sinn Féin who had been tipped to take the Dáil seat vacated by Fine Gael’s Brian Hayes after his election to the European Parliament last May.
The campaign was dominated by the water charges debate.
While Sinn Féin gave a commitment to abolish water charges if in government, the party said it would retain the new utility Irish Water and fund it through general taxation. King said he would not be paying his water bill while senior party figures said they would.
The Socialists argued for the outright abolition of Irish Water and called on voters to boycott their water charges and mount a campaign of non-payment.
There were also accusations of ‘dirty tricks’ after a fake Facebook comment by Murphy was shared by some Sinn Féin representatives including deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald.
Eliminated John Lahart, a Fianna Fáil councillor, said his challenge in the by-election was that people would “know my name”, saying: “I am coming out of it energised, and I am looking forward to the next year, building on that.”
Fine Gael senator Cáit Keane admitted “issues on the ground” affected her campaign citing “water charges in particular”. She said that “people are hurting”.
“I suppose it was a pity the Budget didn’t come before the election not after it because definitely changes in their own pocket does matter,” Keane said.
King had been widely tipped to win the seat, but Murphy was looking on course to win not long after the boxes were opened at 9am this morning when he appeared to be neck-and-neck with the Sinn Féin candidate.
Sinn Féin, notoriously weak on transfers, accepted it would struggle to maintain its 748 after the first count and sources admitted the party had lost ground in the final weeks of the campaign as the water charges issue dominated.
Speaking to TheJournal.ie earlier this morning, a confident looking Murphy insisted it was “too early to say” what would happen.
The low turnout – just under 35 per cent – was also expected to work again Sinn Féin which had mounted a strong and well-resourced campaign for the seat where it already has a sitting TD, Seán Crowe.
This morning, Murphy was reported to have outpolled King by 3-to-1 in the Templeogue and Kilnamanagh areas of the constituency.
The former MEP, who ran under the Anti-Austerity Alliance banner, was also said to be nearly level with King in the Sinn Féin stronghold of Jobstown where the AAA mounted a strong campaign in recent weeks.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
This election was always going to effectively be a water charge referendum and with Sinn Fein refusing as a party to say they won’t pay then it was always likely an AAA candidate would take this
The people have voted and it looks like the voted against this unfair tax on our water.
30% of the electorate voted so more accurate to say that some of the people and a small portion of the electorate (only a few thousand) have voted.
A lot of sore losers here this morning.
The water charge is not unfair. It makes perfect sense to link the charge for water to usage rather than include it in overall taxation. “An extra tenner in their pockets” on the way in the budget for the middle classes more than compensates for the change to usage based charging. And as for those who can’t afford it “under any circumstances” – they won’t have to pay for it, just like they don’t pay for health care, education, or even housing.
Looks like SF may have been burnt also from everyone thinking their man would be elected very early on and easily.
Very fond of
One can say that of ALL elections so
King should get the seat with FF transfers.
“Murphy is reported to have outpolled King by 3 to 1 in the Templeogue and Kilnamanagh areas of the constituency.”
That Murphy could outpoll the Sinn Féin candidate in Kilnamanagh is amazing. I understand that’s a strong Séan Crowe area.
Templeogue have always been pro-Hayes, so presumably preferred to back Murphy than switch to Sinn Féin.
Funny, if Hayes cared so much about Dublin SW, why did he run off to the EU at the first opportunity?
Just so you all know, the FG supporters were going around telling women that they should vote for their candidate because she is a woman! They can’t even back their own policies
They are incapable of governance. Good riddance!
So why did Templelogue vote for Hayes and not his successor on the FG ticket?
Jesus, what time do the counts stop, pain in the neck all these updates
Congratulations to Blackrock College. The Rockmen just keep giving.
I wonder how much damage was done to the true patriots by their hounding of the young female Labour candidate in the locals.
Now I’m confused, how did 2 Sheldon’s come to be fighting an election in Dubla? Or is it it just one Sheldon in a space continuum shape shift thingie ?
S/f never taught that ,it was always in the media that s/f were fav but I think coming into the next general Election S/F will be well happy …. And so will I
Actually quite the contrary I was there and Lahart transferred well to Murphy
I was surprised King didn’t transfer well at all. King didn’t come across well when on TV 3 seemed to be very belligerent.
You understand wrong chara!Kilnamanagh is not a strong Sean Crowe area as you wrongly stated! Should try get your facts right, a bit like the AAA lying to the people of DSW about SF supporting the water charges, utter SHITE.
I seem to remember Paul Murphy calling on ‘Ordinary Citizens ‘ to NOT pay the LPT. Those poor citizens ended up MUCH worse off with penalties and charges. In order to be a TD you must have a valid Tax Clearance Certificate from the revenue so I presume the same Mr Murphy that called on us not to pay the Local Property Tax is either a two-faced rat who paid his own LPT or is not entitled to become a TD???????
Ha John, sore loser. Murphy more than likely had the property robbed from his salary by revenue like so many others, which is hardly the same as conceding on the issue. I think yesterday is a clear vindication of the principled opposition to water charges that Murphy and the AAA have championed as opposed to SF flip flopping on the issue, (they should take a lesson from that.) coupled with a monster demonstration of up to 100,000 taking to the streets
Overwhelmingly Paul…Cathal King Sinn Fein eventhough he finished secons still had more votes than FF , FG and labour combined….Overall the FFFGlab vote was down 49%
Another useless, left wing, populist mouth piece, appealing to the lowest common denominator.
As a neutral here, I’ll ask this question. Would you prefer he stayed like the rest of the clowns in government and just towed the line…?
Maybe?? . Is it any different to yet another right wing blue shirt or quasi blueshirt { labour} — with entitlement mentality and an over inflated political ego and salary to boot– also appealing to the lowest common denominator of greed and and self important supremacy.
He’s a power hungry, cynical political oppertunist. He’s not even from the constituency but is so desperate for power he’ll run anywhere. Blackrock College thought him well.
Why are there school?
Again, (and I don’t want to keep coming across as defensive here) but show me any TD that’s not a ‘political opportunist’!!! Maybe they’re not all power hungry but certainly are all political opportunists!!!
It’s to Murphy’s credit that he draws such bile from the blueshirt party hacks prowling the Journal. Keep up the good work Paul.
Coddler it’s got to be tough cheering for a posh boy from “elitist” Blackrock College or are you used to it having supported Boyd Barrett? #SmokeSalmonSocialists
Well said. I was just trying to articulate the same thoughts myself
Murphy has used his education well. Its also to his credit that he understands the exploitative nature of the capitalist system and fights tirelessly to correct this despite not being one of the most exploited.
There’s a subtle difference between the socialists and Sinn Fein. The socialists actually believe in the nightmare that is socialism, Sinn Fein just use it to appeal to those who love populist policies and can’t see further than the next handout. I’ve little doubt that well educated folk like Pearse Doherty know their policies are cuckoo.
I am really looking forward to the political demise of the Blue Shirts and Labour traitors. The little capitalist lap dogs.
James,
I think you’ll find that Pearse isn’t all that well educated. Sure didn’t he have to remove his civil engineer “qualifications” from his website in 2011 because he never actually qualified.
Just another example of their reliance on dishonest representation…
Just to set the record straight, murphy went to St Killians German School in Clonskeagh NOT Blackrock College.
Perhaps they thought him the difference between thought and thought though. And maybe between three and tree. And yes and know. And mite and might. And left and wrong.
The lesson from this is that all FG have to do is put up a half dozen socialites in each constituency to split the stupid vote and get their candidates in.
Capitalism is the natural order. Socialitism is a disease of that order.
Ahippo, you’re wrong. Taking advantage of people and exploiting them for your own gain isn’t the natural way, it’s the greedy way. Looking out for each other and caring about people is the more natural order. Although I suppose it largely comes down to the kind of person you are, eh?
Ha ha ha ha .
Oh the bile the bile…
I am so pleased for Paul. The people of Dublin South West have voted for decency, honesty, fair play and a man who is fearless . We are so very fortunate to have Paul in the Dáil.
Capitalism is not the exploitation of people.. it is the investment of capital in knowledge, industry and commerce to the benefit of all by providing innovation, production and trade which provides jobs and increased wealth for all.
Yeah it is, capitalism is all about capitalising on a situation, at the detriment of someone else. One upmanship. This makes some people rich and many more poor. You want to win the human race? I reckon we should all cross the line together holding hands, at a fair pace. There’s loads of time to get this thing right.
Eileen he is a voiceless member of the Dail with no speaking rights. A lonely existence in the wilderness in that house. I hope he can make some difference… Sincerely.
Ponyius explain the 13% rise in Sinn Fein support
Bad day for the two main opposition parties, looks like both of them are going to lose from a position of being strong favourites for the two seats on offer. Delighted that Connaughtan weasel is going to lose for FF, especially after the comments he made about Ming a few years ago when Ming only took half of the TD’s salary. That pr*ck said he only deserved half the wages because of his mental health issues, delighted if he loses seeing as the vote took place on World Mental Health day as well.
Not a fan of AAA – but good luck to Murphy on the basis that my enemy’s enemy is my friend.
SF and AAA much as you would it to be so are not enemies..political rivals granted but not enemies…WOW FFFGllab are down 50% on the last election… SF are up 13% on the General election…weII done to the winner
Ouch, the faked-up Facebook mudslinging seems to have backfired.
SF’s ferocious engagement of online media, as on the Journal, with their army of roaring screeching incessant contributors, assaulting anyone with an alternative view to their dogma, is turning people’s stomachs.
Beware of the troll.
Seriously, folks, this guy is nuts.
Looks like you need a new profile johngahan, the jig is up.
two of the infantry already on my back
I have no allegiance to any political party. Never have, probably never will.
You seem to think that anyone who finds your pro-Loyalist, anti-Irish rants to be obnoxious is a member of Sinn Fein. Certainly not so.
If you say so coilin.
I’m a Sinn Fein member who will vote Fine Gael in the next election following their resurrection of the economy and after seeing the comical budget Pearse has put together.
@johngahan
“assaulting anyone with an alternative view to their dogma”…thats Enda kenny surely
Any rebound in the economy is not because of anything Fine Gael have done,it is happening in spite of there actions.
johngahan@
“Sinn Fein member” You must be undercover for FG.
@ Thomas Maher – Kenny is a “lightweight” but despite all of our struggling (and it has been bad at an individual level) – Noonan deserves some credit for starting to drag us out of the mess and not revert to a poor backwater in Europe. SF would have us marching around with flags seeing who we could blame for the mess we are in, similar to Jobbik in Hungary, lots of flag waving, marching and seeing who can be blamed.
@Picasso. Noonan hounded a dying woman to death. He is still using the same methods to hound the last cent out of people’s pockets so his Bilderberg buddies can profit.
Noonan wasn’t prepared to write a blank cheque. Would have beeb much easier for him to give in. That’s what screwed this country over last 20 years.
Dave Doyle is right. The bankers, speculators builders and developers have all done well out of Noonan’s nasty anti-people streak. Even Creighton found FG’s pro-builder stance too much to stomach.
No Cmac, don’t kid yourself. They weren’t holy enough for Lucinda!
Noonan wrote a cheque for Anglo. Aided and abetted by a beer swilling Oirechtas. Socialised bank debt.
Also look at relationships between DoF and banks. Little change there.
oh Lordy…. pot and kettles in big supply there John Gahan….
just a hint JG….the vast vast majority of Irish people do not read the journal…..
James the state was culpable but FG acting like FF is cos FG = FF
The only thing keeping FG in power is the farmer vote.They are finished in the urban areas around Ireland.
Not a FG fan but they’re topping every poll. How are they ‘finished’ in Ireland?
Typical urban leftie. If I don’t like them then they must be finished. There’s more to Ireland than trendy D4 left wingers and inner city Dublin.
Dublin has a quarter of all TD’s and FG are going to get an awful hammering there at the next election. Even if they hold most of their rural vote they are going to lose an awful lot of their seats. In this by election FG and Labour are polling at 18% together while at the last election they got a combined 64% of the vote. Both of these parties are finished in large parts of Dublin for the foreseeable future. Even in the Roscommon South Leitrim by election the FG/Labour vote has dropped from 47.9% to 20%. Obviously government candidates never do that well in by elections but the scale of the drop in support for them is very significant
Agreed and I have no sympathy for them. I don’t like spineless Fine Gael or Labour and Ff ruined the country. But personally, I’d vote for any of them over the populist left wing SF or AAA, both of whom seem to think a large influx of immigrants is what we need.
Migrants are not an election issue. That’s UKIP you’re looking for. Wrong country dipso.
It’s an issue for about half the country Áine, even if it’s ignored by the main parties.
You’re the only person I’ve ever heard mention it as an election issue so how can you say half the country are talking about it? Migrants have to pay water charges as well we are all in this together so go spread your hatred somewhere else. UKIP and DDI would love you they are welcome to you
There isn’t that many farmers in Ireland.
About 20 others vote for every farmer and all farmers don’t vote FG.
FG will win a seat in DSW in the next GE, especially with Rathfarnham and Knocklyon coming in. Also the usual FG Dublin spots of Dublin South, South East and Dun Laoghaire will still deliver FG seats. FG will still do reasonably ok in Dublin. Labour are in serious trouble.
Aine – since you don’t seem to hear anyone else, I’ll also add a voice.
.
Immigration is a huge issue for Ireland, is driving low pay sector wages down as it destroys the supply and demand model, is keeping unskilled Irish out of jobs as those trying to build permanent lives cannot compete with those effectively on a long “gap year” and immigration into Ireland is effectively uncontrolled (not necessarily out of control).
.
Open borders only benefits business, however what is perplexing is that all the left wing parties who are supposedly the protectors of the working class are fully signed up members of “open borders” which will destroy their own constituency.
940 people sought asylum in Ireland last year. How do you figure this small number has such a huge impact on the economy?
Apple paid a grand total of 25,000 euros to Revenue in that same year. See what I’m getting at? Corporations, in the pockets of government, is what keeps wages low.
Stop letting other people tell you how to think and go away and learn some FACTS
Migration and emigration are big social and economic issues. Anyone who says otherwise id clueless.
In 10 years we have paid c800,000,000 on processing immigrants and housing them. That could fund many social problems in our country. source: RTE
We also bailed out AIB and BOI to the tune of 7 billion in one year. You’re pointing the blame in the wrong direction mate
PicassoRepublic
A study in the UK measured the impact of immigration in working peoples wages. In general they fell by 12.5% in the areas that had high numbers of immigrants. This suits big business. Then the unemployed are put to work for free for these companies. So, a constant flow of immigrants ensures cheap and free labour and high profits, all thanks to the political elites and the people who think globalization id meant to make them rich! They think bad of working people owning a mobile phone in today’s climate!
Aine
I am not. Both sets of people undeserving of bailouts.
So are the millions of Irish who emigrated all over the world are also undeserving?
I can’t answer for the immigration policies of other countries but I do believe the working class has suffered due to huge amounts of immigration, even though most of the immigrants themselves are hard working.
Nice stab at UKIP above but lots of ordinary English people are angry that towns like Bradford look something akin to Pakistan and that they are breeding home-grown jihadists. No doubt you’ll do the usual trick of calling me racist to stifle debate but I think it’s a fair point to talk about it. And you’re out of touch if you say people aren’t interested as the two other pos
*posters have shown
And who profits from DP? The private hostel owners. People in DP get a whopping €19 euros a week, what do you think they are soaking up that 600 million swilling champagne eating oysters? Don’t think so.
DP is open prison where food or a nappies for a disabled child is withheld if people don’t ‘behave’ like the managers want them to.
This is not the UK. I lived all my life in the most culturally diverse part of the country, Blanchardstown. 19% of the population here are migrants and we all get on fine, never a bother all the kids play together and hang out with each other. Stop drumming up problems where there are none.
Ok white rem one more time coz you’re clearly thick: this is Ireland. England is the next country over. They have a population of 64 million and an economy worth 2.6 trillion (based on GDP) Ireland has a population of about 4 million and an economy of 173 billion. We may be close by but it’s simply not possible to compare the two and say UK problems are Irish problems. Remember your teacher telling you you can’t compare apples and oranges?
How do you know it’s not hell on earth? It’s up to the people who live like that to make that analysis. Did you know that a lot of people are transferred from DP centres straight to psychiatric units? They don’t keep data on it but the Irish Medical Organisation estimates a 90% depression rate in DP centres. It’s not up to you to say ah sure it can’t be that bad, you don’t know that.
It’s an issue for about a fiftieth of the electorate who talk only to each other and who fail to see the bigger picture.
Picasso I wish what you say is true but it is an absolute fact that many of the unskilled Irish will not do the jobs being done by unskilled immigrants. They think they are above that kind of work and are better off on welfare.
Can you reference that Picasso? I know of a study which showed that growth goes up and the unemployment rate falls when there are immigrants in the economy.
they’re taking up at least half the places on training provided to help the thousands unemployed. so they must be getting the dole. not to mention rent space. goes for all migrants, not just non-eu. see how you’d fair with ‘free’ education and juicy benefits in their countries, not very well. then they wonder why the unemployment rates of our people are high and slow to come down.
Aine,
Ireland\s debt, government, business and private is 1.2trillion euro. We cannot afford mass immigration. Let the rich countries allow them entry.
Most are economic immigrants, here without approval. We cannot enter their states without visas, and that rule applies to those who seek entry here.
I support political refugees being granted entry.
because they have 24% according to the last Poll as against 36% in the last General Election and got even lower support in the two by-elections
Ill and I mean All farmers always vote
No white suprmasist immigrant reform type candidate has ever been elected even in Local Government in Ireland
I know this won’t be popular but anyway… Low turnouts hurt left wing parties who are looking for the votes of the unmotivated and the lazy. When they don’t bother voting then the likes of SF and the AAA suffer.
But SF and AAA are leading the polls. Maybe the lazy right wing ffg lb voters didn’t bother turning out.
Dublin south west is hardly a bell weather for the country.
Either way it’s a pitiful turn out!!!
its not a bell weather but it gives people great encouragement to ditch the old FG/LAB/FF cabal and strike a blow for social justice that would never consider a 1% cut to the top rate of tax as a major budget measure.
the times they are a changin
@ciaran clarke. This might the only time i agree with a comment you made. It is disgraceful. If people dont get out and vote they have no right of complaint.
FG supporters knew there was no point. I still can’t really understand why people don’t want to be counted though
Well said as long as FF/FG Lab have lost its a great result for ordinary people.
The weather was quite “bell” today!
Pity about the low turnout.
Congratulations to Paul Murphy.
He is the bellwether.
How wrong you were proven to be ….. on that one SF and AAA got 57% between them FF and FG 18% between them
At the end of the day the constituency was not left with much options, finana fail started this mess, labour have doing nothing about it and fianna gael have just displayed the same corrupt cute hoor shenanigans as finana fail.
There are no alternatives and those who are desperately fed up can only vote for people like Paul Murphy, he might not be the best, but at least he ain’t the other wasters and that’s where our protest vote goes.
Also at 30% turnout, which is disgraceful, we deserve to be represented by schisters. If we cared we would vote.
only days ago, the IBEC naysayers were completely writing him off as ‘unelected’ or ‘never will be elected’. How the tables have turned.
Eric
Hard Labour have supported all the austerity programmes. That is the truth.
All the more reason to get to the garden of remembrance today at 2pm
If he gets elected it would be on a protest vote. Imagine the Socialist Party running the country, we’d be ruined. This country needs a good, strong, hard-headed alternative so people don’t have to chose between these smiling dunderheads we see on posters every election time.
We live in a democracy. People are entitled to vote whoever they choose. BTW, the country was “ruined” by the conservative center-right.
You would like to see a Socialist / Marxist government would you? You don’t recall how that worked out for other countries in history?
It’s a rare day you see the word ‘dunderhead’ used in a sentence!
Respect the democratic will of the Irish voters, Benito.
Yup. Socialism has really screwed Sweeden ,Denmark , Norway ect. Backward hell holes the lot of them. Sure there is no difference between socialism and hardline communism what so ever.
And Enda is so bright and Gilmore so clever?! We are the fools of Europe for the bailout and you praise the parties of the centre that implemented such a debt, a private bankers debt billed to the public debt?! Now that is truly stupid.
centre right FF , FG ruined / are ruining this country so get your facts straight. fyi when the same people dont get in every single time, thats called democracy, not that this country frequently resembles one.
CMac – Who is praising the parties in the centre?? I don’t see anyone “praising” them
ITS – How am I not respecting the democratic will of the Irish people? I said there needs to be an alternative because people vote for these clowns due to lack of choice – go back and re-read what I wrote after you wake up!
Paddy – Norway isn’t a Marxist / Socialist country and they have a conservative government
Sean – I never said the centre right didn’t ruin the economy, so you get your facts right, I said, now read this carefully so that you get it – that if the Socialist Party came into power our country would be ruined. You think the last recession was bad? Elect these and see what happens. They’ll increase tax on the more capable elements in society to reward the dregs of society, they’d tax the b0llocks out of the companies that keep people in employment and then the companies would pack up and leave overnight. You obviously went to uni for a year or so and now thing you know it all, am I right?
You’re right Fozz – it’s a vey under-rated word :-)
Benito – the media, IBEC, the trade unions and big business, the EU, IMF the World Back and the ever grateful bondholders and financiers all agree that the centre right parties have done a great job.
“They’ll increase tax on the more capable elements in society to reward the ‘DREGS’ of society”
So the four hundred thousand or so people/families that lost their jobs after the crash are the ‘DREGS’ of society. Should those DREGS also not be allowed have Camera-Phones ?
Are you sure your not Joan the Moan ?
CMac – you said “you” praise the parties of the right, who is the “you” that you’re referring to? Are you sleepy are you?
Noel – those are your words not mine, why would you presume I am talking about people who lost their jobs? Why do you believe when I say “the dregs of society” I am referring to them? Either (A)you’re trying to put words in my mouth or (B) that’s what you believe – either way you just made an utter fool yourself. Kudos!
Ah I can see they started removing my commenst because they’re not warm and fuzzy.
Noel – why do you presume that by saying “the dregs of society” I’m referring to people on hard times? You’re either trying to put words in my mouth or that’s what you believe underneath.
Bertie was a socialist
But according to some that is the natural order
How much tax does the average Turnip pay
@Benito Rossolini
You can’t teach your kinda stupid.
Regards
lol
Paddy Hannigan, ignorance is bliss in your world mate eh.
David, your comment alone is a fine display of your level of intellect, especially by finishing it off with “lol” – what are you an American pubescent girl?
Marxist….ffs…. how 1950s of you
Must say I’m surprised Murphy is doing well in Templogue area, if FG want to be in with a shout at the next GE they would need to be comfortably taking areas like this. Jobstown had the lowest turnout of all and this would hurt SF but Murphy could expect do do fairly well there too. It’ll be interesting to see where Murphy’s transfers go in the Templeogue boxes, odds on they won’t go to SF but I’d say Murphy will transfer well from SF in other areas. Looks good for him.
Yeah Templeogue seemed to vote for him to keep King out by the looks of it.
Another cushy number for him if he gets in.
No power to make decisions,it’s easy just to disagree with everything.
Failed in Europe, and now he’s gonna represent Tallaght,
If he wins its a sad day for my area
Might be a sad day for you ciaran in your particular area but its a magnificent day for Ireland, the start of a proper Left/Right political system.
Mite be great for the country as a whole,if so it will be to the detriment of Tallaght.
He doesn’t give a rats about the area or the people.
CANT PAY WONT PAY!!!!!
What a clown,bigger problems in Tallaght and he’s ignored the bigger issues.
Ciaran, I’m not a big Socialist Supporter, I agree with some but not all of their mandates. But, all that aside, Paul Murphy was a great voice in Europe for the Irish people. He is honest, hard working and very well educated. As politicians go, you’d be hard pressed to find better to work for any constituency. You say he’s ignored the real issues for Tallaght. Well, you can only fight one battle at a time. If he gets voted in, judge him at the end of his tenure, not before its even started
Fair points on no power etc.
He could give Enda a shout for advice on that.
Actually Ciaran. What’s your view on Brian Hayes? Did he have any impacts on the bigger issues? And do you think the FG candidate would be make any more progress than Murphy?
Ciaran Clarke seems to be a Hard Labour man.
Before the by-election Labour were banging on about their “hard” decisions – all against the weak and vulnerable; but lots of bailout money for the banks and developers and speculators. Hard labour for everyone else, even work for free for businesses! But cuts and taxes all up for those at the wrong end of the social ladder. But don’t look for water…or a phone for that matter!
And emigrate. Yes, we have had a bellyful of this Hard Labour party is under the daughter of Thatcher.
Murphy or King, a great day for my constituency.
Not a labour voter at all.
King will be good for Tallaght,
Murphy won’t !!!!!!
There’s alot of people reading too much into this. It’s a by-election with a low turnout. The person elected will make little difference for the remainder of this Dail. Bit early to be calling it a socialist revolution!
Ciaran Clarke
In opposition FG and Labour opposed all FF’s measures and towards the end their policies re: austerity.
Once elected without having first got a mandate, they cobbled a so-called “mandate from the people” without having presented it to the people at the election just a few weeks prior to the agreement. That is no mandate and I remember the indignation Inda and Rosie Cheeks Gilmore claimed to have when in opposition for all those years. Once in power the became more FF than FF.
bollix talk
Murphy looks like some sort of man child.
Correct. but things are changing. and to think it only takes a vote!
until the split comes
The low turnout wont help sf. People stayed at home expecting the result to be a foregone conclusion. From my experience Sf voters seem less likely to go out to vote. Complacency about the result could defeat them here.
@Ruairi, “Sf voters seem less likely to go out to vote” well then they are not voters are they. They’re probably to used to someone doing everything for them !!!
Paul Murphy did an excellent job exposing SF’s flip flop populist reversal of its stance on water charges. SF’s own attempt at slurring Murphy may also have helped his campaign. Murphy’s an awful spanner. But he’s hard working and an honest broker. Then there’s SF….
O Reilly how many votes did FG get ????
If Sinn Fein don’t win this it’s laughable.
Why?
King was 1/25 with Paddypower. I mean it’s like Liverpool losing the Premier League from the jaws of winning. Hell, Murphy isn’t from the area and he looks to be more voter friendly.
Luke, what a very parochial thing to say. “He’s not even from the area” Well so bloody what? Some people are actually elected based on their policies and not because they are from the area they are running in.
Clearly fail to understand what I’m saying. I said even a chap not from the area is liked more than Cathal King who is very prominent in Tallaght. What is controversial about that?
It’s a testament to how well Paul Murphy has ran his campaign, and resonating with voters.
Because while I don’t like Sinn Fein I’ll admit they are good at the political ground game. Engaged Councillors and fanatical party discipline. Your man Cathal was a councillor for years and well known in the community. To lose to a single issue carpetbagger says something about the surge in support to SF I think.
Worth noting the Paul Murphy was an MEP. Has an former MEP ever lost a by-election? I don’t think so.
He wasn’t an MEP. He was appointed to finish off a term for Joe. Nobody ever voted for him.
Do you always believe the bookies ????
Best of luck to SF, trying to get lazy sćumbags, who hardly get off their arse to collect their dole, to get up, get dressed, go outside, find a polling place, vote, and try not to commit a crime on the way to, or back from said polling place!
Good lord aint you a ray of sunshine. Bet you’re a model of society.
As of 12:30 the count had 7242 voters who had got up and dressed etc to attend the polling station. I have not heard or read of any massive crime wave effecting Dublin SW..
With such contempt and arrogance towards the electorate of this country you have got to be a true blue, up your own orifice FG hack!
Holy crap this would be a terrible result for Sinn Fein. Will have to lead to a big rethink before the election. Sinn Fein support seems to be a mile wide and an inch deep.
They have benefited from being the populist left wing opposition who got to opposed every cut but now cost their budget accepting every cut the government made. They didn’t have to deal with facts or reality or any of that stuff. But now they are trying to appear more serious it turns out they can’t seem to bring that protest vote with them towards the more centre left.
Space is opening to the left of the Shinners and for the first time it’s possible to see a chink in their armor. They can’t be a party ready to go into government without opening up space on their left flank.
I really don’t get Sinn Fein’s problem. It would be straightforward to say “we will be abolishing water charges and household taxes, and there may be an increase in higher level tax” but they don’t. Why are they messing around with excuses around finding that the evil Noonan comes up with. Just state the above and you will be elected to government*, and not have to be struggling to get past the socialist party.
*and let the “old guard” retire. I know Gerry had his ego, but for the good of everyone, just disappear off to Donegal.
FF+FG+Labour on a combined total of 25.3%
SF on 30.3%
And it’s a terrible result for SF?
There has never been a by-election where neither a FF, FG or Labour candidate failed to finish in the top 3.
The ‘establishment’ parties need to wise up to what is happening here.
Yeah of course it is. 7 years of dealing with the economic collapse a single vote for the government isn’t doing bad.
I mean Sinn fein can’t win an election now they never will.
David the Sinn Fein vote went up 13% Labour went down 28% so you were saying ???
Whether you love or hate AAA or the SP they had a good campaign that clearly stated what they were for and what they were agains. SF did well here and in Roscommon but the lesson from this election for SF is that they need to decide which side they are on. People need a clear vision and choice. SF didn’t provide one this time around. Congratulations to Mr Murphy.
Sickener for SF!!!
Congrats Paul Murphy.
No mean feat to beat SF in a constituency where they have always had high support.
An excellent result for the AAA they got more votes than all three of the Establishment parties put together.
yep, never heard of some of the others, glad they didnt get in, only in it for themselves. go back to the day job like ourselves, we only want young people for the people not business vultures.
I dont care either way. All a pack of liars and sheep. Tell you one thing then go with the flow.
We never learn. SF are telling people what they want to hear and people are falling for it.
They can solve everything without pain, how can so many people be so gullible.
I’m pretty sure people understand that we had to have some cut-backs and concessions. What pisses people off is the continuous pressure being enforced on those who have already paid.
It’s pretty clear that the Government has been trying the “trickle down” tactic… don’t cut from the top and expecting that those with the money use it to develop the economy for them and ride out their successes (if any) while hoping things get better on their own or Europe forces their hand.
People just want a fair deal without the cronyism and nepotism we have been shafted with for decades. Is that too much to ask?
Murphy confirmed. Fair play to him. Not a fan of his politics, but anyone a part from Sinn Fein.
I couldn’t agree more luke. Never thought I’d be so happy to see Paul Murray win an election.
Sorry Paul Murphy
I’m just delighted the establishment/austerity parties didn’t get a look in.
Luke Dane what did FF get ? 9% a loss of two from the last election….Sinn Fein vote gone up 13%
People voting foe that parasite Murphy deserve to be charged for a stupid tax on top of water charges and possibly an oxygen tax as well
coddler gonna rip you apart.
People voting for Murphy should have the power to vote taken off them.
very good well played.
If FG & Labour want a glimpse inti the next election here it is!
Political polls are not reflecting the real anger out there and the public will not be stupid enough to accept a couple of crumbs in next weeks Budget while they cut the higher rate of tax which will benefit the most wealthy most!
The only way Labour stand ANY chance in the next election is to U-turn on water charges and allow a generous allowance as was originally flagged and NO Charge unless more water than this is used!
The water tax is the last straw for many hard pressed families, Labour have become like Blairs New Labour in the UK- basically a right wing party in Red camouflage!
Until SF in the republic step away from the murdering thug leadership from over the border that’s the only result they deserve.
Disaster for PBP tbh. SF should be more transfer friendly than Murphy. FF bombed and Lab well are doing as the Polls say, FG got a slap also.
Well done Paul Murphy.
The one issue that has managed to galvanise nearly the entire nation and SF make a balls of it.
SF Leadership to pay their water bills in case they get increased bills scared the sh*t out of people when all the people were looking for was leadership and courage from a party.
SF have now lost the momentum they had. Real pity.
Read it it’s early day sf still has the strong areas to be counted AAA haven’t got the know how to lead
cant wait to witness the next gen election and we’ll see what we’ve learned as a nation, fupping nothing thats what! corruption, centre right capitalists mean ff will have another day in the sun yet. a nation of gobsh131s!
Labour FineGael fiannafailparty total votes combined 6,220 and Sinn Féin on its own 7201 (Tallies) so who had bad Election?
Labour down from 36% in ge 11 to 8% in dubsw14 yet Sinn Féin are up to 30% from 17% in ge11 but that does not matter now do it?
It’s a sinn fein area and they failed. Politics is the art of the possible. The government parties were never going to win a seat but SF failed to convert. That’s a massive win for the government.
more nonsense from Labour Youth…
its a win for the Government they got 18% between them a drop of 47% ……
.Sinn Fein were hot favorites with the bookies and some commentators nobody else…How could they be when the Genaral Election vote was 17%…..
Still a long count ahead- Sinn Fein could still make it-
I’m leaving the country if that dole dodger gets in
What time is the flight out Steve?
Do not stay here on our account Steve
I saw FF’s Lahart with FF’s ex-TD “Mr Tallaght” during the campaign. I recall Charlie O’Connor supporting Bertie and Cowan as the country descend into economic and financial chaos. We don’t want FF back. I see there are 2043 trade unionists in the constituency that voted; who else would vote Labour? How did FG get 2110 votes after all their brutal austerity measures? Some people must be doing well out of the austerity misery business.
Thankfully it is either AAA or SF to win.
I never thought I’d say this, but I hope SF win the seat.
Anything but that awful Paul Murphy.
Well done Paul- I thought it was a runaway win for SF- I’m just glad to see a candidate win who exposes the greed and corruption that has ruined this nation for ordinary people since inception- I was on the march today- my feet are sore but it’s great to see ordinary people fight back : 2 notable posters – one man with ’40 people gambled 60 billion’ and a doctor in a white coat had a large badge ‘I’m here for my patients.’
Sinn fein, the brits out, foreigners in party. Kill for 6 counties while giving away 26 to EU immigration.
Immigration? Is that even an issue in Ireland?
No only for the account Natalie Reeves / Eire Calling which is the same account
The guy is a toser…. Grandstanding is all he is good for
Paul Murphy spent some amount of money and time towards his campaign.
I’ve never seen as much print advertising in Dublin South West for any candidate in an election ever.
I’d say it was hundreds of thousands of Euros.
Advertising works I guess.
Jk
Pontius come out of your D4 ivory tower and give proof..if you have any concern about Sinn Fein or any party’s spending complain to SIPO…(Standards in Public Office )
If you are making a charge please back it up
Socialist? Think Paul has a more comfortable pedigree than ” the ordinary working man “.
A sad day in politics
I’d say the rest of the electorate are at the water charge protest in town!!!
another wasted vote. murphy is a complete waste and only wants his head in the capitalist system. workers sold out again
I’d he dosent win this one he should pack it in.
if
Aah, I don’t think so Paul. Its bad form to attack those that don’t have intellect to defend themselves.
You forgot to correct the “word” ‘dosent’ ,Paul . Sorry for the correction . Isn’t it a beautiful morning all the same ?
thanks Ben it is indeed a cracking morning.
If Pearse Doherty was leader of SF, I think Cathal King would be winning by a larger number of votes. SF need to skip a generation – Gerry Adams and Mary-Lou- to reach out to a disaffected electorate and reenergize SF.
It is becoming too mainstream and we new radical economic leftwing solutions to our crisis. The economic and financial situation is still dreadful and we are nowhere near a recovery, even Germany is struggling somewhat. The older SF TDs are getting too staid and have gone somewhat native in the Irish political setup.
CMac59, Pearse Doherty will never be leader of SF. Too much stuff in his personal life. The SF leadership are surprisingly conservative and they don’t like that sort of thing.
Chin
Look at Adams and tell me about things in a man’s life!
Doherty is very bright and very articulate and he can store points easily against his opponents. Economically he is extremely clever and that is what is now needed to ensure society does not drift further into social and economic chaos that the mainstream parties have created.
Do you normally hint at gossip like that a very bad trait of you as a person
White rem, clear off back to the UK. You are nothing more than a racist and not welcome in my country. No nazis wanted in Ireland. Clear off.
Seamus someone comments on immigration and you cry racist what’s that about? Would you like your hometown to end up like Malmo in Sweden…parts of Oslo Norway and so on…I certainly wouldn’t..the liberal left perfect multicultural world utopia doesn’t exist…that’s not racist that’s just fact and someone’s opinion.
First and foremost, commenting negatively like that on immigrants is classified as xenophobia. Secondly, Ireland is massively under populated. We actually need more immigrants not the opposite who can contribute financially and help this country grow. You have noticed emigration is on the rise. Third, commenting on Malmo and Norway?. What generates racism is fear and ignorance. Throwing people into high rise apartments and then forgetting about them. What do you expect, of course they will get angry. Wouldn’t you.
Toilet roll flowers
Raid your recycling bin for some great recycled craft activities. These toilet roll flowers are a fun craft activity and would also make a nice Mother’s Day gift idea or to give to nanna on a visit.
Number of players:
1
What you need:
1 x empty toilet roll
1 x bamboo skewer
20cm x 20cm (approx.) of tissue paper or crepe paper
1 x A4 piece of green construction paper or cardboard
paint (green, plus any flower colours you want!)
paintbrush
scissors
glue
ruler
Activity:
Mark the tube at 4cm from each end. Draw 2 rings around the centre of the tube so you know how far to cut in.
With your scissors, fringe-cut the tube from each end, to the rings in the centre. These will be the petals.
Fold the petals back to create the flower.
Paint the flower all over.
Now scrunch the crepe paper into a ball and glue it into the centre of the flower.
To make the stem, paint the bamboo skewer green. Cut two leaf shapes out of the green cardboard and stick them to the skewer/stem.
Pierce the pointy end of the skewer through the bottom edge of the flower until it’s stable.
God help us all, this useless f##ks are renowned for infighting and egotistical behaviour
Great news indeed and goes to show people are finally coming to their senses and voting for people who will actually do some good unlike the crooks we currently have
White rem. Clear off back to the UK.
Anarchy and chaos- the popular vote!
A great result for FG; a socialist nobody elected, and SF failing to win in solid working class West Dublin, while FF loose to an independent bogger further west. FG had no chance if winning either seat, this result is the best they could have hoped for.
How long before the new guy falls out with Joe?
How long MM survive?
Have SF peaked?
Can Labour recover?
I’d say we are still on the way to a FG / FF collation.
Socialism was a disaster wherever it was tried. I disagree with the new TD, but I’m happy tou see SF defeated.
First Count for #dsw14:
SF 7,288; AAA 6,540; McMahon 2,242; FG 2,110; FF 2,077; Lab 2,043; Burke 681; PBP 530; GP 447 (Quote 12,013)
Ronan mcmahon is doing well. Looking like his transfers will get Murphy over the line.
The rise of the Socialist party and people before profit is brilliant and come the next election they will surprise many people, the others are not to be trusted whatsoever
Watch your back Paul Joan and kenny are like cornered rats dangerous good luck on your win
I find it very hard to believe that there were 0 spoils in over 23,000 votes. Lots of people intentionally spoil as a protest.
256 were spoiled. The counter just announced that.
Ah that’s more like it. In my defence the graphic showed 0 spoils when I opened the story.
Given how transfers are going, and what is the quota is, it could be even tighter.
The citizens are sick to death of Fianna fail,Fianna Gael and labour…elections are nothing more than best liar competitions.
have your say