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THE ANNUAL REPORT of Ireland’s Courts Service has revealed there was a significant decrease in the number of murder cases heard last year, but there was a jump in the incidence of rape trials.
During 2012, there were 20 per cent fewer murder trials when compared to the previous year but, when examined against 2010, the number of rape cases increased by 32 per cent.
According to the just-published data, there was a notable drop in “high visibility, high nuisance and highly-dangerous activity”. Almost 60 per cent of District Court summary matters were road-traffic related.
A total of 2,500 prison sentences were handed down in Circuit courts for more serious crimes.
Altogether, 693 criminal trials were heard in Irish courts, relating to 158,898 defendants and 384,231 alleged offences.
Other key figures show:
In civil matters, there was a decrease of 37 per cent in the number of judicial reviews of asylum matters, as well as a 20 per cent fall in small claims.
There was €112 million awarded in personal injury and medical negligence cases in the High and Circuit Courts. The smallest award was €258, with the largest recorded at €11.5 million. That was the largest personal injury settlement in the history of the State and came on the 20 April. In approving the settlement of €11.5 million for 10-year-old Cullen Kennedy, Justice Mary Irvine expressed criticism at the lack of legislation to cater for the “life-long care needs” of crash victims.
The work of the courts
In the 12-month period, the Supreme Court received 605 appeals, a 21 per cent increase on 2011. It issued 114 judgements, an improvement of 56 per cent on the previous reported year.
Throughout the year, there was a 25 per cent jump in new pub licenses but a fall in the late-night extensions granted.
Chief Justice Susan Denham praised the courts service for running a “leaner” operation during 2012 as it delivered at a cost base 5.6 per cent less than in 2010. Since 2008, the cost of running the courts has been reduced by 41 per cent. In that time, wages have decreased by 15 per cent, admin costs by 38 per cent and capital funding by 80 per cent.
Remember when he was the great hope for political change.
He’ll have a greater opportunity to implement that change now, potentially as a minister in the next government.
Rochelle – I think he has enjoyed his taste at the trough and is now looking for sustainable organic trough. Sold out!
Rochelle, while I admire your optimism, history suggests otherwise.
No.
How many independents have brought about significant change in the past? He has to join a large party if he ever wants to get a tap done. Wish he was my representative.
A very positive move by both Deputy Donnelly and the FF party. Constructive politics is not just gaining public support but also bringing in deputies who can see the benefits of M.M.s work.
The FF-FG seesaw is a construct the Irish people have insisted upon, I don’t like it either but if the Irish people weren’t going to abandon it in the past two elections it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen any time soon. Any aspiring politician for change will note that they have to adapt within that environment or forever accept zero influence. It’s unfortunate but the change we want will have to take place from within FF or FG, blame the electorate for that.
The capitalist system is fundamentally based on the exploitation of the majority working class. Therefore any party or Independent which operates under the rules of this system will ultimately be forced to betray the majority of people who voted for them. Hence Donnelly’s acceptance of FF’s 30 pieces of silver.
And Communism works so well Patches. Do tell us where your kind of Socialist Paradise is currently a beaming light?
Another Stephen Coveny.
He won’t last long in FF.
they won’t be able to tolerate his pontificating.
@Sham Pig: There is nothing too much to admire Independents, not least Catherine Catastrophe or your man who puts Waterford ahead of the rest of the city country while The HSE is in tatters
mick. North Korea. It works so well that they don’t need elections. son takes over after dad. communism works.
@Mick Jordan:
We can see the logical result of the capitalist system where the 8 richest individuals on the planet now collectively hold more wealth as 3600 million people, the poorest half of the globe’s population many of whom starve to death or survive in abject poverty.
And socialism is working all around us in every developed nation in the world. It’s manifested in universal health and education, public housing, social welfare system, 40 hour working week, public pensions, minimum wage etc etc. All the most civilized aspects of modern society are socialist in nature. But none of these concessions were gifted by the capitalist class. They were fought for and won over centuries of struggle by the working class.
P.S. I believe that you’re a public sector worker so you should understand that your wages have been decimated over the past 8 years under the austerity program to pay for the systemic failure of financial capitalism in 2008. And yet here you are cheerleading for the same system which is gutting your living standards. Maybe it’s time to stop polishing your own cage and wake up?
@Rochelle:
It’s not as bleak as all that. FF, FG and Labour once controlled 95% of the vote. But there has been a slow but inexorable trend away from these establishment parties since the 80’s and they and FF and FG have now been forced into a de facto coalition for the first time in the history of the state. More and more people are coming to undertand that their conditions will not improve under the parties which advocate for the system which exploits the majority to enrich the few. And ordinary person who votes for FF, FG, Labour Greens and most of the bogus Independents is complicit in their own exploitation.
I will ask again Patches. Where is this Socialist Paradise that you believe we should emulate located? Or an even better question is, has their ever been a successful Socialist country in the entire history of this Ideology and if so can you tell us where and when?
@Rochelle: the election results contradict your argument, FF/FG only got just over 50% between them in last election, an historical low, it’s not that long ago when their combined support was well over 80%. Donnelly is seriously naive if he thinks he can change FF, rather they will change him and he’ll be making excuses for their corruption and right wing policies.
@Mick Jordan: North Korea. But only if you’re Kim Jong Il.
@Rochelle: Sadly there’s truth in your words, Irish sheeple will vote for FF again and Steve sees this. All FF has to do is, promise greener grass for all and the sheeple of Ireland will fall into the arms of the wolf.
@Mick Jordan:
I’ll ask again. You’re a public sector worker are you not? Now do you understand that your wages have been decimated over the past 8 years under the austerity program to pay for the systemic failure of financial capitalism in 2008. And yet here you are cheerleading for the same system which is gutting your living standards.
Do you know what Stockholm syndrome is?
@Mick Jordan:
And as explained to you already, all the most civilized aspects of society are socialist tin nature and are the only which make the lives of the majority bearable under capitalism in the developed nations at least. Universal healthcare, education, state pensions etc etc .We see the catastrophic consequences here for example when housing is left to the mercy of the free market.
And of course your question implies that socioeconomic systems do not change which is clearly nonsense. So until capitalism established itself globally as the dominant socioeconomic model, there was no nation which could be help up as successful examples of that system (and of course there are many more unsuccessful examples as most of the abjectly poor nations on the planet operate under the capitalist model.) If humanity was to wait for examples of perfectly formed solutions to our problems then we would still be living in caves banging rocks together.
Socioeconomic systems must inevitably change and the inherent contradictions in capitalism means that it will ultimately destroy itself. There is no guarantee of course that what replaces it will be any better as fascism and totalitarianism are always waiting in the wings.
And I have a feeling that a uniform and authority worshiping lad like yourself would eagerly embrace a “strong leader” were one to emerge here as we see happening across Europe currently.
@Mick Jordan: Socialism worked quite well for the banks, didn’t it Mick.
Did it Dave?
Has he left the technical group now without speaking rights in the dail.. as long as his speaking it seems…
Guessing he will be now be getting the sweeping brush treatment.
Stephen Donnelly @DonnellyStephen
Arklow – One resident pointed out large sweeping brush beside door. Said she’s saving it for the first FF’er to knock on her door. #ge11
Oh how the worm has turned
@Lurfic:@Lurfic:your havin a laugh…..surely?
@Conor Kennelly: Just over 50% after the worst recession in a generation, that was them bottoming out and they were still in the majority. That percentage is rising again now.
Well then he should have done that before he was elected as a Demarcate .
@Sham Pig: Tony Gregory
I find it difficult to express how dissappointed I am in this man
I’m sorry he thinks he is my representative. He does not have my trust after all the cons he has pulled to get where he is now. Please can,we get rid of him.
Heard him on drivetime trying his best to deny all the previous things he had said about FF despite there being a trail of evidence on twitter. He’ll fit right in to FF.
@Mick Jordan: Yeah it did Mick, all their debts were socilaised on the backs of those that never owed them.
@Patches O Houlihan- we’re all communists when we’re broke but when we make a few bob we like holding onto it- its the way of the world.
Sham ,this man will neatly fit in with FF as Eamonn Gilmore predicted three years ago .
They have no principals and can change just like the weather as Donnelly has done since elected as a TD .
Let’s see what the good people of Wicklow think of this turn coat when the next election comes .
@Mick Jordan:
Where is the success of capitalism in South America, Africa, etc.?
Which capitalist country did not or does not depend on slave/children/wage slavery as an important component?
Why do we have to indebt our great-grandchildren because of capitalism and its bailouts?
Why does the economy collapse every few years?
Why do countries wage war at the behest of huge corporations e.g. the Banana Republics and the Middle East?
Gilmore would know all about shams.The biggest blustering sham of recent times.Please God he’lll get clobbered in next election
Those with great wealth will never allow a socialist paradise. Anything that threatens the status quo will be destroyed in any way possible.
This just confirms what a circlejerk of a farce of a circus politics is in this country. I cant believe I use to think Stephen was the shining beacon of hope for us all.
I going for a shower in Jeyes fluid to wash the shame off myself.
It’s like that time I voted for the greens in 2007 *facepalm*
@Rónán O’Suilleabháin: Was worth it for Paul Gogarty.
soupy. its life it’s politics. live with it
@Patrick Gough: I would’nt want the likes of you in the trenches with me, thats for sure.
@Soupy Norman: F*** you deputy!
@Soupy Norman: I wonder how much was in the brown envelope or what ministerial position he has been promised in the future. He was one of the few people in the dail most people had respect for but that is now gone and surely he must have known this.
soupy. I wouldn’t be in the trenches. A pacifist.
Gets voted as an independent, forms Soc Dems. Gets elected as a Soc Dem, joins Fianna Fail. The people of Wicklow deserve a bit of consistency & principle
If there was any decency he should have to go and get re-elected and he or FF can pay for the by-election. Sneaky slimy slidy snakes
I respected him before this decision. Now he has shed his skin and joined the serpents nest…
Used to like Stephen, thought he was a little bit different to the usual politician. Now he’s just joining a bunch of corrupt chancers, not that the other parties are any better but FF in particular
Lost all respect for him now
@Colm Mcmahon: End of the day he wants to feather his own nest just like the majority of them. I thought he was beyond reproach but now he’s just another roach.
Up to 5 minutes ago I had a lot of respect for Donnelly. Now I have none.
@Blue MARIGOLD: What’s it like to be so fickle about something so important? You’re like a hipster giving something up cos it goes mainstream, ha ha!
I have no respect for anyone in FF as they destroyed the country and are the main reason why many of my friends don’t live in Ireland now. How dare u accuse me of being fickle.
@Blue MARIGOLD: Sure it was only an IMF bailout…….
Wow No respect for him now.
#sellout
#realist
Elected under a false premise
I hope the people of Wicklow kick this sleeveen into touch along with Simon Harris come next election. I won’t hold my breath though
Direct democracy seems the only way to get rid of the egotistical back scratching politicians we breed here.
I thought i was reading waterford whispers at first. Another one for the gravy train. Very disappointing.
He seemed so genuine but at the end of it all just another pig who wants in at the trough.
I actually feel let down.
I agree William. I think he had us all fooled into believing that he actually gave a sh#t. There arent many trustworthy politicians. They get paid too much.
That was inevitable. The minute he left social democrats, most people had a feeling it would happen. The suspense was would it be FF or FG. Another let down and obvious career politician, pity, he had potential.
Lad must have forgotten why the IMF arrived in the first place. Just get your nose into it Stephen and only come up for air when you are told.
“”I don’t think Fianna Fail has coherent policies at the moment. They are still recovering from what’s happened.” – Stephen Donnelly
So in 3 years Fianna Fail now have “coherent policies”, according to Donnelly. If people think Stephen Donnelly is doing this to implement change then you are naive. Left or right, they are all self serving trough dwellers. It’s gotten to the stage now there is pretty much nobody left worth the feck to vote for in this country!
Back to drawing cock and balls on the ballot paper!
Turncoat
Another good man will be silenced. Has he forgotten what happened to George Lee? I’m disappointed Stephen
@Cluvie: George Lee was a fraud. he was on a leave of absence from RTE which he never announced until he went back! He was just trying out politics for the craic. Donnelly is at least smart. Bit of a cop out to join FF but that’s where the opportunity is to maybe get a chance to so something.
He silenced himself by joining them.
Well noone saw that coming *rolls eyes*
He’s nothing but a C U N T!
LOL
Ah populists – always trying to catch the next wave
The party of Haughey, Flynn, Lawlor, Burke, Ahern etc. Lovely morals there, Stephen!
@Daisy Chai NSaw: the most popular party in the country
Yes Now a fully paid up member of “strokers incorporated
An absolute disgrace. I voted for him last time out and disgusted that my vote essentially has now turned out to be for Fianna Fáil.
Good luck to him being an independent voice for change now.
Just when I thought i couldn’t be any more disillusioned with our political class….
I took him as a cut above as a politician. Obvious now he’s in it for a career. He’s got Liffey fever…
I wonder how many other of their genepool Independents will join now they are on the up.
I hope he goes the same way as Colm Keaveney . Does anyone remember him .
Very disappointed in you Colm !
@Jimmy jones: I meant – Very disappointed in you Stephen.!
Stephen was always a Free Marketeer more than a Social Democrat. I’d imagine Simon Harris won’t be best pleased with this news.
@Tony Ornery G: I would imagine Simon Harris will be very please with this news. Donnelly will lose a chunk of voters, who could well just not turn up to vote. He will pull in extra votes that were quite probably going to FF anyway. It makes it a lot easier for FG to hold their two seats in Wicklow. Before there was a possibility of 2 FF 1FG 1 SF and Donnelly. Now, barring an amazing Labour revival or an under the radar Independent, it’s impossible to see anything other than 2 FG 2 FF and 1 SF.
He’s got a mad head!!!!
Donnelly obviously knows the fundamental truth of Irish politics, we have short memories and if you do a few things locally people will vote you in time and again. FFS we have two Healy Rae’s and Michael Lowry in office.
He can also read a poll and knows FF are moving away from FG and he showed his true colurs, he fancied a being next to power and probably convinced himself he can change them from within.
All aboard the gravy train ……
He can smell the finance portfolio and wants it I assume. The only way he’s going to get it, is by joining FF. Sometimes you have to make decisions to further a career.
@Mr Snuffleupagus: Not a prayer would an upstart get the finance portfolio.
FF is a collection of influencers and groups, that’s why Martin was sidelined when Cowan’s extended Mammy O’Rourke gang got in.
He will have no set of TDs to back him for a ministry, and will have to start from the bottom of the greasy pole.
This is about securing his seat, his private polling might not look so good as an independent right now. Whether it’s right or wrong, all independents are going to take a hit for Shane Ross, Halligan and co.
@Rónán O’Suilleabháin: He’ll get it no problem. Martin wants fresh blood across the board and no TD has to back him, Martin will decide. Sure, there’ll be a backlash but he;s the most qualified for the job and you can be sure him joining FF will be contingent on this. You think he’d join otherwise? Not a hope.
Having Donnelly in Finance means McGrath won’t get it. Unless of course, they continue what Noonan and Howlin collectively did. Then, both men get a piece of the action. Writing is on the wall, he’s parachuting in pre-election for the finance portfolio and has already been given commitments.
Having Stephen take the heat financial heat for FF around budget time would be nice for Martin and McGrath. But H’es joining for a reason, and there can only be one reason strong enough.
@Mr Snuffleupagus: Probably will mean MArtin will have to fight for the role of Tanaiste to stay with FF too and give it to McGrath if Donnelly gets Finance alone. No coalition partner would be happy with that, but they may accept an extra 2 ministers to off-set.
@Mr Snuffleupagus: So he does,nt give a fcuk about his own principles as long as he gets the finance portfolio. Yes Mr. Snuffleupagus you have just summed up what Irish politics is all about.
It was a toss up between FF and FG. Proof that they’re no different, same bunch of morons. He probably got jealous of Shane Ross. If he sticks to his previously held principles, it’ll be volatile. Then some of these FF morons won’t want him “skipping the queue” for the important jobs, should be good for a laugh.
the new broom.
I really had high hopes for this guy. He appeared to be someone who could make a difference and had the best interest of the people but it now appears that he is just a sell out mudderphucker like the rest of them.
Wicklow Soc Dems have a big branch established. Run by Jennifer Whitmore and many of the members used to work with Stephen Donnelly before he sold himself out to Fianna Fail
Turncoat!
Real pity. At one stage he seemed like the only one with a shred of dignity and an abundance of intelligence. Both have now gone out the window with this move.
U got it in one Brian,proves he’s just another back sliding careerist.what must his Wicklow voters think.Clearly he has no regard for them
Ha ha ha ha ha, etc.
10 minutes later
Ha ha ha ha ha ha
‘…..True colours shining through’…Ah! Retirement comes early for Stephen and with all the perks. Well at least he now only has to concentrate on gombeen parochial politics and engage in providing trinkets to the locals for his votes. No worldly concerns anymore…Sleep tight zzz
He is the definition of a political opportunist! He has no real interest in changing anything just wants to rub shoulders with the big boys and with them up in the poll’s, it’s the perfect time for mé feiner Donnelly to jump on board. Not surprised in any way shape or form though. Always knew he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. With a bit of luck he lose his seat!
i wonder would the people of wicklow have elected him if he ran in the last election as a Fianna Failer candidate.
Why does he even bother having a photo on twitter when he looks exactly like a twitter egg?
@Fifty Shades of Sé: Indeed…LOL. I thought Mr Donnelly resembled Humpty Dumpty without the glasses on when I saw the above photo.
Was obvious when he left the SDs, a big gain for FF.
A big loss for the people of Wicklow
@Kevin Higgins: he isnt dead… He is joining a party that will probably be in power in less than 2 years.. The people of Wicklow have gained here, not lost
@Patrick McGarry: Thanks for letting me know he is still alive Patrick, he only joined Fianna Fail an hour ago but your regular updates really help!
Here is why the people of Wicklow are at a big loss: The people voted Stephen in to pursue progressive politics such a repeal the 8th (Fianna Fail support the 8th) & abolish regressive water charges (which Fianna Fail support). The people also voted for him knowing he set up this new party that aims to bring a long-term plan for social democracy, they voted for long term change. So rather than moving closer to universal healthcare, an anti-corruption agency & Quality public services (All of which Stephen campaigned on to get elected), they get the party that crashed the property market, crashed the economy and sorted out their pals while the average joe suffered. Fianna Fail is everything that’s wrong with Irish politics & the people who voted for Stephen are smart enough not to pander to a short term parish pump.
I believe he just signed his political death in the eyes of the people who seen him as a breath of fresh air in a very very stale room. Fianna Fail is corrupt through and through and endeavors to pursue a path of self enrichment and progression on the backs of the hard working people of Ireland. Ireland needed change and especially now after the people have seen that FF/ FG are one of the same with identical ideals and aims which are both neo liberal. Revolution is needed on the island of Ireland.
I thought this guy was AGAINST corruption. graft. chicanery etc; all the strokes that Fianna Fail are so adept at.
The people who voted for him must feel very cheated …
Any thing to secure a pension jumps more fenc
Another politico selling out for so called principles to advance policies for the good of the citizens and Republic. It might be forgivable had he joined any other party other than the economy wreckers Fianna Fail. Has Stephen forgotten the Galway tent brigades of their greedy Developer friend’s and the damage they done. Bertie’s tribunal lies, Burke, and Lawlor’s corruption, Councillor’s on the brown envelope take for planning favour’s to mention just a few of the many question mark’s over their running the country. Has he had amnesia about the 200 billion debt costing the citizen’s 8 billion a year in interest payment’s that will take generation’s to pay off if ever, caused by his new friend’s in Fianna Fail? If Stephen think’s the electorate have forgotten the mess they created he is mistaken, everyday more citizen’s are evicted from their negative equity homes which they were ripped off buying and were encouraged by Bertie who told them thing’s would only get boomier and to get on the property ladder asap. They see it in their pay cheques with all the extra deduction’s in tax ,prsi ,usc. They see it in paying property taxe’s and ? water tax, all to pay for the incompetence of Fianna Fail and their establishment friend’s. I did vote for Stephen as i saw him as a new type of politician was articulate and smart, now i doubt the smart bit. He has betrayed my faith in him and i for one will never vote for him again
Very well said James.
He might as well join Fianna Fall No one alse would have him
I dont understand how he can join a party that put this country on its knees. Very disappointed.
I like Stephen Donnelly and I have voted for him twice. What I liked particularly about him was his fierce independence and insistence that things were Not All Right. I can’t help but feel this independence will have to be somewhat realigned to the FF way of things. Furthermore, with a SF/FF alliance on the horizon, I will find it very difficult to vote for Donnelly again.
So is joining Fianna Fáil falling apart lol.
Number 22 bus to Hell, no stops…
Hopefully the people of Wicklow will do the right thing at the next election
such a shame, he had alot of potential!
Ah here.
Quelle surprise Rodney!
Remember getting slagged on here a year or two ago for saying Donnelly was a secret Fianna Failer….except it wasn’t that much of a secret!!
@Reg: Credit where credits due Reg, I’ve just been reading your comments on Donnelly from 2013 and you were bang on the money.
http://www.thejournal.ie/stephen-donnelly-fianna-fail-independent-td-eamon-gilmore-1219708-Dec2013/
Thanks for digging out that link Les….I’ve just been overcome with a wave of smugness!!
@Reg: Can’t wait to hear jamming on this one…
@Reg: He could have easily joined fg to Reg.
He wants the pension
So he has signed up to join the ‘ship of fools’, will have absolutely no influence on any brexit decisions. Border issues will be decided upon by Britain and the EU, not the fianna fail party..
Very clever guy, disappointed but can understand his position. Rumour has it his brief will be dealing with Brexit.
Whatever way you look at it we need Stephen Donnelly in Dail Eireann.
Letter arrives this morning …minister for Brexit at lunchtime. …and you think ff have changed? ….
This will be a liability for Fianna Fail.
He has zero principles.
Looking forward to seeing the guy on the Vincent Brown show,I doubt he has the bottle,given all the hollow talk before…
We shall see?
This is a perfect platform to observe the mules ! According to the soc dems he didnt fancy doing the work !! He is a dead bald duck now good luck stevo!
Sadly once again, politicians, no morals.
All respect gone
No … dirty rat
So very very disappointed and disillusioned. The party of Charlie and Bertie is now the party of Stevie. But, I’m sure it will be good for his career and it seems that’s all it was ever about.
My God how low can you go I thought he had a brain how quickly they forget what FF did to this Country.
Blueman
An utter sell out by Donnelly. I used to give him my number 1 but not anymore.
The system is set up for independents to fail.
A Two faced,Narcissistic,Sell out Traitor!
what a sh!t.
A weasel a slieveen and a fianna fail failure all along should not be allowed to join parties mid term should have to wait until elections
A Real Irish Man would have resigned and went back to the people to Ask them Do they agree with him.Irish Coward….
Is it wrong to say I am disappointed in him. I have little faint in the political system. I hope some one comes along and changes my mind.
He is a very smart guy, who is a straight shooter, he could earn far more money in finance and a lot wiser than the knuckle draggers that run the country. I was hoping as an independent if there was enough of them we could force political reform. (Bandied round the place after the crash and yet nothing changed). Then joining the SDs ok I liked a lot of what they were saying. Now thou to join FF, I find it hard to stomach, the party which bankrupted the country, but maybe he has come to the conclusion you cant change much in the system as an independent or in a small party. Would I like to see him as finance minister in FF absolutely, will the FF party ever allow a blow in into that position? Questionable. I think he will for sure find new difficulties in a party where you toe the line and follow stupid dogmata.
@Pete Brady: personal gain.
I hope not Dave, as I said if he wanted that he would have stayed at the world bank. Doubt he’s another P Flynn, but its a hard sell for him to his constituents now thats for sure
@Dave Moran: If he has any balls donnelly should demand M.Martins resignation now for been part of a govt that has brought Ireland to its knees.
Disappointing, but this now means FF have at least got one TD I could vote for.
eanna. not me if jesus Christ joined ff I would not vote for them
@Patrick Gough: Ye same goes for fg.
Possible next leader of FF
@Mícheál S. Mac Donnacha: Leader of the F.A. Party lol.
Get a f”"”"”n grip!
This is good news yiz tw@ts. FF are not going away and their support is growing, so we need good smart people in there ASAP.
Dunphy – when asked by a foreign journalist to describe Fianna Fáil explained that they are “a cross between the Mafia and the Moonies”
Whatever happens Ff have his back as long as he does as he is instructed to, pardon the pun but that TRUMPS principles all day long…. ?
Great send him over to West Cavan, they need someone with balls…
Ah Chris, tell me it is not true – a FF man?
in the journal it said “donnelly joins ff. and underneath it said “serious sewage problem”. I thought they were connected
This a***hole could walk under a snake’s belly with a top hat.From being what seemed that rare being,a caring politician of intellect and integrity he goes and joins “strokers incorporated”. A total chancer like the rest of the morons that make up our parliament.shame on you,you total sham
Just another politician climbing aboard the gravy train. They are all the same every last one of them.
WTF I’m disgusted that he would join the Party that ruined this Country.
Disappointed, trying not to lose respect but, seeing it from his side, I can see why he would; if that is, he’s not a career politician as I suspect he might not be.
Sure the rest are with FG….
he is a bright guy i liked him but now he has moved in with the devils FF/FG/Lab!! he will be brain washed with months and told not to pass any comment about brexit.
Looks like he is looking for a pension like all the other worthless lot that we have in government
Can’t beat them so he joined them
Bleedin Clown.
He was bound to show his hand sooner than later, Sad how people can look others in the eye like
Whatever, the choice between one devil (FF) and another FG it is not really a choice. I think that a lot of people had hoped that he could have helped to turn the SD into a new and strong voice in Irish politics. I hope that he does not turn out to be another Shane Ross.
Spose he will eventually catch the F F decease ? Corrupt- amania. AKA, line your own and your buddy’s pockets !
He’s been promised a big job hope it doesn’t backfire
Probably a good move for him , Irish people have very short memories of what ff did to this country. They are all running back to support ff so I suppose he’s just jumping on the band wagon !!!!He will get his nose in the trough a bit quicker by doing this !!!!!
Conehead. Nuff said .
I HAD a lot of respect for Stephen Donnelly. But going to Fianna Fáil after years of deriding them and then this welcoming speech! No matter how much Micheal Martin and co say they have have changed, they have not, they are still Fianna Fáil and this country should remember that, and remember that well!! People say to me “build a bridge and move on”…. Only if that bridge is built with Fianna Fáil buried under it. Stephen Donnelly was elected as an independent for Wicklow/East Carlow and I think in general people accepted him co setting up the Social Democrats but I would doubt very much if he would have been elected under the Fianna Fáil banner. I would be very wary if I were Mr Donnelly…might get lost ,frustrated and tied up by Fianna Fáil inner politics…a little hint of the George Lee/ FG fiasco may happen here……
At last some brains in ff. wonders will neve cease
A bit soon to say the SDs won’t work.
What a hypocrite
We need a Trump…Say and then do!
CocoUNT
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!!!!!!!This is the most wonderful thing i have ever experienced, And i need to share this great testimony, I just want to say thanks to Dr. Ogudu for taking time to help me cast the spell that brought back my ex husband, my name is CAN MILLET FROM USA, I want to share my testimony and my happiness with you all in this site, last year my husband left me for another woman in his working place and he abandon me and my two (2) kids, everything was so hard for me and the kids because i love him so much, so i saw the testimonies of DR OGUDU, On how he has been helping ladies in getting there husband back so i contacted him and he help me to cast a return spell for my husband and the next day my husband left the other woman and he came back to me pleading for forgiveness with so much love and caring. i will never forget this help that DR OGUDU gave to me and my children. if you are here you need help to get you lover back you cancontact him via email——-OGUDUSPELLTEMPLE@YAHOO.COM// WHATSAPP NUMBER +2348106058254/ /WEBSITE—http://oguduspelltemple.wixsite.com/drogudu
New thinking in a system where the moto on the door is you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours…
Then they have to ask Merkel’s permission first even for going for a leak?
pension please for another traitor
Sickened by Stephen Donnelleys betrayal, he gave us hope that a new direction and people were going to try and change the age old stinking rotten mess of self interest that is Irish political party system. How could you, how in heavens name could you join that gang of shisters , that gang that has caused so much grief , of suicides, of homeless , of indebted ness to this land, hang your head in shame. Your just like them now forever corrupted. Hang your head.
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