Irish Election are pleased to announce our collection of Irish 
Facebook and Ahern
Read more about: Bertiegate
The Resign, Mr Ahern Facebook group, started back at the start of December, has just passed 1,500 members. It is certainly a milestone, and certainly the biggest Irish-oriented political group I have come across.
Following requests from members for some form of physical protest against Mr Ahern, I have put a date of Saturday April 12 out there for people to think about. I invited the entire group to attend, of whom 62 have said they will go, 156 may turn up, 348 people won’t turn up, and 1,220 have not yet replied. If 50 people turn up, I will be more than happy, but obviously the more the better.
I have the assistance of another member, in Co Meath, who has offered to help with organising any event that may take place on that day.
One of the things that members have requested is that it be apolitical - that is no hijacking by political parties like the Socialist Workers Party, Fine Gael, or anyone else for that matter.
I agree, any hijacking would lead to a pigeon-holing of the event as party political, when it is in fact the opposite.
While people who are protesting may be, and are likely to be, members of political parties (it is something you can’t get away from), but the group is composed of an interesting cross section of ages and beliefs - so all are welcome.
I don’t expect any protest that occurs to have any real affect, at least not initially. But I do see the point in doing something. For too long Irish people have sat back and complained about low standards in public office. Always giving out but never doing anything about it. Well what better way to spend your Saturday afternoon? Supping lattes, or supporting a cause you always talk about but never act on?
If you are not on Facebook, but are interested in the concept, or have something you want to contribute, drop me a line.
gavin AT gavinsblog DOT com.
The provisional date and time is Saturday April 12, 1pm, Dublin.
Has Irishelection taken an editorial decision to stop reporting the news and start making the news by taking an active role in opposing the government?
Irish Election has no political stance. It is blog its members post whatever they wish if you want to be a member and post about a march you or organizing in support of Bertie. Just drop me or cian a email. That or make a point about what Gavin is doing along the lines of why this march sould not take place why Bertie deserves the peoples support and not just waffle.
I would also say that the post was not taking a political stance per se, it was actually more about observing the phenomenon of social networking, how many people joined etc, and informing readers of its existence.
If you want to hear me rant on about why Ahern should resign then I will gladly do so, but I don’t see Irish Election as a forum for doing so.. I can do that on my own blog..
To be honest flyer had gavin not posted it it is likely one of us would be talking about it anyway from the point of view of organising online. The site, as Simon says, is not about objectivity but different views. We rarely report on news per se, we talk about it from our own political perspectives.