Web Roundup Day 10

Press release of the day, of a sort, is likely to be of interest to bloggers. RTE will be exclusively web-casting a debate between the Communications spokespeople of each of the four parties. Live online from 14:00-15:00 and I know someone chomping at the bit to watch this showdown. If you are desperate in need of an official release of the night, well I cant look past the commitment from Fine Gael to protect us from terrorism.

Perhaps they have still got time to listen to Neil Groagan’s idea and make it available over the internet for, erm, youtubing.

Sliabh is singularly unimpressed with all the parties on offer. Its an interesting point that in modern Ireland, a professional who seeks a party in support of liberalism, science and scientific progress struggles to fine one. Sadly, it is less surprising to see that Bertie has taken the decision for him thanks to that Thursday poll idea.

Cllr Seamus Ryan is happy with the campaign so far, he and Labour seem to suggest that it is all about health on the doorsteps. Still Dec is one voter with grave suspicions surrounding Bertie’s finances and less amused by diversion around who leaked what.

AJ Cahill takes us into the canvass and it goes to show that politicians still hold a great deal of power over the lives of people. If you think I am wrong, or a vote isn’t worth it, consider; “some people pour their heart out to you like a single Mother who told me of the high rent she paid along with child care costs, she could not buy a home because they were beyond her reach despite her working full time, she regularly was without money to feed her kids, had contemplated suicide but would never do it because of her kids, she did not want a handout just a fair chance to build a normal live for her and her kids, instead she fears homelessness”. This is a political problem and any TD that mother elects to the Dail has some power (depending on power/government composition) to effect change on her behalf that womans vote (like all of yours) could change lives. Political point over, AJ also launched his manifesto.

No sign of Noel Dempsey but fingers crossed we get a decent post on the web debate tomorrow.

The Edelmann blog (Seamus Mulconry) is disappointed that the Irish electoral disease has reemerged with parties returning to the default of crisis, personality and spitting games. It really got so close to a boring old European policy election. Their take? “Paradoxically this whole affair may actually increase the FF vote, as their supporters are energised to come out and vote to defend their man. However real success in Irish elections is based on securing 2nd, 3rd or even lower preference votes from the supporters of other parties. It is here that Fianna Fail candidates suffer, as they get an increased FF vote but fail to secure transfers. It is indeed shaping up to be a most interesting election.”

Finally this evening, Green has been appointed to the position of Green Party stylist (ah, I get it now). He has decided that the Enright is in, bring back King Kev.