Web Roundup Day 16…Groundhog Day

Everybody is talking about the outburst. The PD/Green one, of course, today it hit Parlon country. Mary White is very mad claiming that Tom Parlon is “blustering” over live exports. Parlon suggests (and quites the policy from which it comes) that “The Green Party does not promote or support live exports of animals..”. Mary called this “paranoid bluster” stating that Green policy is in favour of phased withdrawl (recognising the lack of viable alternative) in order to promote local consumption and reduce unnecessary food miles. No, you have been told.

In the run up to the election, there was much speculation that Harney was going to keep the pressure on consultants by advertising posts under the new contract whether the unions agree to it or not. As doctor x on the Bitter Pill notes, this was seen as a daring move in the face of vested interests in the name of public good. However the blog brings us the rather startling insight that it is all cosmetics and Harney’s advertising holds all the appearance of tough on consultants without any of the bite.

Grandad brings us the startling news that despite the Badger cull, the number of TDs is still growing. Its turning into an epidemic!

Dominic had Pat round at the weekend and they paid a visit to the people of Millmount Abbey in Drogheda. More of this and less of the sprawl which Meath has been used to is the message. Meanwhile Eric Byrne was at James’ Hospital with his video-camera, check out today’s campaign video on health, private hospitals and the catchy theme tune.

The Get Fianna Fail Out! blog is keeping true to its title, with a post today asking a few searching questions of any voter thinking of voting FF. Among these are “what did they do in the past 10 years? Would it really be worth it if you voted for them again? What will they do in the next term?”, with the conclusion that FF are a pack of gombeens (to which I reply, aren’t they all?) and should be replaced (you can’t say that was an unexpected conclusion).

Why should anyone in North Kildare vote for Aine Brady? The simplest questions are always the hardest to answer. Aine, however, has given eight reasons in response to this comment; “Aine, as a yet undecided voter, what do you offer as a candidate for Kildare, whats your track record? Are you a member of the county council or local town council within Kildare? How have you helped Kildare communities in the past/present? What experience do you have to bring to the job in Dail Eireann? Thanks, Brian”

Over at Edelmann, Seamus has a bit of advice for the government parties (one of whom is a former employer) and that is to focus on the economy. If they fight on the economy, he reckons the government can shade it. If they focus on services, they are goners. It is interesting that he raises the issue of multi-national job losses and consumer confidence taking a “battering” something I would have thought might hinder the government’s re-election.

Mark has a sobering post on those who really are affected by elections and politics. While all parties are scrabbling to cut tax, “the principal of a national school in Ballyfermot appears on Show Me the Money, seeking Eddie Hobbs’s help to balance the school finances and pay the gas and electricity bills because the government capitation grant is inadequate.”

I will let Damien tell you why Fine Gael’s manifesto on broadband is useless.

Kevin Rafter has a mid-term report of sorts on the performers of the election thus far. Best photo-op goes to the otherwise flopping PDs for this (any excuse).

While photo of the day goes to Cllr Keith Martin who snapped Bertie canvassing in a school today.