RTÉ Election 2007

25-5-07 23.25

RTÉ Exit poll almost mirrors results

The Insider observes that, with all first counts now completed, the RTE/Lansdowne Market Research poll was extremely close to the final first preference total across the country.

The first preference results, with the Exit Poll figures released this morning in brackets, were as follows:

FF 41.6 (41.6)
FG 27.3 (26.3)
Lb 10.1 (9.9)
SF 6.9 (7.3)
GP 4.7 (4.8)
PD 2.7 (2.6)
Others 6.6 (7.5)

25-5-07 19.35

Ahern has long way to go to beat Dev

The Insider notes that if Bertie Ahern wins a third consecutive term as Taoiseach it will not be a record, as it has been done before.

He will be the first Taoiseach since Eamon de Valera to do so, but today's Fianna Fail leader has a long, long way to beat Mr De Valera's re-election record.

Even if he did not go the full term, the architect of our country's Constitution was elected President of the Executive Council/Taoiseach six times in a row, 1932, 1933, 1937, 1938, 1943, and 1944.

A lot done, more to do, Bertie!

25-5-07 09:46

Betting on Bertie

The race to be the next Taoiseach is all over, according to Paddy Power bookies, which has announced it is paying out on Bertie Ahern to fill the post.

They will be paying out over €300,000 euro to punters who backed Mr Ahern, on the back of the RTÉ/Lansdowne Market Research exit poll.

Winnings can be collected from 10 am.

-DMC

24-5-07 15.45 Party leaders cast their ballots

The Insider can report that all the main party leaders, with one exception (more of that later), have cast their ballots in Election 2007.

The Fianna Fáil leader, Bertie Ahern, held his ballot high above his head for the cameras in Drumcondra. Asked outside if he thinks he'll be the next Taoiseach, Mr Ahern replied 'Ah we'll see. We'll know soon enough'.

The Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny, held both thumbs up when casting his vote in his native Castlebar, while Pat Rabbitte was careful to fix his tie before putting his preferences in the box in Clondalkin.

The Progressive Democrat leader, Michael McDowell, displayed a cheery smile and even danced a pirouette before putting in his ballot in Ranelagh.

Initially, polling station staff at the community centre in Balbriggan, Co Dublin, were unable to determine if the Green Party leader, Trevor Sargent, was in fact registered to vote. After this hiatus it was all smiles as Mr Sargent finally put pencil to paper.

The most unusual performance was turned in by the Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams, who does not have a vote in the Republic. Accompanying Cllr Larry O'Toole to his polling station in Darndale, Mr Adams borrowed an RTÉ microphone and gave his party colleague an impromptu mock interview.

If the last election was the one that saw the end of Civil War politics, then perhaps this year will be remembered as the election when Section 31 was well and truly forgotten about...

24-5-07 7:30

Let the voting begin!

BTW, in case you need to brush up on your PR-STV, here's a great little guide:

http://www.rte.ie/news/elections2007/prstv.html

22-5-07 17:35

Ladies and Gentlemen, step right up and place your bets

Election 2007: Bookmaker odds for coalitions

Looks like the best bet is on Pat Rabbitte eating his words and upgrading his title to Tánaiste.

Strangely enough, the worst odds would also involve Pat becoming Number Two.

Leaving the only question to be, in the words of Austin Powers, 'Who does Number Two work for?'

22-5-07 15:21

A Labour of Brotherly Love

Labour Party management in Dublin North are desparately trying to patch-up divisions between the party faithful in the constituency in advance of polling day.

A major row erupted in the party when Brendan Ryan, the brother of out-going TD Sean Ryan was selected to run for Labour.

Many party activists felt at least one of the sitting Fingal councillors should have been selected.

Some of those opposed to Brendan Ryan's selection openly questioned his political inexperience.

At the time Mr Ryan dismissed the criticisms, saying his wide ranging experience in management combined with the experience he gained from working with his brother over the years, put him in a very strong position.

Many in the party fear the split will lead to Labour losing its seat.

With three of the four sitting TDs in the constituency retiring, its all to play for in Dublin North.

-Paul Maguire

22-5-07 13:57

Cork Controversy

A spokesperson for Fianna Fáil has denied that party workers were popping champagne bottles at a rally in Dublin on Sunday night.

The suggestion was made by Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, but the spokesperson insisted nothing of the sort had taken place.

-DMC

22-5-07 12:05 (updated at 12:42)

Gerry Adams ready to negotiate; Bertie, Enda... not so much

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said he is cautiously confident that his party would get a mandate in the election - and that it would be a mandate for government.

Gerry Adams refused to speculate on how many seats his party would win, but said that Sinn Féin would get a very big vote.

The Sinn Fein President indicated that his party already has a post-election negotiating team in place.

Bertie Ahern said on Pat Kenny's programme this morning that he does not believe that the results of the General Election will mean that Sinn Fein will have to enter Government with Fianna Fáil.

He said he would not go back to the people if this happened but would find an alternative way.

He also said he might not be in the equation of forming a new government himself.

Campaigning in the south, Enda Kenny said he believed there are people who remain opposed to Sinn Fein serving in government.

He said he had given great credit to SF over the leadership they played in the peace process, and he said they are entitled to stand candidates in the election here.

But he added that SF should serve a lengthy period in a democratic situation here before they could be considered for serving in government.

22-5-07 11:58

You may have heard the Taoiseach on Pat Kenny's Radio One programme this morning.

Coming up on the final Campaign Daily, watch what he said coming out of that interview. RTÉ reporter and Insider contributor Paul Maguire caught up with him.

You can watch it right now at RTÉ.ie/live.

22-5-07 10:19

From the pitch to the polls

That quiet weeping you've been hearing from your Mayo colleagues would be over their huge loss to Galway Sunday at Salthill.

This week could be a two-fer defeat for Mayo manager and Fine Gael candidate John O'Mahony.

FG was hoping the sportsman would take a third seat for them in the competitive constituency, but that appears unlikely given the weekend's developments.

One Mayo fan told The Insider, even if they had won on Sunday, he didn't stand much of a chance anyways.

And another Mayo fan offered this interesting theory: he suggested that the Mayo squad are all die-hard Fianna Fáil and last Sunday's disaster was planned to sabotage O'Mahony's election campaign.

Either that or they are just s***e.

21-5-07 19:41

Bertie & the Twins

Make sure you get a picture of him with the twins!!! 

The sight of a double buggy on the streets of Cavan Town today was enough to unleash a flurry of photographers, all anxious to get a shot of Taoiseach (and new Granda) Bertie Ahern with Jack and Callum, five month-old identical twin boys who were both sporting identical FF stickers and playing happily with FF flags.

Of course, the health of Ireland's most famous twins, Rocco and Jay Byrne, has been a frequent topic of conversation among members of the public who met the Taoiseach over the past three weeks.

Both boys had been kept in hospital following their premature birth some weeks ago, however proud Granda Ahern revealed to reporters today they are now both home, and doing very well.

In fact, he told us proudly, 'they came to visit me in the office last night before they went anywhere!'

Now that really is something to celebrate.

-SC

21-5-07 11:00

An electrified candidacy

Fine Gael MEP and Louth candidate Mairead McGuinness was not the most popular person in her hometown of Ardee last week after an election poster of hers was set on fire.

It's believed the poster, which was positioned halfway up a wooden ESB pole, was set on fire by local youths as a prank.

However residents didn't think it funny when flames from the poster ran up the pole and destroyed the cables carrying the local power supply.

As a result half the town of Ardee was without electricity for a number of hours.

Fine Gael's campaign against rip-off Ireland promises consumers of household utilities that if they experience an interruption in service for more than three hours in one day, they will not be charged for the service for the entire 24-hour period. 

I wonder does this cover interruption by burning election posters as well. 

-Paul Maguire

21-5-07 10:05

The (almost) Terenure Thrashing

Most of us aren't experts at reading body language.

But when Enda Kenny and Michael McDowell met while canvassing mass-goers outside St Joseph's church in Dublin South-East Sunday morning, no translator was necessary.

'Hiya, Minister for Justice, how are you,' quipped Mr Kenny, as the two sets of eyes met across the car park.

'Good to see you, how's tricks?' the Tánaiste replied as the two men came awkwardly together before the cameras.

There then followed an excruciating few seconds of gnashed teeth smiles and silence.

The assembled media eagerly anticipated a Terenure Thrashing to rival last week's Rumble in Ranelagh.

But alas, after Mr Kenny had made some anodyne comment about the weather, and Mr McDowell's muttered back almost apologetically, 'this was not planned', both men turned and scurried away to 'meet the people', much to the disappointment of the watching media.

Was it that outside a church on a Sunday morning was no place for a political scrap?

Or was it more a case of once bitten, twice shy for Mr McDowell?!

-Will Goodbody

20-5-07 13:16

Going to the birds

Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny, was supposed to be highlighting his party's policies on the environment Saturday morning, and chose the suitably apt location of a recycling centre in Ballina for the occasion.

But despite the best efforts of Mr Kenny's handlers to drum up interest in the event, the attention of everyone present quickly switched to Cara - the resident Harris Hawk, used for bird control at the next door landfill site.

Soon the photographers and cameramen happily snapped as she swooped from the rafters to pick pieces of beef from her handler's glove.

The journalists and onlookers keenly asked questions about the beautiful bird's purposes.

And even Squire Kenny got in on the act, posing like lord of the manor, as Cara sat majestically on his outstretched arm!

It wasn't exactly how FG had planned the event would go - but nobody's feathers seemed too ruffled!

-Will Goodbody

20-5-07 12:45

The Insider is well-rested for the long, exciting week ahead.

We start with this little insight into FF's Vote Management from Sinead Crowley:

The polite-ist man in Irish politics strikes again... this time Noel Ahern doesn't even want you to vote for him!

Well not if you live in Finglas.

The latest missive from Bertie's Big Bro contains the following well thought out vote management strategy.

The leaflet informs you that, if you live in the Whitehall/Glasnevin/Beaumont end of Dublin North West, you should vote 1. Noel Ahern and 2. Pat Carey.

If you live in the Finglas end vote Carey 1 and Ahern 2.

That way, Ahern reasons, the party can 'retain 2 seats for FF so that BERTIE AHERN can still be in charge as Taoiseach'.

He ain't heavy... he's my brother.

18-5-07 20:15

11,000 Rabbitte hops

The Labour Party says that Pat Rabbitte walked over 11,000 steps on Monday.

His walking distance was measured by a pedometer that he wore during a day of canvassing in Nenagh, Thurles, Carlow and Clonmel.

That should help him work off that fried chicken he ate:

18-5-07 19:51

Politics at Salthill

Political watchers should keep an eye on the Mayo-Galway match this Sunday.

Before Mayo FG candidate John O'Mahony battles for votes on Thursday, he hopes to beat the Tribesmen.

Some locals believe a big win on the pitch could be just what he needs to ensure victory at the polls.

18-5-07 17:12

Internet voting

RTÉ.ie, in collaboration with mycandidate.ie, is now tracking the popularity of our candidate profiles.

Click here to get the latest stats.

As of 16:35 this afternoon, Bertie is in the lead with 2.59% of all views.

Enda Kenny is second with 2.28%

But then, the list gets random.

Third is Fine Gael Dublin South-East candidate Lucinda Creighton with 1.4%, FG Dublin South candidate Anne Marie Martin just behind her with 1.22% and Labour's man in Roscommon Leitrim South, Hughie Baxter, in fifth place with 0.95%.

18-5-07 16:58

The Candidate/Groom/Dentist

Exciting news from the PDs who have announced their events for tomorrow including the Tánaiste canvassing his own constituency and Mary Harney appearing on RTÉ Radio's Saturday View.

Plus, their Dublin North East candidate Keith Redmond ('The TV Dentist')is taking time out from the campaign for his wedding.

He will wed his fiancee Sarah-Jane 2pm this Saturday at St Michael's Church, Drumisken village, Co Louth.

Some candidates will do anything for publicity.

-DMC

NB: Watch Keith Redmond's You Tube

18-5-07 16:30

Cannabis story rehashed...again

Just when The Insider thought The Angry Rail's whisp of a story about politicians and pot had run out of puff, all of a sudden Fianna Fáil ministers are lining up to have another toke on the controversy.

Finance Minister Brian Cowen has said his admission of smoking cannabis was 'not a big deal'.

He told this morning's Fianna Fáil news briefing that it was 30 years ago, and that he had just answered a question about it when asked by Hot Press.

But he added: 'Certainly, I regret being young and foolish - maybe other people in the room were never young and foolish.'

Transport Minister Martin Cullen, a well-known smoker of normal cigarettes, said he had never tried more unorthodox ones.

'I used to think I had a misspent youth, but now I don't think I did,' he said, adding that he used to drink alcohol but gave that up in his 20s.

And Education Minister Mary Hanafin said she was a 'good girl' who neither smoked nor drank - once a teacher, always a teacher...

18-5-07 02:13

Insider reader Peter Fitz says:

Taoiseach definitely was stronger. After the uncomfortable questions re: his finances, he landed a killer blow on Kenny by getting to the nub of how he was going to pay for the 2300 new beds, by diverting monies already accounted for it seems. 

Much better opening statement from Enda, and gracious comments on Bertie's finances, but downhill from there.

Gillian Boyle writes:

I think this will go down as a victory to Kenny. He was very calm and kept his composure.

For Ahern to win he had to deliver a knockout blow which he did not do.

Kenny showed to be Taoiseach material tonight.

So, what did you think?

Send your comments on the debate to theinsider@rte.ie.

17-5-07 21:51

Debate watchin' notes

So far, so classy. Definitely a change from last night's Prime Time Leaders' Debate.

Both candidates arrived to RTÉ on time tonight. Enda was actually here two hours prior.

17-5-07 15:40

Reefer Madness

Hot on the heels of Brian Cowen's admission to smoking dope, Micheál Lehane has this from this morning's FF presser:

Defence Minister Willie O'Dea was asked at the Fianna Fail press conference in Treasury Buildings if he ever took drugs. He said no.

Then this reporter asked about a front page article in a Limerick paper in March 2001 that 'suggested' he did during his college days experiment with drugs.

The Minister said 'no I don't think so.' However, in an interview with the Limerick Chronicle on Tuesday, March 20th, 2001 the Minister admitted to reporter Eugene Phelan that he did smoke a 'joint' when he was in UCD in the 1970s.

'I found it absolutely revolting, it did nothing for me.'

He went on to say: 'Everyone hung out and experimented. It was the thing at the time. There was a lot of peer pressure, but it was not for me.

'Most of the students doing, law, medicine and architecture all tried it. it was no big deal and a lot of other politicians have admitted experimenting at that time.'

17-5-07 15:25

Indie Spirit

The Insider is a little picture happy today, but we couldn't resist putting up this great photo from Jim Berkeley. He titled it 'David v. Goliath'. We couldn't think of a better name.

17-5-07 15:00

Brotherly Love: the Pictorial

The Insider has finally obtained a copy of Noel Ahern's recent mailer to his constituents. Not only does he express strong support for his bro Bertie, but it has what is probably the most polite vote preference request we have seen so far this campaign.



Public transit geeks take note: Noel Ahern's mailer also contains a couple of route options for the proposed Metro West project (right click here to see a larger version of the map).

16-5-07 23:24

Thoughts from Insider reader Dee Kenny:

Michael McDowell's head looked like it was going to explode. At one point, his face was the colour of Jerry (sic) Adams' tie....
 
As for Trevor's notes on his hand, he was just being a diligent Green, not wasting paper and killing trees for his notes.
 
All in all, a very telling debate. I hope the voting public was listening between the lines while they were speaking.

16-5-07 22:18

Debate Watch notes:

-'Menopausal Paris Hilton?'

-If you watch closely to the debate, you can see Trevor Sargent's notes written on his left hand.

-Is anyone else loving Pat Rabbitte's eye-brow raise/smile combo during some cutaways?

-Trevor Sargent arrived first to RTÉ studios, but only because he was doing the Six One News. Pat Rabbitte was second, Gerry Adams third, Michael McDowell last (and almost late).

What do you think of the debate? Send your comments to theinsider@rte.ie.

16-5-07 18:15

Casual Canvassing

Residents in the Dublin North constituency, have begun to question the dress sense of Fianna Fáil Candidate John O'Leary.
 
Since the election was called, Mr O'Leary has canvassed the area dressed in a brown sweatshirt, jeans and runners.
 
He turned up to a number of public engagements over a period of days in the what appeared to be exactly the same clothes.
 
A number of party supporters appeared quite miffed by his appearance, saying this was 'okay for training but not for campaigning'.
 
Is this an attempt by O'Leary to project a man of the people image?
 
If so, it has not gone down too well with headquarters.
 
It appears someone from the party's image department had a quiet word in Mr O'Leary's shell-like.
 
The former Dublin goalkeeper looked rather dapper today when he appeared beside the Taoiseach at the Financial Services Centre to unveil Fianna Fáil's plans for a National Sports Museum.
 
Dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and red tie, he looked every inch the politician.
 
This of course will leave the good people of Dublin North wondering: if a suit and tie is good enough for the IFSC, why is it not good enough for the campaign trail back home?

-From Paul Maguire

16-5-07 17:52

The First Daughter

Not only did The Insider find out that Bill Clinton will be featured in Fianna Fáil's political party broadcast, but another member of the Ahern family smells like American spirit.

Cecilia Ahern's half-hour comedy pilot 'Sam I Am' has been picked up by US broadcaster ABC. The series, which was developed by Donald Todd, will premiere this autumn and star Christina 'Kelly Bundy' Applegate.

It gets a nice Monday Night slot after 'Dancing With The Stars'.

'Sam I  Am' is a single camera comedy about a 30-year old woman who, after becoming a victim of a hit and run, wakes up from a coma with retrograde amnesia and has to rediscover her life, her relationships and herself.

-SC

16-5-07 16:55

Taking dem to da mats

An encounter with sports stars including boxing champion Katie Taylor brought out the fighting spirit in Bertie Ahern at the launch of plans for the National Sports Museum this afternoon.

Asked by reporters about the Fine Gael claim that some ministers had been conspiciously absent from the Fianna Fail election campaign, the Taoiseach he gave 'full marks for hard neck' to an opposition 'that hadn't even turned up to its own press conferences.' 

He continued: 'They've sent out a director of elections and one of their staff to the press conferences. Let's be honest, if you (ie the meejia) went down to Treasury Buildings and you found out that it was the general secretary and one of our outside handlers who you hardly knew turned up to give a press conference, you'd murder us! That's what they've been doing for you the past few weeks and you've been taking it!'

Seconds out, round two...

-SC

16-5-07 16:25

The Rumble in Ranelagh

Tanaiste Michael Mc Dowell's latest publicity stunt came unstuck this afternoon after John Gormley of the Greens confronted him over what he claimed were distortions of his policies.

Mr McDowell was unveling a poster saying "Left Wing Government? No Thanks" in Ranelagh the site of his famous telegraph pole climb in the last Election.

When he started detailing policies of the Green Party, John Gormley emerged from the crowd of journalists to confront Mr McDowell and claim he had distorted those policies.

Mr Mc Dowell advised Mr Gormley to 'calm down' while other PD members told him to go away but Mr Gormley replied it is you who is finished.

Just as news interview was about to finish local Fine Gael candidate Lucinda Creighton arrived to put up a poster of her own.

Mr McDowell then left.

Watch their rumble here

-DMC

16-5-07 11:50

Brotherly Love

It hasn't been a great election campaign so far for the Soldiers of Destiny, but Fianna Fáil is fighting back. Well, one of them is anyway.

An election newsletter from Minister of State Noel Ahern popped into this Insider contributor's Dublin North West home last night, but this was no 'one election fits all' missive.

Alongside reminders of 'Ireland's move from unemployment to sustained growth' and promises of 'the next steps to a stronger and more prosperous Ireland', the leaflet also contains the following message from Bertie's older brother.

'Despite the systematic and resolute effort to damage our Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, we have kept our focus on the real issues on the future of this country'.

That's telling them.

Incidentally, and rather sweetly, the leaflet also looks for 'Your Number 1 - Please.'

A bit of politeness never did any canvasser any harm.

-SC

16-5-07 11:40

BIRD WATCHING
Exclusive analysis for The Insider
By RTÉ Chief News Correspondent Charlie Bird



Both these parties cannot be right.

With just over a week to go before polling the two main parties, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael hold completely opposite views about the number of seats they will hold after polling day. 

Fine Gael went into this election with just over 30 seats. On the basis of the latest polls and their own feedback from the doors, their Director of Elections Frank Flannery is predicting they will end up with somewhere between 55 and 60 seats. 

If these figures were to come true on polling day, they would be massive gains for the party, claiming back most of the seats they lost in 2002. 

When you visit the Fianna Fáil election HQ less than a mile down the road at the Treasury Buildings, there General Secretary Sean Dorgan predicts confidently that Fine Gael are just spinning the polls, that they are on course to hold most of the seats they held in the outgoing Dail and that they will end up in the mid to high seventies.

When you ask about the trend in the polls, Fianna Fáil point to the fact that they have 106 candidates fighting in the 43 constituencies, that many of the candidates are outgoing members of the Dail and, as a result, will do far better than the polls are predicting.

Both parties are making predictions... about their level of support... both parties cannot be right.

If Fine Gael end up with around 60 seats there is no way that Fianna Fáil can be in the mid 70s.

If Fianna hold to the mid 70s, then is no way Fine Gael can be in the seat range their Director of Elections is predicting.

Based on what both are saying today, one or other party will have egg all over their face after polling day.

The stakes are high for both of them.

15-5-07 15:40

Stating the Obvious

Here's a shocker: the Progressive Democrats have ruled out a coalition deal including Labour after the election.

The party's deputy leader, Liz O'Donnell, said she could not see the PDs doing serious business with the Labour Party - adding that the feeling appeared to be mutual.

She said their preference was to continue the coalition with Fianna Fáil, but if the figures don't fall that way, they would be open to negotiations with any party that shared their perspectives, although she ruled Labour out of that.

15-5-07 15:15

It's not easy being Green

Big wobble with the Greens this morning.  

They were launching their party political broadcast featuring an array of winsome kiddies imploring us to vote for their future but it was clear the Green grandees were focussed on the grubbier business of getting into office next week, their nervy body language jarring with the video's message of hope.

With the overnight poll showing slippage for Trevor Sargent's party and a dramatic slump in support for Fianna Fáil, it fell to Trevor to pronounce that even if they wanted to, and of course they don't, now they can't go into government with Bertie Ahern because the numbers won't be there.

And even though he insisted Enda Kenny couldn't take the Greens for granted, the key message was 'we want to participate in the alternative government - we want to do a deal'.

The Greens are clearly in a tricky position.  

An independent stance that had seemed a winning formula is now looking shakier as support consolidates behind the two alternative governments bringing to mind the ecologically appropriate apothegm: When elephants fight,  the grass gets trampled.

15-5-07 12:05

Free The FF Two!



Fine Gael has started to campaign for the 'release' of the Fianna Fáil Two - Ministers Dick Roche and Martin Cullen - who it says have been banned from the airwaves because focus group research shows they are unpopular.

Two large cardboard cut-outs of the missing Ministers stood beside the platform at this morning's Fine Gael news briefing, where Director of Organisation Phil Hogan said they hoped by highligting the issue, Dick Roche and Martin Cullen would come out of hiding.

He added they would be disappearing from public view again very quickly after the election in any case.

Enterprise Minister Michéal Martin responded by saying it would be a good idea to provide cardboard cutouts of the Fine Gael front bench would be helpful, as he he found it hard to recognise them.

He added that while senior Fianna Fáil figures attended their news briefings, Fine Gael often put up a press officer and Director of Elections Frank Flannery, who he said would not be elected to anything.

-DMC

15-5-07 12:00

Will the Rainbow Coalition be missing the Green spectrum?

Green Party leader Trevor Sargent has said it's now clear that on the numbers Fianna Fáil and his party cannot form a government but warned he cannot do a deal with Enda Kenny if the opposition leader can only offer what he called 'Fianna Fáil light'.

Mr Sargent said that any coalition which his party was a member of would have to tackle climate change, clean up politics, and improve our education system for all our children.  

He also insisted that the link between developers and political parties would have to be broken

Asked about the possibility of a voting arrangement with other parties he said that Green Party supporters knew that the best way of changing the government was to vote Green first and then vote for the other parties.

-David Davin-Power

14-5-07 20:10

You gotta love four-year old humour

From Will Goodbody, on the road with Enda:

While awaiting Enda Kenny outside the Garda Training College in Templemore, four and a half year old Shane Ryan came up to me and said: 'Knock knock.'

I naturally enquired, 'Who is there?'

'Enda', said Shane.

'Enda who?,' I probed.

'Enda the road for Bertie,' the little fella shouted with a look of glee.

Fine Gael are certainly starting them young!

14-5-07 20:00

Mall Rats

Shoppers and stollers in the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre got an unexpected insight into the election campaign on Sunday afternoon, when they stumbled upon Bertie Ahern answering reporters questions about his personal finances and THAT statement.
 
Sandwiched between McDonalds, Penney's and a multiscreen cinema, the foyer of 'Blanch' wouldn't appear to be the handiest place in the world to tackle questions of this nature, but the Fianna Fail press office quickly took action, locking doors, providing a roped off area and generally ensuring that a little corner of West Dublin became Fianna Fail central for 10 minutes only.
 
The Taoiseach, whose statement had been released to the media only an hour before, greeted party faithful and shoppers before turning once again to face the cameras.

'Howerya', ventured one reporter.

'Oh... supermarkets' sighed the Taoiseach, no doubt thinking about the handshaking, back slapping and baby kissing that lay ahead.

In a campaign that has seen us follow him into Tescos and Dunnes as far apart as Tralee, Drogheda and Thurles, we know how he feels.

-SC

14-5-07 15:55

Double Negative

Fine Gael were giving out at their news briefing this morning about negative campaigning by Fianna Fáil - but was it a case of the pot calling the kettle black?

FG Director of Communications Ciaran Conlon opened the briefing by announcing a new wheeze - they are inviting the public to participate in an on-line poll to decide which of four Ministers they would like to see sacked for non-performance: Dick Roche, Martin Cullen, Michael McDowell or Michéal Martin.

Negative - us?

-DMC

14-5-07 13:45

Plugging the Leak

From Enda's campaign, Will Goodbody reports:

Enda Kenny reacted to Defence Minister Willie O'Dea's claims that FG were in some way involved in leaking information about the Taoiseach's personal finances today.

Speaking in New Ross, Co Wexford, Mr Kenny said he had no knowledge of what Mr O'Dea was 'sounding off about'.

Enda refused to get sucked into the controversy, repeating the ubiquitous refrain that he is happy the Mahon tribunal is allowed to do its work after the election.

14-5-07 12:20

Campaign Diet

The Taoiseach said last campaign that he survived the canvass on a diet of apples and pears.

While it's difficult to figure out Bertie's diet for this campaign since he's usually in a helicopter in between stops, The Insider can report McDonald's and petrol stations make up the primary diet for most reporters on the trail.

On the plus size, er, side, any extra calories are usually burnt off by the breakneck speed of Bertie's campaign. 

RTÉ reporter Sinead Crowley, who is following the Taoiseach, tells the Insider that her post-campaign book will most likely include diet tips like how to survive on one meal a day while sprinting for Ireland around every Market Square in the vicinity.

As she puts it 'I'll call it the FF Plan. You could lose your seat!! Or any other part of you that needs toning.'

14-5-07 12:00

From the morning party briefings

FF's money man Brian Cowen chaired this morning's press briefing. He accused FG and Labour of foisting 'a con-job' on the electorate by offering more than what they can pay for.

He said FG wants to spend €1.9b from a fund of €832m. Labour wants to spend €1.7b, according to Cowen.

-DDP

Meanwhile, Labour's Health spokeswoman Liz McManus expanded on her party's Irish Times ad this morning. She warned that Labour would stop any co-location plans if it becomes part of the Government.

The ad said all progress on such projects would be terminated immediately unless contractual obligations have been entered into.

She said the land was needed to provide the 2,300 new public hospital beds, which Labour and Fine Gael have promised.

-DMC

12-5-07 11:38

Earning the scooper vote

Enda Kenny was in Kenmare Co Kerry Friday afternoon and used his visit to give one of his by now trademark rousing soap box addresses to the assembled party faithful.

But as the FG leader upped the decibels bit by bit, the Insider spotted a gentleman, who was doing a bad job of hiding a can of lager inside his jacket, edging ever forward, with a distinct stagger.

Eventually, just a few feet from Mr Kenny, he declared in a very audible volume, 'Up Jackie Healy-Rae'.

He was quickly ushered into the background by embarrassed FG stalwarts.

But as Mr Kenny hit the 10 minute mark, and began eliciting round after round of applause from the crowd of several hundred, the Insider spotted the same gentleman, still hiding the can, applauding with gusto!

Clearly you don't need to have had a few scoops to be convinced by FG's message. But maybe, just maybe, it helps!!

-Will Goodbody

11-5-07 18:10

The 'Other' Debate

The four-way debate between Michael McDowell, Pat Rabbitte, Trevor Sargent and Gerry Adams is now set after McDowell finally agreed to it.

Sources close to the negotiations told The Insider that McDowell was the last hold-out to the debate to be held next Wednesday on RTÉ One and RTÉ.ie/live. Mark Little will moderate.

11-5-07 14:25

Strange bedfellows

Much was made earlier this week about FF and FG insistence that they wouldn't get into the Governmental bed with Sinn Féin.

Well, today Socialist Party leader Joe Higgins said that not only would his party refuse to join a coalition with FF or FG, but he plans to vote against Bertie or Enda as Taoiseach.

Joe also accused both Sinn Fein and the Greens have made their programmes less radical in recent days (read: selling out) so the main stream parties would continue to flirt with them.

Four Socialist Party candidates are contesting the election.

11-5-07 14:12

Military time

Before the campaign began, all the parties engaged in a 'slow bicycle race' over the timing of their news conferences.

Fine Gael were firmly convinced that they lost control of the media agenda in 2002 because their briefing was on after Fianna Fáil's (in fact, they lost control of the media agenda in 2002 because they were completely, and utterly, useless).

Anyway, this time around, Fine Gael have settled on 9:45, Labour on 10:30, and Fianna Fáil on 11. 

Is it a coincidence that the Fianna Fáil campaign hasn't exactly set the world alight?

Today, presumably to facilitate the Taoiseach's Date with Destiny at the Boyne, the Fianna Fáil briefing was brought forward to 9 am.

The result was a VERY sparsely attended start to the Fine Gael gig, with most hacks straggling in late after the other attraction in Treasury Buildings had finished.

Hopefully, this won't give the Soldiers of Destiny ideas.

-DMC

10-5-07 23:40

There once was a fella from Limerick,
Who fell victim to a 'dirty trick'...

Peace has broken out in Limerick West among the Fianna Fáil candidates.

Feelings had been running high in recent days after it emerged that Niall Collins had got Willie O'Dea to sign a letter of support, which Collins sent out to about 3,000 homes in a new area of Limerick West following a constituency redraw.

Those behind his runningmate John Cregan's campaign spoke first about 'dirty tricks' and murmured about the need for a full investigation.

However, tonight Cregan's Director of Elections Michael J Noonan admitted to The Insider that the matter was history.

So Collins well and truly beat Cregan to the ball on this one, but his final line in the controversial letter did show some concern for his colleague's welfare.

It read: 'My request to you is to help Niall Collins as best you can and continue your support for the outgoing TD John Cregan, who is a good worthwhile Public Representative in Dáil Éireann.'

-Micheál Lehane 

10-5-07 23:30

Fire the guy who put Wicklow on my schedule

Enda Kenny spent the morning with the forthright voters of Co Wicklow. And certainly, residents of the Garden County weren't slow about sharing their thoughts with the Fine Gael leader, or lobbing in a few hand grenades for that matter.

First came the two women who separately took Mr Kenny to task on the issue of the archaeological impact of the M3 motorway on the Tara Skryne Valley.

Yes, that's right, the motorway being built in Co Meath. Didn't see that one coming?

Next came the woman in Bray who said she had never really got a straight answer from Fine Gael on when it would reform stamp duty.

When Mr Kenny said that in fact she had, the voter replied in her best sarcasm laden tone for the microphones, 'Have I? Because I must have missed that.'

Later Mr Kenny must have thought he was on safer ground talking to a gentleman in a Greystones supermarket about election posters. Until, that was, the man declared that he thought Mr Kenny looked 'very sly' in his lamppost mugshot!

But the final straw must surely have come when, back out on the main street, Mr Kenny approached a middle aged woman to shake her hand, only to be greeted with the words: 'Will you lay off Minister McDowell. He's the best Minister for Justice we've had since Des O'Malley. So will you lay off.'

Next county!

-Will Goodbody

10-5-07 19:13

The Perils of Canvassing

From RTÉ Mid-West Correspondent Cathy Halloran:

Bertie was confronted by an indie candidate about his finances during a canvas in Limerick this afternoon.

John Devane, a solicitor running in Lim-East, approached the Taoiseach wielding a toy sword, calling on Bertie to fall on his sword and be truthful with the Irish people about his finances.

Bertie was bravely rescued by the gardaí, who confiscated the sword, and then carried on his merry way to canvas the city.

If ANYONE has a picture of this incident, please send it to theinsider@rte.ie and ye shall be knighted.

10-5-07 13.25

Parties take stage management to new levels

Party news conferences are always carefully stage-managed affairs, but today the parties went one further and added warm-up acts, props and animal extras to the proceedings.

Fine Gael was showing 'Groundhog Day' before this morning's news conference, which claimed that a lot of the promises in the FF manifesto were made in 2002 but not delivered.
 
Labour set up goals in their media briefing room to allow Dublin South candidate Aidan Culhane take a few penalties to promote the party's policy on sport.

Kildare South's Jack Wall (former chairman of the Kildare County Board) was in goals. A party handler suggested a penalty shoot-out to decide who forms a government in the next Dáil - which makes as much sense as any other option.
 
And Fianna Fáil was using doves at a photo op in Dublin to promote peace and the all-Ireland economy.

The event was staged at the Peace Park near Christchurch Cathedral, which unfortunately was found to be locked when the media arrived - luckily, Minister Dermot Ahern was caught in traffic, and by the time he arrived someone had found the keys.

- DMC

10-5-07 10:50

The Butcher Boy

'Hey, are youse going to put me on telly?'

The small boy in Ballyfermot was more interested in the TV cameras then the fact that the leader of the country was paying a visit to his local butchers shop.

Finally though he realised that the media had gathered for a reason.

'Hey, who's yer man? Is he famous?'

Before we could answer however, his friend looked at him witheringly.

'That's Bertie O'Hern ya eejit. He's after being Taoiseach for two terms.'

Someone's clearly been listening in civics class.

But will 'O'Hern' make it three in a row?

-From Sinead Crowley

9-5-07 19:56

How to avoid catching a campaign cold

Hey, you would too if you had to shake all those hands.

Actually, this was Enda canvassing outside the Rotunda Hospital talkin' health issues.

Tomorrow, the FG leader said he will outline his views on the nurses' push for a 35 hour week and pay increase at their special delegate conference.

9-5-07 19:50

Leaders' Debate Confirmed



After failing to reach an agreement about a six-way leader debate (Fianna Fáil was the final dissenter), the debate between Fianna Fail leader Bertie Ahern and Fine Gael Enda Kenny has been confirmed.

Thursday 17 May, Prime Time presenter Miriam O'Callaghan will chair the hour-plus debate as part of a special extended programme.

Michael McDowell, Trevor Sargent and Gerry Adams will debate each other that week as well and Pat Rabbitte gets his own one-on-one 'debate' slot.

9-5-07 19:42

Putting the cart before the donkey



From TWIP reporter Micheál Lehane:

The pictures of Pat Rabbitte on the Six One News today where he was seen on a jaunting cart while canvassing in Killarney were very interesting.

That is because the Labour candidate in the neighbouring Kerry North constituency, Terry O'Brien, made some damning remarks about the Kerry tourist town recently.

In a controversial debate about possible locations for a Marks & Spencer store, O'Brien said Killarney probably wouldn't make the cut because the 'yanks just want Báinin jumpers and donkey cart rides'.

Some time later a Fianna Fail candidate in Kerry South, Tom Fleming, put out a press release pointing out that tourism is worth millions of euro to the local economy.

He then asked 'Does the Labour Party believe Killarney is only good for Aran sweaters and donkey carts? And, more to the point does Breeda Moynihan-Cronin?'

Pat and Breeda - sitting Labour TD in Kerry South - on the jaunting cart today probably answers that question.

9-5-07 19:00

Sir Gallahue of Limerick

The story in today's Irish Examiner by Jimmy Woulfe on Fianna Fáil Limerick County Councillor John Gallahue is a classic.

Gallahue who describes himself as a member of FF Limerick West TD John Cregan's 'kitchen cabinet' also acts as adviser to two other candidates in the constituency, Fine Gael Senator Michael Finucane and Labour's James Heffernan.

On top of all that he is campaign manager for Noreen Ryan who is a Fianna Fáil candidate in Limerick East.

But one fact the article did not mention is that Gallahue - who started life in Fine Gael, then moved to Fianna Fail, and then ran as an Independent in the 1997 General Election - also came close to joining Sinn Féin.

'They approached me in 1997, but in the end we both decided it would be better to run as an Independent. I would have great time for them though and all my family would have been Sinn Féin,' he told The Insider.

Gallahue also told us he is a prolific poet, penning verse that can be most unflattering, especially in its descriptions of the Collins' clan from Abbeyfeale (ie former Justice Minsiter Gerry and current FF candidate Niall). A group that appear to be his only political rivals, even if they are members of the same party!

9-5-07 16:25

Is Sinn Féin's newspaper supplying McDowell with ammunition?

From DMC: PD leader Michael McDowell revealed at a doorstep interview today that he reads Sinn Féin's paper An Phoblacht 'every week'. Whether or not he is just looking for ammunition (albeit the verbal kind) is unclear. He did claim that the news sheet deals with 'Arthur Scargill and Castro's Cuba', further proof in his view that Sinn Féin in Government would be bad news for the economy.

9-5-07 16:06

One of those great 'plain brown envelopes' stories

Gardaí have sent a file to the DPP about that brown envelope which landed on the desk of Donegal North East TD Niall Blaney.

It was reportedly €2,000 from a developer in the Milford Electoral Area.

Blaney's Solicitor insisted that the payment was rejected on the basis that it appeared to have been made in relation to a planning and development matter.

Law geeks will know, of course, that would a violation of 'section 2 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2001'.

The matter is now in the hands of the DPP.

9-5-07 13:30

Environment Minister's poster gets bugged

One of The Insider's youth blog team reports that the ignoble pastime of defacing election posters is alive and well in Co Wicklow. One wag reportedly altered Dick Roche's name to read 'Cock Roache'. Maybe the culprit was a fan of e-voting...

Read Niall O'Connor's blog here

9-5-07 12:12

Joseph Rafferty's Sister Runs in Dublin South East

Esther Uzell wants answers to her brother's death - and now she hopes to use a seat in the Dáil to get them. With Catherine McCartney by her side, Uzell announced her independent candidacy this morning.

Joseph Rafferty was a 28 year-old courier when he was shot dead out his west Dublin apartment. His sister believes he was killed by a member of the IRA and says Sinn Féin in particular have been uncooperative.

If she wins, she says she will confront Sinn Féin across the floor of the Dáil.

9-5-07 11:37

Burning car left in Cllr Mary White's driveway

The Green Party's deputy leader and Carlow-Kilkenny candidate Cllr Mary White found a flaming car blocking the entrance to her Borris house overnight.

Gardaí are investigating, but this is apparently the second time she has been the victim of fiery intimidation.

She says that a gas cylinder surrounded by a pile of old tyres were set ablaze outside her house in February.

Cllr White believes this is retaliation for her work against dumping, littering and waste disposal in Carlow.

NB: White will be a guest on the Six One News tonight as Sharon Ní Bheolain presents the programme live from Leighlinbridge on RTÉ One and RTÉ.ie/live.

9-5-07 9:15

Morning Election News Round-up:

Campaigns highlight hospitals, tax and housing (RTÉ.ie)

Good little snapshot of the Mayo constituency (Connaught Telegraph)

More FF candidates from Cork criticising their own party (Irish Examiner)

And then there were ten... in Sligo-North Leitrim (Ocean FM)

Why did Enda Kenny sit at a school desk in the middle of a field with tall grass? It was just one of many election gimmicks from week one, according to The Village.

The PD candidate in Dublin North-East, dentist Keith 'The Teeth' Redmond, is a minor star on YouTube, reports the INDO (registration req'd). He's also getting married five days before Election Day. Talk about stressful.

8-5-07 21:04

Signing off for the night, The Insider leaves you to ponder this question:

Have you ever seen Michael McDowell and Karl Rove in the same room?






If you have, please send details to theinsider@rte.ie.

8-5-07 19:29

Tayto Troubles

The Insider has been receiving these strange press releases. Headlines like 'Mister Tayto launches nationwide election campaign - Slogans not Policies - Pledges to abolish Children's Allowance'.

Well, even though this is a thinly-veiled publicity stunt, The Insider has sad news for Mr Tayto, courtesy of DMC.

The well-known crisp company has employed Frank Kelly (the much loved Father Jack) and a bloke dressed in a Mr Tayto costume to go round in a big red bus handing out packets of crisps and pretending to be an election candidate - complete with election posters stuck up around Merrion Square.

But the spoilsports in Dublin City Council took a dim view and removed them all - unless they're for a real candidate, posters are against the law.

The question now is whether Mr Tayto will be fined, or just fried?

8-5-07 19:25

Forget Mahon. How are Rocco and Jay?

From RTÉ reporter Sinéad Crowley, with her ear to the ground in Bertie's 'hood (which is kind of gross if you've ever seen the footpaths* in D1):

He's known as the most enthusiastic canvasser of them all but Taoiseach Bertie Ahern hasn't been out and about on the campaign trail - in front of the cameras at least - since the weekend.

Over the past few days he's said to have been canvassing privately in his Dublin Central constituency - and this morning, of course, he was a proud onlooker as devolved government was restored in the North.

But normal canvassing service will resume on the streets of Dublin on Wednesday.

So far the main question being asked by passers by of the Taoiseach is not about the Mahon Tribunal but rather - how are the twins?

* Thanks Edward for that correction

8-5-07 12:56

Now that you have access to your company's high-speed internet access again after the long bank holiday weekend, check out Sunday's The Week In Politics and Election Special programmes.

Who needs Eastenders and Fair City when you have entertaining drama like this!

7-5-07 21:50

From RTÉ Reporter Will Goodbody, at the races with Enda Kenny:

Enda Kenny was doing a spot of canvassing at the races at the Curragh in Co Kildare today. The Fine Gael leader was due to leave at 5pm, but he stayed to watch the second last race at 5.15pm. Why? Well it might have had something to do with his interest in nag number 9. Not only was it named Endaspirit, but its sire was listed as 'Political Merger'. An omen? Well Mr Kenny will be hoping not! After starting well and leading by well over a length over the first half of the course, Endaspirit came in huffing and puffing in thirteenth place. Unlucky for some!

7-5-07 21:36

Historic Day for Northern Ireland



The Insider remembers going through the Middletown, Co Armagh checkpoint to visit relatives in 1985. Armed soldiers looking under the car with mirrors on the end of long sticks and searching the boot with a tyre puncture rig ready to be deployed.

22 years later, Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams will enter Stormont and begin to share power. 8 May, 2007 will truly be a historic day.

RTÉ News is producing a special programme tomorrow (Tue) morning at 10 on RTÉ One and RTÉ.ie/live.

5-5-07 12:45

Get to know RTÉ's Political team

The Insider has spoken to some of the key players in RTÉ's Election 2007 coverage to find out more about the journalists behind the news. Check out their profiles through the links below:

David McCullagh, Political Correspondent
Mark Little, presenter, Prime Time, Campaign Daily
Damien Tiernan, South-East Correspondent
John Kilraine, Dublin Correspondent
Brian Dowling, RTÉ Political Staff
Micheál Lehane, The Week In Politics
Sinead Crowley, RTÉ Correspondent

4-5-07 17:00

Cork TD batters own Government on roads

The Insider's eye on the ground in Cork reports that a Fianna Fáil revolt is heating up in the county.

Following on from Cork North Central TD Noel O'Flynn's criticism of his own government's record on health, Cork North West candidate Batt O'Keeffe has now come out against the FF-PD coalition's record on roads.

'The government had better realise', the junior minister at the Department of the Environment said in a statement, that 'there are towns like Macroom which are becoming real rural hubs and they need roads and infrastructure to bring it up'.

The Insider wonders what's next - Minister Micheál Martin slamming his own Department's efforts on the shaky jobs market?

4-5-07 16:00

Enda trims his vote share at Dublin hair salon?

There are lots of fruitful places for a budding politician to canvass, the Insider notes. Shopping centres, busy streets, schools, hospitals; all provide plenty of flesh to be pressed. But as Enda Kenny found during a dash around the Kimmage area of Dublin South Central yesterday morning, female hairdressing salons may not be such a good bet.

Picture the scene. You've noticed a few of those roots starting to show. You make the appointment. You arrive, looking forward to the follicle upgrade. You settle into the leather chair with a cup of tea and a bit of light reading, while the stylist begins her work.

A half hour into the operation, with your hair covered in pieces of foil, dye and other bits and bobs, in the door crashes a smiling man, with an out-thrust hand. Behind him, a legion of photographers, cameramen and colour writers, all looking for that image.

One woman buried her head in her hands. Another covered her head with a towel. Scarlet! A great picture for the media. But two votes in the bag, or two dumped on the floor with the cuttings?

4-5-07 13:40

PDs release gobbledygook upon unsuspecting journalists

The Insider couldn't believe his eyes when he received an otherwise innocuous press release from a certain PD candidate in Dublin.

The release - which was just four paragraphs long - contained 12 spelling & grammatical errors. Gems included: 'I am taking this opportunity to update you o issue which I am deal with'.

There is also a reference to delays in the roll out of new buses to Dublin Bus, which the Government approved in 'Autumn 12006'.

One of RTÉ's political staff noted that while the PDs said they would be in Government for a long time, nobody imagined it would be this long...

4-5-07 02:00

FF claims there's an 'orchestrated campaign' to 'unlawfully leak' Mahon docs

Fianna Fáil released a statement late Thursday night in reaction to an Irish Times story coming out this morning, our man David McCullagh reports.

They claim there is a carefully orchestrated campaign to cause mayhem and confusion in the course of the General Election by unlawfully leaking confidential documents relating to the work of the Mahon Tribunal.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0504/election.html

FF can probably expect this story to dominate Friday's news cycle.

Tune into Morning Ireland on RTÉ Radio 1 for details.

n.b. The Greens launch their manifesto this morning so unless they want it to be overshadowed by this story of the day/week, they probably aren't the conductors of the careful orchestra.

3-5-07 21:00

Marks & Spencer & O'Brien

The Marks & Spencer rezoning issue is gaining traction in the Kerry North constituency. A tip to The Insider gave us a heads up and 'The Week In Politics' Reporter Micheál Lehane confirmed.

Labour Cllr Karen Tobin attacked fellow party member Terry O'Brien over a deal to put a M&S at Manor West.

This, combined with a failed breathalyser test by SFer Martin Ferris last weekend, and Kerry North is shaping up to be one of the tightest and most exciting races in the country.

Got a tip? Send it to insider@rte.ie.

3-5-07 18:22

Colm O'Gorman to replace the late Senator Kate Walsh

RTÉ Pol Corr David McCullagh, aka DMC, confirms that the vacancy in the Seanad caused by the death of Senator Kate Walsh (RIP) will be filled tonight by the appointment of PD candidate in Wexford, Colm O'Gorman.

Senator Walsh, who was nominated to the Seanad by the Taosieach, died last week after a long illness.

Expect an announcement this evening.

3-5-07 15:10

Enda: Bertie's comments were 'bizarre'

RTÉ reporter Will Goodbody, who's following Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, says Kenny called Ahern's comments about his personal finances today 'bizarre'.

He was canvassing in south Dublin.

Related link: Ahern's finances overshadow manifesto launch

3-5-07 12:02

FF TD O'Flynn criticises own government

RTÉ's man in Cork Paschal Sheehy is reporting that FF TD O'Flynn has criticised his own government's job on health.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0503/corknc.html

During his party's unveiling of their election manifesto, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern dismissed O'Flynn's comments as a publicity stunt.

3-5-07 12:00

Welcome to The Insider

This will be the place for the latest breaking news from the campaign trail, analysis from RTÉ correspondents, presenters and editors and good craic you won't find anywhere else.

So bookmark The Insider and visit it often.

Got a hot news tip? Maybe a great campaign photo or piece of vid you shot on your mobile? Send it to us at insider (at) rte ((dot)) ie.

Cheers.