185 Votes

185 Votes in the end. That's 185 more than I expected.

Tonight with Vincent Browne Last Night

I was on Tonight with Vincent Brown last night. Managed to get my message out, Don't just vote for me, bet on me. I still have great odds with Paddy Power at 100 to 1. (Dropped for 200 to 1).

http://www.paddypower.com/bet/novelty-betting/other-politics/irish-government/Dublin%2dWest%2dBy%2dElection-2759243.html

A tenner tomorrow will give you a nice comfy Christmas. Empower and enable yourselves. It's not often that the horse gets to speak. This horse is saying, bet on me, then vote for me and clear a tidy sum. You determine the outcome of the race, not the horse. Use politics your way. It's all to play for and it's in your hands.

http://www.tv3.ie/shows.php?request=tonightwithvincentbrowne&tv3_preview=&video=41560

Phoenix FM Debate

I attended the community radio debate on Phoenix FM 92.5 during the week. McNulty, McGuinness, O'Gorman, Kidd, O Ceallaigh and myself were in attendance.

Again, I'd like to take this opportunity to encourage the people of Dublin West to listen to the logic behind my reasoning and to truly consider putting a colourful alternative into the Dail as their representative.

http://www.phoenixfm.ie/en/index.php?id=49

1st Day Canvassing

Hi all,

Well, yesterday was my first day out at the doors after I decided to put myself forward on the ballot. Interesting and very mixed responses. Braved staunch Sinn Fein areas but reckon I turned a few. Worth noting it was raining hard yet that didn't stop me canvassing unlike McGuinness or Loftus (neither of which have touched Blanch West)

Only 16 days left so lets throw the kitchen sink at it. Anyone wishing to accompany me on the hustings, please drop me a line.

Water Contamination Public Meeting

I attended a public Meeting in Tyrrelstown last night on the contamination of public water. Interesting to note that none of the elected representatives or Dublin West nominated candidates from any of the major political parties showed up. To think that these are the very people who want to charge us in the new year for this sub standard product. I made some interesting points, won a few people over. Although I may need to rethink my use of visual aids.

 

The U.S. and Shannon Public Meeting

Attended a meeting opposing the US occupancy of Shannon. It is great to see so many people interested in this sensitive issue. Many interesting ideas. My brother in law made a very good and valid point... if were giving the US the use of Shannon, surely we should be giving the Iraqi's the use of Knock?

Fianna Fail Ard Fheis

Attended the Fianna Fail Ard Fheis. Meet some very interesting people. A great night was had by all. Brian and Mary were in flying form.

Local Meeting

I attended a meeting in a certain locality that discussed local issues and local grievances. I've attended other local meetings similar to this one in other localities and I have to say, this local meeting was very similar to other local meetings, in that, there were people there (chair people) who were angry at other people (table people) however the other people (table people) were only able to fain interest with a mild whiff of questionable empathy towards the people (chair people).

It's time to wake up people, they don't have the answers or solutions. They are just good at tricking us. Lets sort things out amongst ourselves.

That said, I did let Sean Haughey and Ivor Callelly know in no uncertain terms my views on crooked dog wardens who plant dog shit in parks.

Mountview Community Centre Meeting

I attended a public meeting in Blanchardstown to discuss the building of the Mountview Community Centre. Minister varadkar was in attendance. Ruth Coppinger and various councillors chaired the meeting.

Public anger was palpable, and in fairness, it wasn't misplaced. Millions has been squandered over the years and the good people of Mountview have been campaigning for their duly deserved and long awaited community centre for close to 10 years. Generations of children have come and gone in this time. After speaking with the residents, I will be making the facilitation of social amenities paramount in my election manifesto. We the people require and are entitled to recreational spaces. It's as simple as that. It's out tax money, let us spend it how we want. Give us our centre Minister Varadkar.



TG

I was given the opportunity to many a few key points

Minister Varadkar listening to some of my views.

Ireland Can Do Better Public Meeting

I was in Diswellstown last night at a public meeting focusing on our children's education. In these austere times, it is imperative that we do not start making deep irreversible cuts to the things that matter, namely, the kids and the handicapped. I made an empassioned and emploring speech to Minister Burton to avoid such action. Her rebuttal was measured and weighted but lacked conviction. When asked bluntly 'Will you be cutting more SNA budgets in the Dublin West district?', her reply was wishy washy. Minister Burton, we have given you an influencial platform to represent us, please don't forget that.

Fine Gael Ard Fheis

Attended the Fine Gael Ard Fheis. Meet some very interesting people. A great night was had by all. Enda was in great form and was happy to see Bobby.

At The Ploughing

Despite the rain and some ferocious showers, the upbeat mood at The 2011 Ploughing Championships in Athy yesterday was not dampened one bit. It was my first time down at the Ploughing and it's a pretty amazing event. I meet loads of boggers with big wide smiley heads and wirey hair.

The whiff of dung and diesel would make you proud to be Irish. Plus it was great to see a brisk agri-business trade with many stalls attracting snaking queues. I believe that inter generational farming will be Ireland's strongest long term prospect on the road to recovery out of the recession caused by the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008 resulting in a world wide calamitous banking crisis bringing with it never ending market unrest and dire economic instability resulting in the self perpetuation and self fulfilling nebulous doom cycle of fear, worry, stress, panic, fear. Still, the tractors on the day were very pretty.

All that aside, I got an absolutely stunning reception throughout the day. It's amazing how well known I am with the culchies. I was even allowed to shear a sheep. I'd love to have been able to do that to my ex wife.

Up rural things!

 

Walk For Nuclear

The brother in law dragged me along to one of his lefty meetings last night. It was great to meet people who are not like me. Some very interesting beards there.

The organiser's were looking at putting together a 'Walk for Nuclear.' (Surely it should be Walk Against Nuclear?). Not sure how useful these walks are. The brother in law made a good point, instead of a walk, we should do a sit down. People hate walking. You'd pull in way more people with a sit down. Any why stop at nuclear, bring in other issues, anti war, abortion, the rights of immigrants.

My attitude...leave them at it.

Liffey Valley Conservation

I attended a meeting in Blanchardstown Library chaired by Duncan Stewart on the preservation of the Liffey Valley. There was some very interesting points of view raised, most notable Catherine Bambury's theory on cross theo-termal bio forrestry multi plantation, currently used in southern Finland on a trail basis.

Personally, I was keen to stress Ireland's exposure to coastal erosion and subsidence. I know a fair bit about subsidence as my brother in laws house has pyrite. I also expressed my disgust at the presence of plastic cups at such an eco meeting. What ever about the soya bean eating tree hugging smelly eco heads, I expect way more from Duncan.

Did manage to shift about 25 bootlegged Al Gore films outside though. The few bob made it worthwhile.

A special thanks to Bobby for spending all day Saturday cutting me out an Ireland.

(Please turn your thermostat down 2 degrees)

Terry G and Michael D

I meet Michael D today. Lovely little man. Well worth considering.

James Connolly Commemoration at Arbour Hill Cemetery

I attended the Commemoration of the late great socialist leader, James Connolly at Arbour Hill Military Cemetery this morning. Thankfully, the rain staved off and spirits were high. It was a fitting and rousing ceremony which saw many people from far and wide in attendance, including members of the Connolly Clan.

An Táiniste, Eamon Gilmore, gave a fine and uplifting speech however he did warn of harsher measures to come down the line as part of Ireland's recovery. Wreaths were laid by Mr. Gilmore, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Labour Party; by Patricia King, Vice President of SIPTU; and by a member of the Connolly family. The Labour Party Leader Eamon Gilmore and Patricia King gave the orations.

From a personal point of view, I think we need to reflect more on the days of yesteryear as a means of rebuilding Ireland back to the country it once was and still can be.

In the words of James himself, 'Our curse is our belief in our weakness...We are not weak, we are strong!'

Dia na hÉireann
TG

Over Flowing Liter Bins - Aghhhhhh!

My pet hate, overflowing litter bins. (Aggh!)

I counted 5 overflowing litter bins on my way to a public meeting in Blancharstown yesterday. I watched as Mrs. Mulratty tried to squeeze a empty Capri Sun into an already full bin only to dislodge  an Abrakebabra Burger Box loose.

I will be meeting with Dublin City Council on this matter in the coming weeks and will keep you posted. The  cutbacks within the council (namely my brother in laws recent redundancy) are having a knock on effect on our community.


On a positive note, I have been informed that the double yellow lines outside The Roselawn Inn) are to be removed after 4 long months petitioning. Persistence pays.

Ghusto's Gone International

Meet with a lovely French reporter at the weekend who did a write up on myself and Bobby. For those of you who are interested, here's the article below mes ami.

AFP Article on Terry and Bobby

Meet the People

I got to meet some very interesting people on the streets yesterday. Held a fish, cut some meat, juggled a few apples, but got pelted with a pepper :(

My thanks to Bobby for organising and managing a tight schedule.

Go Ghusto on the 27th!

TG