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The Insider: FF supporter's son tore down FG and Labour posters
The CRIME of the century has been solved. The person who removed the FG and Labour posters from around the village of Bennettsbridge has been identified. And guess what? He is the son of a well- known FF supporter from the area. Surprise, surprise.
Insider heard that Cllr Pat O'Neill of FG who was at the receiving end of the wanton destruction of the posters might be prepared to let the matter go once he receives an apology from the young man involved.
That would amount to an admission of guilt and if solicitors get involved they might advise the young man not to say sorry for the stupid, juvenile prank.
However, the problem now is that the matter is being investigated by the gardai and even if Cllr O'Neill is ready to forget the matter, it is now out of his hands in terms of criminality. So it could still end up in court even if all sides agree not to proceed.
Andrew McGuinness vs Darren Murphy
THERE is a good old row going on at the moment on boards.ie concerning Cllr Andrew McGuinness (FF) and, what would seem to be the use of a disabled parking bay by a van carrying his name and photo.
The photo has already appeared in the Evening Herald and boards.ie is full of it. Insider wonders if it is another Borough Council candidate that is behind the whole sorry episode, Fine Gael's Darren Murphy. Going by a poll on boards.ie both men will be elected comfortably for the Borough Council. Wonder if it's accurate?
The Holy Land in Kilkenny
You may have thought the Holy Land was in the Middle East - think again. The real Holy Land is in the old urban heart of 'Kilkenny city and is centres around 'Fatima' Place, 'Saint' Francis Terrace, 'Saint' Rioch's Terrace, 'Father' Murphy Square, 'Dean' Kavanagh Place, 'Saint' Dominic Street, 'Father' Albert Place, 'Father' Delahunty Terrace, 'Saint' Rioch Street and 'Saint' Stephen's Street.
Of course, we already have the Gaza Strip located next to the Left Bank bar on the Parade and that name for the works on the Parade was penned by a well-known auctioneer on College Road.
There is the Hebron on the 'Continent' side of the city as well.
If you have any more suggestions, why not contact Insider at insider@kilken nypeople.ie and let me know.
Joe Brennan
One of the nicest and most heart-warming stories that Insider heard recently concerns new FF candidate for the Callan area, Joe Brennan. His son arrived home from the national school in Kilmanagh with a 'project'. Jim Neary, the Principal, gave it to the little fellow to return it to his father. What was it but a montage of newspaper cuttings and pictures about de Valera.
The gas thing is Joe compiled this spectacular work of art in 1982 when he was 10 years old! So FF was coursing though his little veins even then.
Paul Cuddihy to be new mayor
IF successful in the Borough Council elections, Cllr Paul Cuddihy (FG) will probably be mayor of the city for the rest of the 400 anniversary celebrations to celebrate the signing of the city's charter in 1609.
The secondary school teacher is odds-on with FF looking increasingly likely to lose a seat. It means FG will have at least four of the 12 seats in the 12-seat Council and with the support of Labour, it's almost a formality. It looks as if there is nothing to stop Cllr Cuddihy, once he is elected and that is not a foregone conclusion with new candidates David Fitzgerald and Darren Murphy biting at his heels and the heels of Betty Manning and Martin Brett.
Jim Neary and Freedom of the City?
As you would expect from such a decent and publicity shy human being, Jim Neary, principal of the national school in Kilmanagh who turned it into a nursery for Kilkenny hurlers, has retired without any fanfare.
The man who was the backbone of the hurling nursery that is Graigue-Ballycallan is gone but not forgotten. Now, if ever there was a man who received the freedom of the city he loves, it should be him. He is a real hero, unsung, who made a huge difference in the lives of many people and did it for all the right reasons.
Anyway, Jim, even though you will cringe, Insider says thank you to you on behalf all the hurlers you put through your hands, the Byrnes, Brennans, Ryalls, Ronans, Dwyers... the list goes on and on.
Cillin Hill and Langton's
At least this year, electioneers can look forward to good food and excellent facilities at the election count for the local and European elections. The venue is Cillin Hill and the restaurant there has now been taken over by Langton's of John Street, Kilkenny. There is also a bar so that candidates awaiting results can have a shot of brandy to calm their nerves.
Because there is ample parking, there will be room for everyone in Cillin Hill's Hub where the count will be and that means no queues, no security and best of all, a chance for all those with an interest in politics to mingle. It is also a brilliant place to come on a Saturday afternoon and see how the system works.
The air brushed candidates
Cllr Malcolm Noonan of the Greens didn't even shave for his election poster and while the rock and roll dude plays to his ultra cool image, a Gillette special wouldn't have gone astray. He could get Mary White TD to give him a really close shave but that could be dangerous.
At least Malcolm In The Middle of FG and Labour didn't have his image airbrushed. Oh my God some of the FF-ers have smiles with teeth whiter than Tom Jones or Simon Cowell, Beyonce or Whitney Houston. Now how did that happen because in real life they don't look as good.
Nessa Childers and her election poster reminds me a bit of Mary Anne Faithful and don't start me off about the Sean O'hArgain poster. At least his picture wasn't touched up.
And this next point is not directed at any of the above candidates, but Insider wouldn't be surprised if some poor unfortunate motorist claimed that a candidate's photo on a poster made him or her crash after seeing it. I agree they have to get their faces recognised, but it's just too much.
Good men in charge
On the day of the election count in Cillin Hill, Dublin Road, Kilkenny, the County Council election will be handled by Michael Delahunty and the Borough Council election by Brian Tyrell. Both men are meticulous and this will ensure an accurate and quick count.
County registrar, Mary Enright will bring the EU parliament election voting papers to the euro count in County Meath and will miss the fireworks expected as the count springs into action.
The 'FF' words
Will these elections be remembered if for nothing else, as the "Binocular Elections", the "Opticians ' Friend Elections", the "Spec Savers Elections". At this stage I don't know but you sure would need binoculars to see the FF party logo on the FF candidates posters. Don't mention the "F" word, or at least don't mention the "FF" words, seems to be the idea. Surely there is a need to set up immediately a special clinic to help those candidates who are suffering from 'FF' withdrawal symptoms. We could call it FF Anon (oymous'). Finally it is surely time for the Independent candidates in this country to speak out. It now seems that there is room for an 'Independents' Independent Party' to distinguish these genuine Independents form the multitude of self proclaimed "Independents" who are still "umbilically" attached to their mother party.
FF Collection
Insider who always has the ear to the ground got a taste of what Fianna Fil is experiencing not only on the doorsteps but also at the Annual Collection in a rural part of the north of the county. As a couple of pensioners passed by the begging bowl one quipped "Sure they should be giving us back our money not looking for more off us". They were obviously referring to the Christmas Bonus watch this space.
Mairead McGuinness row at Sen John Paul's launch
There was a row between MEP Mairead McGuinness and some of Sen John Paul Phelan's people at the local launch of Sen Phelan's campaign to get elected and join her in the EU Parliament. Insider has sworn he will not speak publicly about the matter because he didn't have his tape recorder with him. Cryptic or what?
Respect for candidates
When it comes down to it, you have to have a certain amount of respect or sympathy for those who have the guts to put their names forward in front of the electorate.
It can't be easy on them, especially if they are FF or Green party candidates, and no matter what they do for people, they are working. So Insider says thanks to all those going forward and the best of luck to you all.
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Weather for Kilkenny
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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