Liveblog.ie » Features

Vincent Browne, Thurs 8th May

Simon McGarr — Thu, 07 May 2009 23:28:11 +0000

11:27 PM Simon McGarr -
11:25 PM Simon McGarr - In case I didn’t make it clear: Caroline Simons MASSIVE CANDIDATE FAIL! Deirdre DeBurca did pretty well, I thought, on the other hand.
11:24 PM Simon McGarr - 3D brussels chickens of doom!
11:24 PM leotraynor - Is it just me or the very sight of Deirdre DeBurca morphing into a Fianna Failer positively nauseating
11:23 PM AllanCavanagh - RT: Here’s tonight’s twitter game- spot the trouser suit that predates Deirdre DeBurca’s election posters, and tag it #PantsForEurope
11:21 PM Simon McGarr - Caroline Simons, rejector of Belgian 3D chickens, clearly decided to come out fighting during the ad break. Inspired by 11ft hologram Burton
11:21 PM Genzer - @vincentBrowne seemed to tear caroline simons of libertas & her arguments to shreds with such ease. Candy. Baby.
11:21 PM Mark_Coughlan - @suzybie RTE will not be impressed with that. Nor Fine Gael. Lee has gone off the deep end. Next, Libertas.
11:20 PM toddunctious - Watching Vincent Browne, my god that libertas woman is awful. No redeeming features whatsoever.
11:20 PM MarkBagnall - The Libertas candidate (Caroline Simmons?) on Vincent Browne now is a disaster. Should have paid more attention in media training school
11:20 PM krayZpaving - Vincent Browne really doesn’t like Caroline Simons of Libertas. She is making it easy for him though!

Vincent Browne photo by Gordon Flood

Questions and Answers April 20 2009

Maman Poulet — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 23:35:59 +0000

4:10 PM: Suzy Byrne Twitter tag is #qa7 btw…
6:07 PM: Alexia Golez Bets that tonight’s show will be popular in the Blogopolis?
7:00 PM: Simon McGarr If @damienmulley ‘s on from the Internet and Dermot Ahern from FF, then Privacy Bill and #picturegate can’t be far behind. #qa7
10:07 PM: christinebohan @daverooney #qa7. Also liveblog here: tinyurl.com
10:19 PM: damienmulley This is my first Twitter message, from RTE, former Comms Minister delighted to see explosion in Twitter
10:20 PM: Squid Limerick Rich people building one off houses. at least I know I have the right channel anyway
10:20 PM: Simon McGarr @damienmulley he does know there isn’t a Twitter DG you can ring to complain about stuff you don’t like?
10:23 PM: robreid Damien Mulley is on Questions & Answers tonight. Facebook privacy included in the audience agenda. RTE One @ 22:30
10:24 PM: Simon McGarr Facebook Privacy! Say it ain’t so!
10:25 PM: chrismehigan If Tweetie lives up to the Questions and answers challenge I’ll buy the licence! #qa7 #tweetie
10:26 PM: TrustTommy Hey folks. My homework is done, so I’m live blogging Q&A!
10:26 PM: daverooney hoping the #qa7 comments will be as good as the dragons den #ddire ones
10:27 PM: Squid Limerick can one of the mods enable images ?
10:28 PM: elfinamsterdam Attempting to stay awake to watch and live blog a bit…. boy im getting old!
10:28 PM: Alexia Golez Anyone have suggestions for songs tonight? Suggestions welcome during the show!
10:28 PM: icedcoffee Hey folks
10:29 PM: Suzy Byrne @squid images are ok as far as I can see – there is an upload image button on page – you can embed html etc also.
10:30 PM: Alexia Golez For those of you in Internetland, you can watch live on www.rte.ie Might work in the Blogopolis too!
10:31 PM: elfinamsterdam I miss Irish Tv, rubbish and all as it is….
10:31 PM: Suzy Byrne It’s a tie!
10:31 PM: redmum woo hoo, looking good Damien M
10:32 PM: Alexia Golez @suzybie It’s not pink!
10:32 PM: TrustTommy woo! Damien looks so ridiculously serious. He’s in big boy clothes!
10:32 PM: Suzy Byrne Karen is offering tie tying services as a good butch should…
10:33 PM: Squid Limerick I only have a green comment button
10:33 PM: redmum @trusttommy will you tell herself to get her homework done and get ready for bed – she might listen to you
10:33 PM: icedcoffee Has it started? not showing online yet…
10:34 PM: colmbracken Gash. There’s a serious lag between t’Internet streaming and the telly I’m guessing #qa7
10:34 PM: Alexia Golez @icedcoffee just a teaser
10:34 PM: krayZpaving @damienmulley pull your tie up properly! #qa7
10:34 PM: TrustTommy RT: @mneylon: @damienmulley you’re going on national tv not a funeral
10:34 PM: Squid Limerick test
10:34 PM: alancostello Go on de Mulley! #qa7
10:34 PM: endac Is that Calibri in that Galway ad? #qa7
10:34 PM: jonathangrimes Can we get #qa7 trending?
10:35 PM: elfinamsterdam is it still on the ads?… im getting black screen too
10:35 PM: TrustTommy @redmum she’s on now! watch yourself!!
10:35 PM: Squid Limerick
10:35 PM: icedcoffee Damn im getting network errors on the website… hopefully it wont happen when it actually starts
10:36 PM: Alexia Golez @suzy New avatar!
10:36 PM: Mark_Coughlan The Irish blogoshpere/twittersphere is like a bunch of mammies watching their eldest son debut for the local under 8s right now. #qa7
10:36 PM: johnpeavoy Wot no twitter feed for questions? #qa7
10:36 PM: TrustTommy No less serious second time round..!
10:37 PM: Simon McGarr If I was in Fine Gael, I’d never, never wear a blue shirt on the telly.
10:37 PM: Alexia Golez The question is if politicians are overpaid?
10:37 PM: wendylimerick The man who asked the question scarey
10:37 PM: twentymajor Evening …
10:38 PM: swhelband Watching @damienmulley on Questions and Answers #qa7
10:38 PM: endac So who’s calling in? Complain about twitter jumping the shark.. #qa7
10:38 PM: Suzy Byrne Fergus is giving up money – to charidee…
10:38 PM: Squid Limerick Give a little … helps a lot. why not give the bonus to the taxpayer instead
10:39 PM: Simon McGarr Draining the public purse in favour of his own choice of spending priorities. Classic FG circling a square.
10:39 PM: TrustTommy wonder if we’ll get onto the topic of ‘do we need the seanad?’
10:39 PM: christinebohan My god, that’s an aggressive choice of tie by Dermot Ahern.
10:39 PM: Suzy Byrne Like the ministers weren’t forced to take cut.. ah yes Dermot!
10:39 PM: Suzy Byrne Tonight`s panel Dermot Ahern Minister for Justice, Fergus O’Dowd – FG TD, Diarmuid McDermott Ireland International News Agency, Marie Sherlock SIPTU Economist, Damien Mulley – Blogger and Mulley Communications.
10:39 PM: Mark_Coughlan Dermot Ahern COULD be party-political… wait… Dermot Ahern just WAS party-political
10:39 PM: anthonymcg This FG guy is all over the place #qa7
10:39 PM: TheChrisD @icedcoffee The Windows Media stream is working fine for me right now. #qa7
10:39 PM: ccrossan Watching @damienmulley on Questions and Answers #qa7
10:39 PM: icedcoffee This is being recorded, right? cos it aint working online… (mac/realplayer)
10:40 PM: Squid Limerick
10:40 PM: JimDHunt DA is known for his eclectic choice of ties!
10:40 PM: twentymajor It’s custardly brilliant…
10:40 PM: Suzy Byrne Iced Coffee – entire show will be available online in a few hours.
10:40 PM: christinebohan Surely the answer to Dermot Ahern is that Principal Officers *should* be taking the same pay cuts that politicians are.
10:40 PM: icedcoffee got it working now
10:41 PM: elfinamsterdam @icedcoffee might be your connection/setup mate its working grand here
10:41 PM: Simon McGarr I once won an equality case showing that time based opportunities in the Civil Service is based on questionable logic.
10:41 PM: TrustTommy Damien’s being awful quiet… preparing his monologue….?
10:41 PM: Simon McGarr I bet those two FF TDs who didn’t have a job were livid.
10:42 PM: ann_donnelly @antgalvin Hubby said, “My god, he’s blogged himself onto Questions and Answers!” #qa7
10:42 PM: achgohairithe twitpic.com
10:43 PM: twentymajor 5 of her 7 children, serves her right for having so many children…
10:43 PM: Squid Limerick
10:43 PM: TrustTommy would’ve liked to get tix to this, actually
10:43 PM: wendylimerick Wonder if Fergus and Dermot shared a spin down to Dublin?
10:43 PM: christinebohan I don’t know how it’s possible but Dermot Ahern is winning this argument about politicians not taking pay cuts.
10:43 PM: wendylimerick Messing
10:43 PM: Alexia Golez where is Dilli?
10:43 PM: Alexia Golez Answers on the back of a postcard to Dermot
10:44 PM: EmilyAM Just flicked over, who is the lady in red?
10:44 PM: jonathangrimes Ahern in command, O’Dowd needs to come across more minesterial
10:44 PM: Simon McGarr All is lost. Stuffed (Blue)Shirt from Fine Gael letting Dermot Ahern ramble on about his personal courage.
10:44 PM: christinebohan @EmilyAM She’s Marie Sherlock, she’s an economist with SIPTU
10:44 PM: twentymajor How did he survive without a hot shower? Truly a hero for our times.
10:44 PM: elfinamsterdam O’Dowd looks and acts like a clown, dunno how its possible but he’s making me respect Ahern
10:44 PM: Squid Limerick Dilli, somewhere in deepest darkest africa
10:45 PM: Mark_Coughlan God bless Ahern… I’m sure he ASKED to stay in those shitholes… there was surely a Hilton down the road, but Ahern was saying “nope”…
10:45 PM: lilinator How has this strayed so far from original question
10:45 PM: wendylimerick Economist looks about 12
10:45 PM: Simon McGarr Part of the Labour Sherlock family.
10:45 PM: Alexia Golez Dermot Ahern does boobie hands way better than Bertie even could
10:45 PM: Simon McGarr Topic boring. Nobody wants to stick to it.
10:45 PM: TrustTommy like yer woman. Is gonna say her piece no matter what colour shirt interupts her
10:45 PM: mneylon @ann_donnelly aww poor ickle td #qa7
10:45 PM: daverooney lol aaaaaw no hot water for the FF jacuzi #qa7
10:46 PM: twentymajor Brothers ‘noshit’ and ‘Jason’
10:47 PM: Simon McGarr Is the desk a little higher than usual? Dermot Ahern giving off a strange Primary School vibe.
10:47 PM: TheChrisD Wake me when we get to the good bits. #qa7
10:47 PM: keithbelfast she’s a bit fiesty #qa7
10:47 PM: Mark_Coughlan How the fuck is Ahern coming across as the good guy. This is mindwarping.
10:47 PM: Squid Limerick Wasn’t it his former leader that suggested that those pesimistic about the economy should top themselves?
10:47 PM: BrianGreene revolution soon #qa7
10:47 PM: Squid Limerick and now he says RTE caught up with the government
10:48 PM: elfinamsterdam Ahern is losing ground, and the world rights itself…..
10:48 PM: Simon McGarr Boggling. No, I’m sorry, I’m going to have to flail my limbs for a few moments.
10:48 PM: TrustTommy you get the feeling that the political suits are trying to make themselves look good, while the woman wants to get a point across
10:48 PM: elfinamsterdam Dont have the increments? but you DO have the perks and a lot of them!
10:49 PM: Mark_Coughlan Background on baldy? Anyone?
10:49 PM: Suzy Byrne Diarmuid McDermott – Ireland International Agency – news agency…
10:49 PM: Alexia Golez @simon Now, now… There’s no O’Dea!
10:49 PM: ann_donnelly Is that what @damienmulley will look like in 30 years? #qa7 (guy on right)
10:49 PM: daverooney mulley looking very bored – get off the increment topic #qa7
10:49 PM: alancostello Ask Mulley a question already! #qa7
10:49 PM: twentymajor Shut up Ahern, let the Mullinator speak…
10:49 PM: endac Anyone ever heard ‘Johnson’ call into ‘Radio Roy’? (Gift Grub) – I wanna do that to Mulley! #qa7
10:50 PM: smemon loads of talk but it’s going round in circles – politicians are the only people who can talk their way out of pay cuts
10:50 PM: TrustTommy Damien comes in. Grinning like a cheshire cat
10:50 PM: Mark_Coughlan Thanks Suzy… here comes Damo.
10:50 PM: TrustTommy byebye Cork accent!
10:50 PM: Suzy Byrne Mulley Bingo – FOI
10:50 PM: christinebohan Damn good point by Damien. Politicians should just cop the fuck on, take the cut and get on with the business of governing.
10:51 PM: redmum @mcgivney and best tie, sounding very calm and reasonable,
10:51 PM: jkeyes Did I just hear hullaballo? I think I did. LOL #qa7
10:51 PM: Alexia Golez @suzy Ding! Also the use of ‘noise’
10:51 PM: Suzy Byrne Don’t put money on pint says audience man…
10:51 PM: trjh @Mark_Coughlan and now we know you are first & foremost a sportswriter #qa7
10:51 PM: TheChrisD About fucking time to hear something a little more relevant to the average man! #qa7
10:51 PM: redmum Bowman needs to stop ahern cutting across everyone, he is bullyish
10:51 PM: TrustTommy guy in the audience has a bee in his bonnet. @jkeyes, I WIN!
10:52 PM: Mark_Coughlan Cringe moment number one.
10:52 PM: wendylimerick Oh 10p on a pint
10:52 PM: Simon McGarr 10p says audience man is a publican.
10:52 PM: jonathangrimes When’s the question on twitter/facebook coming up??
10:52 PM: Simon McGarr Wait a minute, I’ve seen this audience before.
10:52 PM: Squid Limerick The thing is, they didn’t put 10p on the pint.
10:52 PM: ann_donnelly Good to have someone like @damienmulley on to break through the battling between politicians #qa7
10:52 PM: johnpeavoy RT @topgold: @EvertB The first topic on Q&A tonight is old hat, rewarmed, predictable sparring. #qa7
10:52 PM: Suzy Byrne Lollipop for first person to spot @cianflah…
10:53 PM: twentymajor “Everybody has to take the hit” – shut up, I don’t have to do anything you say, studentgirl.
10:53 PM: reverbstudios So thats what Mulley looks and sounds like!
10:53 PM: wendylimerick I hate FF Plants
10:53 PM: wendylimerick Oh FF hack in the crowd young d4 woman
10:53 PM: Simon McGarr Strange atmosphere from my telly. Like I’m watching an uncomfortable family dinner between cousins that haven’t met before.
10:54 PM: Alexia Golez Squeaky pixie gurl alert!
10:54 PM: Simon McGarr Someone’s been reading their TJ McIntyre!
10:54 PM: Suzy Byrne WIll the new criminal law surveillance bill effect everyone and not just gang member? Question 2
10:54 PM: twentymajor “The Wire”, Irish style
10:54 PM: Mark_Coughlan LOL! Best questioner ever!
10:54 PM: wendylimerick This is a weird q&a
10:54 PM: Mark_Coughlan LOL! Best questioner ever!
10:54 PM: elfinamsterdam @wendylimerick she was a FF Cheese Plant…. a real whiff of fed lines off her
10:54 PM: TrustTommy A good politician should be more interested in helping the flipping country, not expanding their pockets
10:55 PM: Simon McGarr Bill was produced last November in Heads form. Limerick business provided great cover.
10:55 PM: Suzy Byrne Mulley as the person who has made most of us watch the wire will be very specially versed in this topic – add that to FOI’s privacy law and general shitstirring and he’ll be better versed that many on panel.
10:55 PM: Suzy Byrne Criminals are not America’s Dumbest Criminals…
10:55 PM: elfinamsterdam Sorry for dumb question but my connection timed out at the begining… Lady in Red is ?? (and no not the Chris De Burgh song)
10:55 PM: wendylimerick elfinamsterdam The Cumann will award her well she will be the chief HANG Sambo Maker
10:55 PM: jonathangrimes A real representative audience tonight…
10:55 PM: Squid Limerick you can buy a bug detector in maplin for 25 quid ffs
10:56 PM: johnpeavoy Only for twitter, I’d be totally wasting my evening…. Apart from listening to our man @damienmulley #qa7
10:56 PM: endac Does he have to apply technology to all of his answers? #qa7
10:56 PM: christinebohan @elf It’s Marie Sherlock from SIPTU. She’s in Labour as well.
10:57 PM: christinebohan Fergus O’Dowd: “I’m not concerned about civil liberties”. Um, lol?
10:57 PM: elfinamsterdam @christinebohan cheers dear
10:57 PM: TrustTommy Smart and technologically advanced criminals should be combatted by smart and technologically advanced police forces. Right..? :S
10:57 PM: Simon McGarr A PO from Revenue! I’m going to have to use one of my limited little store of them
AGOG!
10:57 PM: redmum MMm I find it appalling that someone says they dont care about civil liberties
10:57 PM: redmum @mcgivney and best tie, sounding very calm and reasonable,
10:57 PM: Simon McGarr Nobody from FG has ever been concerned about civil liberties. They’re not convinced there is such a thing.
10:58 PM: topgold @reverbstudios No, that’s what Mulley looks like in a tie and make-up.
10:58 PM: Suzy Byrne There are 17 other bills that the Minister and his colleagues were to publish by April 9th….
10:58 PM: TrustTommy 98something
10:58 PM: TrustTommy only caught start of number: 1850 584
10:59 PM: Suzy Byrne Fergus O’Dowd’s constituency
predecessor was Brendan McGahon – who was in favour of hanging and flogging etc. (Didn’t like buggery at all either)
10:59 PM: elfinamsterdam Bring it in very quickly… yep.. before anyone gets a chance to look at it properly, screw anyones privacy….
10:59 PM: Alexia Golez Dermot Ahern is a lip-licker.. Just watch him
11:00 PM: Simon McGarr www.tjmcintyre.com TJ McIntyre’s of DRI gives his thoughts on this Bill.
11:00 PM: Alexia Golez OOoo.. Mulley drinks. Bet his rider specified Cork water. Tepid. Beige towels too!
11:01 PM: Simon McGarr This murder was much worse than those other murders.
11:01 PM: icedcoffee the hashtag: QA7 why 7?
11:01 PM: icedcoffee @keithbelfast i wouldn’t say that, though he is there as a technologist and blogger (from what i’ve gathered) #qa7
11:01 PM: elfinamsterdam I bet the balance will be about as right as the balance on both budgets…..
11:01 PM: Suzy Byrne Iced Coffee – we live blog q&a each week – this 7th time we’ve got organised to incorporate live tweets
11:01 PM: redmum In case people wish to email in at any stage its qanda@rte.ie cant find the text number, will be along the screen shortly
11:02 PM: wendylimerick This has turned into the Dermot Ahern Show
11:02 PM: Squid Limerick No fair! the ni crowd get a free phone number while we, the licence payers have to pay. bloody RTE
11:02 PM: Mark_Coughlan Ahern is getting a ridiculous amount of airtime…
11:02 PM: smemon somebody stop dermot ahern – he’s going on a home run here – unchalleneged
11:03 PM: twentymajor Diarmaid knows stuff …
11:03 PM: elfinamsterdam @wendylimerick I’m glad you said that… yes it is…
11:03 PM: TrustTommy less Ahern, more Mulley
11:03 PM: EmilyAM Diarmaid knows guff
11:03 PM: nmcgivney I have just died a little bit more over the last 20 mins than normal. Any doctors on here?
11:03 PM: Simon McGarr It would take a stronger panel to talk over the Minister. He will just plough on unless stomped on.
11:04 PM: icedcoffee @suzy ah ok, i would think dropping the 7 (maybe in place of soemthing else) could help others to use hashtag without knowing the official one. but anyway.
11:04 PM: redmum Come on Bowman, do your job and shut him up.
11:05 PM: icedcoffee there is too much from these politicians only ‘cos being politicians they know how to spout shit constantly.
11:05 PM: redmum Sorry Im still watching two mins behind, I paused the auld NTL box to get phone numbers
11:05 PM: Alexia Golez I feel like the baldies are killing us with their IP
11:05 PM: Simon McGarr I once visited the Garda Forensics Lab. It looked just like my old school science lab, yellow taps and Belfasts sinks and all.
11:06 PM: lilinator Damien looks so calm and relaxed when the camera catches him
11:06 PM: Alexia Golez It’s hair envy
11:06 PM: wendylimerick Bring Pat Kenny in
11:06 PM: TrustTommy @lilinator Never off duty, eh?
11:07 PM: nmcgivney I’ve had a vision of the future. There were pitchforks on Kildare Street.
11:07 PM: wendylimerick I never thought i would say this but this format is shot
11:07 PM: Mark_Coughlan Far to much blocks of opinion, not enough debate.
11:07 PM: twentymajor The FG reminds me of a timid talking panda
11:07 PM: Simon McGarr Genius! We should pass laws that only apply to criminals.
11:07 PM: wendylimerick that woman who asked the question has a voice of a ten year old
11:07 PM: christinebohan The men with just 20% of the combined hair total are doing 80% of the talking
11:07 PM: jonathangrimes Ahern has obviously slipped something into the rest of the panel’s water – no serious challenge being put up
11:08 PM: Squid Limerick yer man looks like a local politician
11:08 PM: Simon McGarr Law student doom.
11:08 PM: twentymajor Johnny Generally on now …
11:08 PM: Squid Limerick big square head on him
11:08 PM: nmcgivney @wendylimerick Format shot to shit long time ago. No spontaneity. No debate. No blood.
11:08 PM: TrustTommy @lilinator He never lets his professional side down. Don’t think he has another side, TBH
11:08 PM: Mark_Coughlan “Hi guys”… brilliant.
11:08 PM: christinebohan I fucking hate the way so much of Q&A’s audience is made up of students who haven’t thought through what they want to say and can hardly string a sentence together.
11:09 PM: Alexia Golez Token tech Q!
11:09 PM: Simon McGarr Facebook privacy is the ‘just before the ad’ subject.
11:09 PM: Mark_Coughlan NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
11:09 PM: Suzy Byrne Do you think facebook users who’ve made personal details readily available waived their rights to privacy?
11:09 PM: wendylimerick A feckin question about FACEBOOK?
11:09 PM: TrustTommy Ahh, onto Facebook. I think she’s right
11:09 PM: twentymajor When I was in college we went to a filming of Q&A and one of the lads puked red wine on the steps.
11:09 PM: Mark_Coughlan Shit question.
11:09 PM: elfinamsterdam @mark coughlan… its was more Hi Goys
11:09 PM: wendylimerick Token question for Damien
11:09 PM: EmilyAM Does JB know what Facebook is/does?
11:09 PM: jonathangrimes familiar terriorty now
11:10 PM: Alexia Golez what’s on Bowman’s page?
11:10 PM: Simon McGarr He’s a hardcore Bebo.
11:10 PM: wendylimerick Grown up and you quit facebook by JB
11:10 PM: TrustTommy You waive that right too. They even say that, right?
11:10 PM: daverooney hehehe Gardai + technology = fail #qa7
11:10 PM: TheChrisD Commercial break soon, thank fuck! #qa7
11:10 PM: PeterTanham Now’s your time to shine Mulley! #qa7
11:10 PM: twentymajor JB has a gangsta rap MySpace page, he’s a stone-cold Nigga….
11:11 PM: EmilyAM Dermot Ahern is down with the kids.
11:11 PM: Simon McGarr Wait, Dermot, are you suggesting Facebook ought to comply with Data Protection law? Startling.
11:11 PM: Alexia Golez Dermot is thinking of the children so we don’t have to
11:11 PM: Simon McGarr Here comes the Twitter ref.
11:11 PM: TrustTommy No no no Ahern, you tool. “I want to put personal stuff, but no one’s allowed see it”. Wha…?
11:11 PM: Suzy Byrne And Dermot gets a chance to roll out privacy stuff….
11:11 PM: ann_donnelly The panel aren’t going to take the Facebook issue seriously #qa7
11:11 PM: TheChrisD Well, well, well a question that’s actually relevant to both Damien and most of us! #qa7
11:11 PM: Mark_Coughlan … yeah, I think they have that already Dermot. Its called a public or private profile.
11:11 PM: elfinamsterdam oh god, its like having a conversation in japanese in a dutch pub…. they havent a clue
11:11 PM: daverooney facebook case in point – that dude who was shot in Bolivia *all* the papers got his pics and bio from it and bebo #qa7
11:11 PM: ann_donnelly What is this the Dermot Ahern show? #qa7
11:11 PM: Squid Limerick He labour lady, there is an age bar is there not
11:11 PM: alancostello His daughter’s bebo’s are gonna be searched soo much and will be in The Daily Mail tomorrow morning #qa7
11:11 PM: endac heh. If you don’t want something shared on facebook – don’t upload it! #qa7
11:12 PM: icedcoffee Soon enough people will learn that when they put anything on the internet it is no longer personal.
11:12 PM: christinebohan John Bowman tries to cut off Dermot Ahern saying “We have a question on banks coming up so….”. Dude has his priorities.
11:12 PM: Alexia Golez Sherlock girl is intense. How many Red Bulls did she have in the green room?
11:12 PM: Suzy Byrne Swedish not swiss Diarmuid…
11:12 PM: jonathangrimes waffle, waffle, waffle
11:12 PM: TrustTommy @icedcoffee Exactly, it’s a hazard
11:12 PM: twentymajor The internet is like sex. Haha.
11:12 PM: daverooney lol “the internet” #qa7
11:13 PM: TrustTommy Aha, Ahern is cool, because he said a naughty word…. :/ @Byrne, epicfail
11:13 PM: icedcoffee the internet is like sex
11:13 PM: Simon McGarr The internet is exactly unlike sex.
11:13 PM: twentymajor “you just have to stick it in there and hope for the best”
11:13 PM: Alexia Golez @twentymajor durty!
11:13 PM: EmilyAM “People don’t seem to realise” smacks of “I never realised till today”…
11:13 PM: trjh wait, i lost all my privacy when i went on the internet? you people can see my underwear? damn.
11:13 PM: Mark_Coughlan Yeah. Hold on there Fergus, thats an ethical issue for the newspaper nothing to do with the availability of the actual photo on Facebook.
11:13 PM: achgohairithe The internet is a series of tubes…..
11:13 PM: TrustTommy @lilinator Never off duty, eh?
11:13 PM: Simon McGarr There are illegal adults! Wait, I get to revoke some people’s adult status? This is info I’ve needed for years.
11:13 PM: Alexia Golez Trinity paranoia boy?
11:14 PM: icedcoffee but all that info is only there when they put it there!
11:14 PM: johnpeavoy Good discussion…. finally …. #qa7
11:14 PM: Squid Limerick whats the bets theres a view question from Dan Sullivan
11:14 PM: TrustTommy Audience girl is a tool. If you pretend to be adult, you’re gonna have problems. Duh
11:14 PM: BrianGreene fazebuck.com am i safe, should I have an opt out ? this is fecking soundbyte TV #qa7
11:14 PM: daverooney grrr fine gael reading my tweets #qa7
11:14 PM: Alexia Golez Part one was like gorging on organic ricecakes.. Unsatisfied but farting
11:14 PM: Simon McGarr @lexia and A pain in the gut.
11:15 PM: Suzy Byrne There were so many other interesting (to the general public and not just tech/internet heads) that could have been asked tonight!
11:15 PM: elfinamsterdam ok lovelies…. i am beat… thanks for allowing me to join in but its an hour on here which means my alarm clock is an hour closer to ringing that yours is! Later.
11:15 PM: EmilyAM @lexia Ha! And stomach making noisy groans too.
11:15 PM: Mark_Coughlan @Squid. Dan Sullivan is there?
11:16 PM: savagepaul what’s the deal with the chairs on #qa7 ? @damienmulley ‘s one doesn’t seem to be as good as Bowman’s
11:16 PM: BrianGreene @johnpeavoy good topic, no depth, no time. #qa7
11:16 PM: Squid Limerick one of the guests on vincent browne looks like him exactly but with different colour hair
11:16 PM: TheChrisD Part one is 45 minutes long? And part two is… 15-20 minutes? #qa7
11:17 PM: keithdkennedy @michadaly Thanking you Micha. Looks like Twitter is semi quiet tonight as all the Mulley’ites watch their savior.
11:17 PM: patphelan That MAC foundation doesnt suit Mr Mulley
11:17 PM: christinebohan Just switched on Vinnie Browne to see what he’s talking about during the Q&A break. Banking crisis. There’s a guy from the Financial Times with Gladwellian hair. Awesome.
11:17 PM: Simon McGarr Gladwellian Hair on TV3? I can’t resist.
11:18 PM: Simon McGarr Gah! Misread. Got Gladwell mixed up with Gladstone. I abandon them again.
11:18 PM: trjh facebook debate surprisingly not v. stupid. mark’s right — papers need ethics; also, teens need privacy discussion in SHPE #qa7
11:18 PM: Squid Limerick maNAMA nah … do dooo de doo do
11:18 PM: wendylimerick we are back
11:18 PM: TrustTommy Thinking of ringing the numbe
11:19 PM: Squid Limerick whoever values the banks will shaft us.
11:19 PM: christinebohan Lol! I don’t even know what Gladstone hair would look like.
11:19 PM: smemon we need more fire and bite – this is where you miss an eamon dunphy type figure in the engine room of a debate
11:19 PM: EmilyAM Like, ohmigod, the market is in a state of flux.
11:20 PM: Simon McGarr Krugman to Ireland: You’re fucked. www.nytimes.com
11:20 PM: Alexia Golez My God, she could fit 3 watermelons in her mouth and juggle them
11:20 PM: trjh EVERYONE asked about valuation just says it’s scary because of being overly generous or overly strict. Nobody has an answer, they nceed to start just admitting that.
11:20 PM: icedcoffee “transperiancy”?
11:20 PM: TrustTommy Getting an engaged tone. Fail. What’s their text number, if they have one?
11:21 PM: michadaly Holy shit…I needed #qa7 to explain the t-internet for me! Ahern seems uneasy discussing modern items such as Facebook.
11:21 PM: finkeegan Mulley, as #rte #qa7 booking producers shld have guessed, is out of his depth. Amusing online, he’s an intellectual void on TV.
11:21 PM: Squid Limerick Rating agencies can’t be trusted either. tonights dispatches is recommended viewing
11:22 PM: Simon McGarr He didn’t interrupt her! He’s never given anyone a chance to talk.
11:22 PM: Suzy Byrne Smackdown to the woman on his left…
11:22 PM: EmilyAM Miaow Dermot to Ms. Siptu.
11:22 PM: trjh @smemon what? dunphy will just be weepy, grumpy, or ass-kissy. none of which would further this debate.
11:22 PM: Simon McGarr He has to say it. He can’t help himself.
11:22 PM: chrismehigan Ahern is in full control now, ruling the roost
11:22 PM: Alexia Golez Dermot talking Obama. WTF?
11:22 PM: redmum HA at Dermot Ahern, he actually did interrupt her, earlier mind you, but he did, hes been doing it all night
11:22 PM: Suzy Byrne gwan Mulley point out all the SOldiers of destiny in audience!
11:22 PM: Alexia Golez Ding!
11:23 PM: christinebohan Dermot Ahern is masterfully avoiding the question
11:23 PM: BrianGreene @johnpeavoy but isn’t it all a bit newmedia looking at old media for a mention, they have the pinhead we have the long tail. goodbye TV #qa7
11:23 PM: Alexia Golez “Dermot, stop being a cunt and answer the question”
11:23 PM: vickiocall Well done @damienmulley. #qa7
11:23 PM: finkeegan @laurencetimms www.mulley.net Maybe I’m being hard on the guy, but he’s more interesting with a keyboard in his hand #qa7
11:23 PM: Suzy Byrne We all know this is part of Dermot Ahern’s FF leadership bid right?
11:23 PM: achgohairithe do do do do do NAMA NAMA do do do do do NAMA NAMA …
11:23 PM: twentymajor Haha, the banks won’t lend money? Whose fault is that?!
11:24 PM: EmilyAM Has the cat got Diarmaid, Damian and Fergus’s tongues?
11:24 PM: aarondonohoe “Hold on a second, Hold on a second now” – quick somebody suffocate that arse #qa7
11:24 PM: vickiocall She’s gonna belt dermo #qa7
11:24 PM: smemon @trjh dunphy will through a grenade on to the table and provoke a reaction from people no matter what he says
11:24 PM: TrustTommy emailed them
11:24 PM: christinebohan Marie Sherlock mentions all the economist/business-types who’ve said nationalising the banks would work.
11:24 PM: icedcoffee he just interrupted her.
11:24 PM: icedcoffee @finkeegan also difficult when faced with politicians who ensure their view is heard to the full extent, with many examples. #qa7
11:24 PM: Alexia Golez John Bowman is failing miserably at moderation tonight
11:25 PM: Mark_Coughlan Someone should bring up Sherlocks affiliations…
11:25 PM: christinebohan Dermot Ahern “Nationalising the banks would let them off the hook”. You’ve got to be fucking joking me. That would send out a bad message? Try raising taxes and cutting spending. That worked pretty well. Idiot.
11:25 PM: Squid Limerick is aherns microphone louder than the rest
11:25 PM: wendylimerick What a Crock of Crap
11:25 PM: Simon McGarr The Minister is speaking actual, clinical level, gibberish.
11:25 PM: TrustTommy keep getting ‘call failed’ from ringing Redmum’s number – should I be doing anything special?
11:26 PM: Suzy Byrne Tommy – there is only one phone line and one person answering it…
11:26 PM: Simon McGarr What do you mean assure me that the banks will take the hit. This is something you can either show with actual maths, or you can’t. I’m not taking this on trust.
11:26 PM: EmilyAM @Squid Limerick yeah, like when the volume goes up as soon as the adverts come on
11:26 PM: redmum How are the developers going to take the hit, of the shit they have put us in?
11:26 PM: lilinator Instead of it being Q&A, its The DA show
11:26 PM: redmum How are the developers going to take the hit, of the shit they have put us in?
11:26 PM: TheChrisD Someone break out the Airsoft rifle and shoot those tossers already… #qa7
11:26 PM: Simon McGarr Hugely dumb man. Demanding more houses being built.
11:26 PM: chrismehigan Ahern “Could I explain..” .. I genuinely wish you could minister #qa7
11:27 PM: BrianGreene dermot ahern cleansing the banks john the baptist style #qa7
11:27 PM: endac What a loudmouthed prick. Coasting on little more than some talking points and a horrible tie. #qa7
11:27 PM: Suzy Byrne So this is the SIPTU attack launched earlier today?
11:27 PM: trjh @smemon that’s good tv, but not good debate. i agree that Bowman isn’t sufficiently throttling FF bandwidth. he should be doing so, not that beholden to them!
11:27 PM: Alexia Golez WTF
11:27 PM: christinebohan Wait, that’s it?
11:27 PM: Squid Limerick well that was a load of crap.
11:27 PM: Simon McGarr Blast from the leftfield. Man demands that that we urgently build more houses.
11:28 PM: redmum I need a house, and theres a lot of houses, but I cannot afford any of them.
11:28 PM: Squid Limerick the Dermott Ahern show
11:28 PM: chrismehigan LOL housing shortage, there are empty estates all over the country #qa7
11:28 PM: icedcoffee Do they have a theme for the night? Topics that Damien can give opinions on.
11:28 PM: daverooney we need to build more houses? hur? #qa7
11:28 PM: jkeyes “Nationalising the banks would be sending the signal that the Irish banking sector failed”. Right as it looks like a raging success now.#qa7
11:28 PM: twentymajor That was shite.
11:28 PM: Simon McGarr Almost worth it for that last burst of comedy gold.
11:28 PM: Suzy Byrne Iced coffee – there was only 4 questions -topics of week sort of…
usually only 4 or 5 – but Dermot Ahern really hogged the programme…
11:28 PM: Simon McGarr Even the audience aren’t sure they ought to applaud what they’ve just been implicated in.
11:28 PM: TrustTommy failQuestionsandfailAnswers
11:28 PM: redmum Ah Bowman, that was terrible, we just watched D(&)A – (as tweeted eloquently already by someone).
11:29 PM: Alexia Golez How frustrating! I need to slam the bathroom door againt my head..
11:29 PM: EmilyAM Fin.
11:29 PM: twentymajor Oh well, night all …
11:29 PM: redmum Ah Bowman, that was terrible, we just watched D(&)A – (as tweeted eloquently already by someone).
11:29 PM: icedcoffee Feel a little sorry for Damien – too irrelevant
11:29 PM: Simon McGarr Programme followed by an ad for Holy God.
11:29 PM: christinebohan Whatever about the internet being like sex, Q&A is like really bad sex. It ends too quickly, there’s no satisfying climax and you’re left wondering what the point of it all was.
11:30 PM: Simon McGarr @christinebohan is best liveblogger of the night.
11:30 PM: icedcoffee @suzy I see – Dermot was/is a bit of a c**|
11:30 PM: TrustTommy Damien was horrendously underused. You don’t hire the best and leave him shut up all night
11:31 PM: redmum Would have liked to see the whole panel brought in (Bowman’s job) and less of D(ucks) A(rse) again Bowman’s job.
11:31 PM: smemon a bit like a lecture – loads of talk, lots seem to have happened, but nobody’s any the wiser afterwards
11:31 PM: TrustTommy Toodles all – thanks for a good live blog. Will embed this tomorrow morning early
11:31 PM: wendylimerick NN all
11:31 PM: PeterTanham After that I’m worried Damien might think that RTE are somehow “in the pocket” of the government #qa7
11:31 PM: johnpeavoy Well done @damienmulley – i just wish RTE had the vision to run a full program relevant to the new media #qa7
11:31 PM: BrianGreene @endac I smell bacon.. (francis) #qa7
11:31 PM: Squid Limerick haha v brown left his iphone on
11:31 PM: decob #qa7 jaysus what a snorefest… at least it upheld my opinion that all politicians are wankers
11:31 PM: michadaly I think the seating gives certain speakers an advantage #qa7
11:32 PM: TheChrisD Thank fuck that’s over with :/ #qa7
11:32 PM: alancostello And it’s over #qa7
11:32 PM: endac I heard bacon.. #qa7 oh no wait! We’ll have to agree to disagree. That’s how issues are sorted..
11:32 PM: TrustTommy Where’s the embed link gone? Adminny people want to email/DM it to me?
11:34 PM: redmum Well done Damien, a tough panel to debut with (can you debut when the show will soon be defunct).
11:34 PM: Alexia Golez @TrustTommy We’re all just fodder for a new post?
11:35 PM: christinebohan @Simon McGarr *blushes* It wasn’t exactly a classic episode, was it? Are people sticking around to watch Vincent Browne?
11:36 PM: Simon McGarr I’m still smarting at the lack of Gladstonian hair.
11:36 PM: ann_donnelly @PixieVonDust Think they’re saying we need surveillance to track our sex habits and put it on Facebook? #qa7
11:36 PM: christinebohan OMG, there’s Disraelian hair on Vincent Browne!!! *may not actually be accurate*
11:39 PM: finkeegan @icedcoffee That’s the game though, right? Could be Mulley needs practise on MSM, could be he doesn’t suit the medium. #qa7
11:39 PM: Simon McGarr I turn over to TV3 to have Dan Sullivan comments read to me by V. Brown.
11:44 PM: christinebohan There was a guy from the BCI on Newstalk last night saying that ratings for news programmes on TV in Ireland are shooting up. Guess Q&A is trying to buck that trend.
11:44 PM: Alexia Golez Loving this hair!
12:16 AM: christinebohan Simon Carswell looks like he could be Vincent Browne’s son.
12:17 AM: Suzy Byrne Ok everyone – we’ll close this one for posterity… see you next week if you are so inclined or into self flagellation!
12:33 AM: redmum Okay the comment line is 1850 584 984, from NI 0800 039 0085, and email is qanda@rte.ie

Fine Gael Ard Fheis, 2009

Simon McGarr — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 08:59:09 +0000

8:46 PM Suzy Byrne - Irish Emergency Budget Live Blog for Tuesday is set up. is.gd Thanks to Marian Finucane the tag is #bludget. See ye Tuesday
11:29 PM JimDHunt - #fgaf I missed EK’s speech tonight. Does anybody have a link to it?
11:28 PM rteheads - Fine Gael can guarantee change – Kenny
11:28 PM FineGaelNews - Address by Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny tinyurl.com
11:28 PM rubot - say what you want about Enda Kenny…but i am thinking for the first time about voting Fine Gael now. YES HE CAN!
10:08 PM Stephen Spillane - @suzybie believe me i am. Pint number 3 here!
9:55 PM Jules - Which cllr. lost to Sean? Northwest results in yet?
9:48 PM Suzy Byrne - @spiller2 Thanks Stephen go have fun #fgaf
9:46 PM Stephen Spillane - Mckeirnan elected on cllr panel, dan sullivan didnt get elected #fgaf anything else ye need to know?
9:33 PM Stephen Spillane - South results: o’neil, fitzgerald and hoare elected #fgaf
9:33 PM eoinbannon - YRC blog post on Kenny’s speech: url.ie Now, time for a mingle #fgaf
8:47 PM walshmichael - @spiller2 #fgaf Michael is the only politician that ever sent me a few nice handwritten letters. Everyone else just takes, takes, takes.
8:34 PM Suzy Byrne - Cruthóidh Fine Gael 100,000 post nua – Ó Cionnaith andrumamornuacht.blogspot.com
8:22 PM Suzy Byrne - @spiller2 thanks Stephen – do results come out tomorrow or as soon as count complete? hope you have a pint in front of you! #fgaf
8:20 PM Stephen Spillane - Count starting for nat exec – starting in 10 mins #fgaf
8:18 PM stephencrowley - although very necessary re:3rd level loans #fgaf
8:17 PM stephencrowley - and you can’t plan on expected income from a “new economy” also a loan system for 3rd level would be a huge cost for a decade #fgaf
8:17 PM stephencrowley - wonders does the average irish voter understand the concept of a national budget? the money is not there. #fgaf
8:09 PM lostexpectation - he didn’t actually explain what health system he wants #fgaf
8:07 PM leotraynor - Can’t really see any possibility for a poll surge by Fine Gael after Kenny’s speech. Nice guy , but lacklustre
8:06 PM ianbrunswick - Lincoln AND Obama quoted in Enda Kenny’s speech?
8:05 PM AdamMaguire - No crowding around the RTÉ reporter from Fine Gael. I wonder if they were warned off or if they just have more cop on. #fgaf
8:04 PM squidlimerick - Video of Enda Kenny press conference from earlier is now availible.on Limerick blogger #fgaf
8:04 PM Suzy Byrne - So where is David Davin Power reporting tonight? No it’s David McCullagh #fgaf
8:03 PM eolai - does “A Fairer Ireland” mean a blonder Ireland? Are Fine Gael changing their name? Fionn Gael? They’ll be happy in Finglas #fgaf
8:02 PM lostexpectation - pascal donohue did his version of the dean scream #fgaf
8:01 PM Suzy Byrne - So will Enda’s speech build on the FG bounce? #fgaf
8:00 PM Stephen Spillane - Mass exodus. Time to hit the bar #fgaf
8:00 PM Stephen Spillane - Crowd loved it, one woman was leaping up shouting yes we will! #fgaf
7:59 PM Mark_Coughlan - The telly is gone #fgaf
7:58 PM AdamMaguire - Oh no. Enda Kenny just jumped the Obama. #fgaf
7:58 PM Stephen Spillane - Crowd loved it, one woman was leaping up shouting yes we will! #fgaf
7:58 PM stephencrowley - I hope the press cover the gaping holes in his promises with regards finances #fgaf
7:58 PM lostexpectation - oh my god, what is pascal doing #fgaf
7:58 PM Suzy Byrne - And Sean Kelly won race to get there first to Enda’s side
7:57 PM BrandIreland - Whats the views on the new Fine Gael branding
7:57 PM breakingnewsie - Kenny: I’ll fix public finances without raising income tax: Fine Gael in government will fix the public finances.. tinyurl.com
7:57 PM Stephen Spillane - Cringe #fgaf
7:56 PM stephencrowley - my mother was lapping up the promises enda was making. this is not good. #fgaf
7:56 PM Suzy Byrne - FR. Enda talks about his flock
7:55 PM Stephen Spillane - He quoted Lincoln. Wasnt expecting that #fgaf (no i didnt read the speech)
7:55 PM garymckeown - Kenny reiterates Fine Gael’s support of the Lisbon Treaty #FGAF
7:54 PM Stephen Spillane - No instant fix #fgaf
7:54 PM Suzy Byrne - ‘We have moved from being navvies to being nation builders’
7:52 PM ConallMcD - OK so Enda is no Barack but he still speaks for five times mor Irish people then Sinn Fein! And unlike Gerry he can actually speak Irish.
7:51 PM Suzy Byrne - Obama Mention coming up….Are you ready!
7:51 PM garymckeown - “No bureaucrat with a pen should be allowed to destroy that generosity of spirit by the Irish people” #FGAF
7:51 PM lostexpectation - two more junior mininsters then labours promise #fgaf
7:50 PM Suzy Byrne - ‘Whatever decisions have to be made next Tuesday in these difficult times, they must not destroy the spirit of communities and the voluntary care provided for
the voiceless, the defenceless, the aged and the intellectually challenged.’
7:49 PM Stephen Spillane - We will end two tier health system – kenny #fgaf
7:47 PM Stephen Spillane - Enda getting a good reception in hall. Lots of smiles
7:46 PM EmilyAM - “The Fine Gael plan is not just about jobs for the boys, it’s about jobs for the people.” Enda Kenny at #fgaf
7:46 PM Stephen Spillane - @MickFealty its ok, i had to listen two speeches on it, today
7:45 PM garymckeown - Standing ovation for Enda Kenny as he talks about himself as Taoiseach #FGAF
7:45 PM Stephen Spillane - RTE pan and everyone stands #fgaf
7:44 PM michaelpkelly - is Watching Enda Kenny delivering his Ard Fheis speech
7:44 PM michaelpkelly - Wonders how Enda Kenny plans to create the 100,000 jobs he just promised…
7:44 PM jamesfarrar - Enda Kenny , Fine Gael giving the bankers hell at the Ard Fheis bit.ly
7:44 PM Suzy Byrne - Crowd going mad at mention of Enda as Taoiseach
7:43 PM Stephen Spillane - @Mark_Coughlan graduate tax, kind of similar, but still diffrent. No reg fees with it.
7:43 PM eoinbannon - Battery dead. More from me later #fgaf
7:42 PM Stephen Spillane - @MickFealty nope, graduate tax #fgaf
7:42 PM Suzy Byrne - Special needs…
7:41 PM Suzy Byrne - RE Grad tax – ‘Thcis will provide a new €500 million annual fund for which 3rd level Colleges will compete – based on the quality of the courses that they offer and the scale of their reform.’
7:40 PM Stephen Spillane - @MickFealty he didnt say indirect taxes. He means income tax #fgaf
7:39 PM Stephen Spillane - Education is key #fgaf
7:39 PM Suzy Byrne - Targets and dates are dangerous things -well dangerous if you got elected. The one about completing 2nd level education is dodgy!
7:38 PM Stephen Spillane - @lexia lmao!
7:38 PM lexia - @spiller2 PD Pocket a la Polly.
7:38 PM Stephen Spillane - Here come the targets #fgaf
7:37 PM Stephen Spillane - Think i was just on the telly. Had camera in my face! #fgaf
7:36 PM Stephen Spillane - @lexia id say you are!
7:35 PM Stephen Spillane - Taxes not answer, jobs are #fgaf
7:35 PM lexia - Ciaran Cannon is teeny in RL. A wee man. I might possibly be taller than he is.
7:34 PM Stephen Spillane - Batt gone. Goin to enjoy speech. #fgaf
7:33 PM Suzy Byrne - ‘We must act for benefit of everyone in country and not pander to any special interest’
7:32 PM eoinbannon - Of all the conferences,FG’s members are in the most buoyant mood. They smell blood.Labour were a little more downcast, more serious(?) #fgaf
7:32 PM Stephen Spillane - @eoinbannon ive noticed that all day! even ard fheis back in 04 wasnt as positive as this #fgaf
7:31 PM Suzy Byrne - Enda is out of breath at beginning of speech
7:31 PM Stephen Spillane - here comes Enda Kenny with Shining Light by Ash – corney or what? #fgaf
7:30 PM Suzy Byrne - Enda Comes into room – music?
7:30 PM Suzy Byrne - A man rooted in family community and country – Richard Bruton describes Enda Kenny
7:29 PM Suzy Byrne - Richard Bruton is clock watching and waiting for RTE’s signal
7:27 PM Stephen Spillane - 10 mins left on laptop
7:26 PM Stephen Spillane - Bruton gets standing ovation at start of speech. this man is loved
7:26 PM eoinbannon - another standing ov – this time for Bruton #fgaf
7:26 PM Suzy Byrne - Mairead McG roaring in my ears now…
7:25 PM Stephen Spillane - Rational Government not National Government
7:25 PM Suzy Byrne - Yes it is now Stephen
7:25 PM Stephen Spillane - is sound working on the live feed Suzy?
7:23 PM Stephen Spillane - ah @paschald on now #fgaf
7:23 PM Stephen Spillane - flanagan: Fine Gaels time is now! #fgaf
7:22 PM johnnycbad - Someone give me a shout at half eight for Enda Kenny’s speach #fgaf
7:21 PM Stephen Spillane - Golden handsakes and #picturegate get mentions. Crowd liking it
7:19 PM Stephen Spillane - The heat in the hall is something else
7:18 PM Stephen Spillane - Charlie Flanagan up now.
7:17 PM Stephen Spillane - I dont know. Gerry O’Connell is normally good at doing that. I hope so
7:17 PM eoinbannon - partly unveiled infamous portrait of Cowen #fgaf
7:17 PM Suzy Byrne - Will FG release all these candidate videos on Youtube?
7:16 PM eoinbannon - Playing video knocking Gov waste. E-voting, PPars, etc #fgaf
7:16 PM Stephen Spillane - #picturegate!!!!! #fgaf
7:16 PM Suzy Byrne - @eoinbannon they went mad for Noel at FF if I remember!
7:15 PM eoinbannon - Ring gets a standing ovation: he’s their own and they love him.Think that’s 1st standing ovation for warm-up speaker this conf season #fgaf
7:14 PM Stephen Spillane - Here comes the clown video, classic
7:11 PM Stephen Spillane - Dont give out about them, get them out and keep them out! Standing ovation for Ring
7:10 PM Suzy Byrne - 8.30 yes Stephen
7:10 PM Stephen Spillane - What time is it live? 8:30?
7:10 PM Suzy Byrne - TD picking nose behind Ring better sort it out before Enda starts and RTE going live…
7:09 PM Stephen Spillane - Im going to be deaf after Ring. #fgaf
7:09 PM eoinbannon - Michael Ring takes the podium, reporters’ notebooks come out #fgaf
7:09 PM Suzy Byrne - Pity no sound for the Ring warm up – it looks like a classic one!
7:08 PM Stephen Spillane - Jaysus aint he passionate! he just introduced Nora Owen and his now lashing out at Gov’t. He said “We know how to run the country” Time to move FF on. Getting great reaction
7:06 PM Stephen Spillane - Micheal Ring goving out about Dempsey and e-Voting, and Cullen and the helicopters
7:04 PM Stephen Spillane - prepped to switch to phone as battery will not last
7:00 PM Suzy Byrne - Sound is still down…Mairead Sweeney from Glenties on video now – she spoke this morning also.
6:59 PM Stephen Spillane - See my tweet suzy!
6:58 PM Stephen Spillane - MEP’s and Candidates now being introducedby Phil Hogan, Director of Elections for the Euro Elections #fgaf
6:55 PM Stephen Spillane - Phil Hogan on now. He is brilliant! #fgaf
6:54 PM Stephen Spillane - fomer PD’s and former FF’ers welcomed to to Fine Gael #fgaf
6:53 PM Stephen Spillane - come on Smashey!!! (thats Neale Richmond!) #fgaf
6:51 PM Suzy Byrne - I was wondering what they were getting – Avril looks like she’s knighting them…
6:51 PM Stephen Spillane - They are being presented with bound copies of all their contributions to the EP #fgaf
6:47 PM Stephen Spillane - Mary Banotti, John Cushnanhan and Joe… being honoured #fgaf
6:46 PM Stephen Spillane - 3 MEP’s being recognised with something.
6:44 PM Stephen Spillane - She could be, who knows
6:43 PM Stephen Spillane - Simon Coveney getting a slagging, shes now moving onto Denis Naughtan #fgaf
6:42 PM Suzy Byrne - Do you think Mairead would ever be party leader? The way she works crowd etc.
6:41 PM Stephen Spillane - alan dukes got large welcome! #fgaf
6:41 PM Stephen Spillane - and back to Mairead! #fgaf
6:40 PM Suzy Byrne - Sound on live feed is down..
6:39 PM Stephen Spillane - Suzy, ard fheis is all about the TD’s and Senators. FG treat Ard Fheis as an opportunity to show them for some reason.
6:38 PM Suzy Byrne - In tonights speech watch out for targets and figures and the absence of making contracts
6:38 PM NiallSF - isn’t sure what to make of Fine Gael’s new logo
6:37 PM Stephen Spillane - @suzybie in the hall we are just getting pictures of the Oireachtas Members #fgaf
6:36 PM Suzy Byrne - I’ve still not recovered from tenors! Now did other parties do this introduction lark to every member of parliamentary party?? Feeds into my post about this Ard Fheis being all about TD’s and Senators and not about grass roots!
6:35 PM Stephen Spillane - ahh yes, Thanks suzy I remember ye on about the tenors now
6:34 PM Stephen Spillane - only on mayo…….
6:33 PM Suzy Byrne - Live Stream – flash yoke (as in player)that can’t be expanded and camera is stuck at back of hall…no close ups of stage.
6:32 PM Stephen Spillane - new recruit Cannon, and he got a big cheer – Is he welcome to the party though? #fgaf
6:31 PM primaryposition - @spiller2 really? how many leaders did they have #fgaf
6:30 PM Suzy Byrne - Labour had comedian, FF had tenors, Greens had Liam O’Maonlai
6:30 PM Stephen Spillane - hmmm dont think my battery will last full speech, will have to switch to phone for last 15 mins it looks #fgaf
6:30 PM Stephen Spillane - This crowd are good but not sure we need a band, did the other Ard Fheis’ have bands?
6:28 PM Suzy Byrne - @cianflah answer to our query earlier – Michael Creed is FG agriculture spokesperson #fgaf
6:28 PM Stephen Spillane - biggest cheer of the night so far was for Richard Bruton
6:25 PM Stephen Spillane - next up @jerrybuttimer
6:25 PM Stephen Spillane - Hmm looking forward to Ciaran Cannon introduction, I wonder how he will be described? #fgaf
6:23 PM Stephen Spillane - Must stop clapping, will drop the laptop!
6:21 PM Stephen Spillane - Tom Hayes introducing the parliamentry party #fgaf
6:20 PM Stephen Spillane - i can see myself getting alot of unfollows over #fgaf so i do apologise
6:18 PM Stephen Spillane - another video, this time Frank Fahy in Galway #fgaf
6:17 PM Stephen Spillane - parliamentry party all seated on the stage #fgaf
6:17 PM Stephen Spillane - Shes listing out the 50 countries represented here #fgaf
6:16 PM Stephen Spillane - Sinead Shepard Cobh Town Council video on now #fgaf
6:16 PM Stephen Spillane - shes the one that was in six! #fgaf
6:16 PM Suzy Byrne - I was wondering where I’d seen Sinead Shepheard before….
6:15 PM Stephen Spillane - Mairead is great at this. Is the live feed working? #fgaf
6:14 PM Stephen Spillane - shes the one that was in six! #fgaf
6:13 PM Stephen Spillane - Sinead Shepard Cobh Town Council video on now #fgaf
6:13 PM Suzy Byrne - Livestream is working on finegael.ie #fgaf
6:12 PM Stephen Spillane - he wants us all to stand up for the envelope for the bumper raffle
6:10 PM Stephen Spillane - twitpic, fecking up
6:09 PM Stephen Spillane - Superdraw most sold constituencies being announced now #fgaf
6:08 PM Stephen Spillane - Paul Kehoe TD up now #fgaf
6:07 PM Stephen Spillane - woo tweetdeck is now working!
6:07 PM Stephen Spillane - Mairead giving out to Sen. Joe O’Reilly! I love her! #fgaf
6:06 PM lexia - @spiller2 I know! He was apparently trying to sign people up himself. Bucket of salt. Wha?
6:06 PM Stephen Spillane - we are getting videos of some of the candidates. Cllr Gerry Breen was just on
6:05 PM Stephen Spillane - @lexia they would say that!
6:03 PM lexia - So yeah, the MiCandidate team at the convention centre couldn’t answer any of my questions on the tech. Enda spent ages there, apparently
6:03 PM Stephen Spillane - @suzybie we are woefully unprepared there as we have two sitting TD’s who have people waiting in the wings for their seats not a new seat
6:01 PM Suzy Byrne - @spiller2 oh yeah – or George Hook was wondering if it’s in June why it’s not been sorted yet. #fgaf
6:01 PM Stephen Spillane - @suzybie the by-election page www.finegael.ie
6:00 PM Stephen Spillane - @suzybie according to the google search we want George Lee or Jim Power to run there :/
5:59 PM Stephen Spillane - @suzybie not officially I dont think.
5:58 PM Stephen Spillane - @lexia yea I know. And i dont know when results are out
5:58 PM Suzy Byrne - Have FIne Gael selected their candidate for Dublin South By-Election yet ? #fgaf
5:57 PM Stephen Spillane - in the hall and itrs filling up nicely #fgaf
5:57 PM lexia - @spiller2 How very Frankie Goes To Hollywood
5:56 PM Stephen Spillane - Graffiti Classics is the warm up act it seams #fgaf
5:55 PM Stephen Spillane - mairead mcguinneas giving welcome atm, shes telling us to relax! #fgaf
5:52 PM lexia - When are the results of the National Executive election available? #fgaf
5:44 PM Clare_People - Shannon Airport was mentioned about 200 times in the debate on tourism… Fine Gael definitely like the idea of US pre-clearance…
5:44 PM AllanCavanagh - That new Fine Gael logo is very very 80s altogether. If we’re going to do this 80s revival properly can we have our punts back too?
5:44 PM faduda - work done, got the pics I need so heading home from #fgaf
5:35 PM Suzy Byrne - Senator Paschal Donohue blogging from #fgaf www.paschaldonohoe.ie
5:34 PM seanmck09 - Thanks spiller2 for the advice on the old tags #fgaf
5:34 PM seanmck09 - 3 hours of handshaking at voting area, great to see old friends and meet new ones! #fgaf
5:03 PM Suzy Byrne - @christinebohan it is indeed – sign on stand at Ard Fheis. I’ve always written and seen it as by-election.
4:52 PM Stephen Spillane - RT @fiannafailparty: South Euro Convention: Brian Crowley MEP and Ned O’Keefe unanimously selected to represent FF on June 5th.
4:50 PM Stephen Spillane - food then endas speech!!
4:43 PM Stephen Spillane - Clune now speaking #fgaf
4:34 PM Stephen Spillane - @suzybie i noticed that too!
4:34 PM Suzy Byrne - How do you spell by-election? Bye-election? I need to know! As maybe does a candidate!
4:23 PM breakingnewsire - NEWS: Fine Gael: Emergency Budget already a disaster: The Fine Gael leader has said the formation of next T.. tinyurl.com
4:22 PM Stephen Spillane - latest post from #fgaf is.gd
4:18 PM Stephen Spillane - RT @Paschald: In hall. Watching dry run of Enda speach. Great stuff. #fgaf
4:17 PM Stephen Spillane - if you are wondering we are onto education motions #fgaf
3:59 PM Stephen Spillane - @cianflah are you coming back for the speech tonight??
3:58 PM lexia - @cianflah will kill me!! Braindead
3:44 PM Stephen Spillane - @suzybie yea its very strange, i often dont get FG #fgaf
3:42 PM Suzy Byrne - @spiller2 aye – it was nearlyfine as if they were preparing for gen elec in this mornings session. (In terms of profiles not policy) #fgaf
3:39 PM Stephen Spillane - @suzybie most motions are being pushed by candidates, but most of these arent streamed so kind of useless #fgaf
3:35 PM BrianGreene - bloggers at #fgaf how confident is the FG team’s mood for june 5th ?
3:17 PM Stephen Spillane - quotes, I need quotes! #fgaf
3:10 PM FineGaelNews - PR: Speech by Denis Naughten TD, Fine Gael Spokesman on Immigration and Integration tinyurl.com
3:10 PM FineGaelNews - PR: Summary of Speech by Fine Gael Environment Spokesman, Phil Hogan TD tinyurl.com
3:09 PM squidlimerick - audio of enda kenny press conference now added . Video on the way #fgaf
3:00 PM Stephen Spillane - had to leave YFG Session, was very very hot! had to get out. Interesting stuff from @LCreighton #fgaf
2:50 PM squidlimerick - audio of enda kenny press conference now added . Video on the way #fgaf
1:47 PM Stephen Spillane - right, got some quotes from delegates, met @noelrock who was looking for @suzybie and now off to YFG Session, well find it! #fgaf
1:29 PM lexia - Wifi here at FGAF is very frustrating. Cannot connect to Qik!!
1:18 PM lexia - Off to spot hairy backs #fgaf
1:06 PM Stephen Spillane - no feed of the afternoon sessions it seams. Even in the press/bloggers room #fgaf
1:01 PM Stephen Spillane - @stephencrowley there is a live feed on the website finegael.ie
1:01 PM Stephen Spillane - @ianmcgahon they havent switched the feed. We are still looking at the main hall. This is in a different suite #FGAF
1:00 PM stephencrowley - with the lack of a live working feed, i can only talk about FG’s new logo. how are they the 2nd largest party? #fgaf
12:50 PM davemolloy - As everyone seems to be saying, the new Fine Gael logo is terrible. It has no connection to the party, and is just pretty bland really.
12:49 PM BrianGreene - #fgaf the new FG logo has a star like the @socialistparty logo url.ie SP logo & website renewal due real soon.
12:49 PM BrianGreene - @ShellDillon sure i’m only warming up. this is sport to me, but this #fgaf looks like the community games. someone (in FG) surprise me.
12:26 PM cianflah - @suzybie meets her favourite FG county council candidate (with a unanimous mandate) @simonharris09 twitpic.com
12:20 PM ElaineByrne - ‘power in our society must be held to account’ #fgaf
12:20 PM ElaineByrne - where in citywest is the best place to watch munster v leinster tonight #fgaf
12:19 PM Killian2009 - Busy morning at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis. Great atmosphere, interesting policy proposals.
12:19 PM NInews - Irish Times: Full text of James O’Reilly’s speech: Full text of the speech by Fine Gael health spoke.. tinyurl.com
12:19 PM sharoncasey - #Fine Gael are making sense – hope FF are taking notes
12:16 PM cianflah - Other one not as empty. It has cabbage (no bacon mind) #fgaf twitpic.com
12:16 PM Mark_Coughlan - @darraghdoyle I’m not out there either. @suzybie @cianflah @lexia @paraicnt @limerickblogger @spiller2 are all there in various roles. #fgaf
12:16 PM stephencrowley - @BrendanJHayes add #fgaf to be included in the official discussion www.twitscoop.com
12:16 PM stephencrowley - other than being born into it …. why FG #fgaf
12:16 PM AdamMaguire - I still think the new Fine Gael logo looks a fair bit Soviet. #fgaf
12:16 PM Mark_Coughlan - @adammaguire horrible font, the star is in the wrong position IMO too #fgaf
12:16 PM ElaineByrne - here in citywest is the best place to watch munster v leinster tonight #fgaf
12:13 PM cianflah - Two mins ago at one of two food joints. Empty. No bacon on then menu. QED twitpic.com
12:08 PM Mark_Coughlan - @adammaguire horrible font, the star is in the wrong position IMO too #fgaf
12:08 PM AdamMaguire - I still think the new Fine Gael logo looks a fair bit Soviet. #fgaf
12:02 PM cianflah - @eoinbannon that is a big cockup – bruton already had moved off script from early to squeeze it all in. Not epic, but a fail. #fgaf
12:01 PM cianflah - so how did we rate Richard’s speech?
12:00 PM cianflah - @suzybie @Mark_Coughlan v impressed altogether with welcome, food, coffee, tea, biscuits, fruit and general reception from FGPO #fgaf
11:59 AM lexia - Richard is way off script from the circulated speech we got off FG #fgaf
11:59 AM Mark_Coughlan - He’s not coming across great on d’telly… #fgaf
11:58 AM ElaineByrne - ‘power in our society must be held to account’ #fgaf
11:58 AM cianflah - very interesting comparisons to be made between Brutons speech and Kennys at 8.30. #fgaf
11:58 AM Suzy Byrne - @Mark_Coughlan culinary report – fresh fruit, sambos and – wait for it – meal vouchers – beating FF hands down.
11:55 AM Suzy Byrne - New FG Logo revealed – Officially bit.ly #fgaf
11:53 AM AdamMaguire - Anthony Hopkins for Taoiseach! #fgaf
11:52 AM BrianGreene - @ianmcgahon #FGAF what social housing construction hardly any. 46K empty units in Dublin. take em over, compensate, thats revolutionary
11:51 AM Suzy Byrne - @Mark_Coughlan Well it’s apartheid for everyone – rte, bloggers, broadcast, print – all have seperate gaffs #fgaf
11:49 AM Mark_Coughlan - @suzybie the future will not have the press apartheid bloggers and MSM are subject to today! #fgaf
11:48 AM cianflah - some thoughts on the #FGAF morning session bit.ly
11:47 AM AdamMaguire - Did Varadkar just suggest we create new clean banks? Is he thinking we just all forget about the debt that makes them toxic? #fgaf
11:47 AM Stephen Spillane - Brutons speech in 14 minutes???? Is it doable? ##fgaf
11:47 AM BrianGreene - #fgaf pictures from fashion tv sound from Leo Varadkar. is the summer 2010 collection as ridiculous as what i am hearing. FG & Lab?
11:46 AM Simon McGarr - anyone following @darraghdoyle ‘s example and asking people why they ought to vote or follow FG? #fgaf
11:46 AM AdamMaguire - Did Varadkar just suggest we create new clean banks? Is he thinking we just all forget about the debt that makes them toxic? #fgaf
11:46 AM seanmck09 - Moved motion 4 re’ mental health funding without due deference to timing! #fgaf
11:42 AM ElaineByrne - at the #fgaf
11:41 AM simontuohy - So what is happening with the conference party looking forward to be next party in power. #fgaf
11:37 AM Stephen Spillane - sandwiches in press room! nice touch and a meal voucher
11:37 AM Simon McGarr - I want to love this sitting around in armchairs effect. It is a welcome change from the unnatural speaking at a podium model used by the other parties. But, I’m not sure tub chairs, that make you rest your elbows either that little bit too high on them or squeezed in to the side, are the right choice.
11:36 AM BrianGreene - #fgaf FG cllrs can’t freeze biz rates they are independently set. look these FGers WILL support residential water charges inside next 12mnts
11:36 AM ianmcgahon - #FGAF -FG also want to cut rent supplement thresholds by 12% and halt Social Housing construction – talk about attacking the vulnerable
11:35 AM Suzy Byrne - Deputy Press Director came in to bloggers to check on how the future is! I look forward to FG realising that future in website etc! #fgaf
11:29 AM Simon McGarr - Just switched to the Fine Gael website there and am mesmerised by the photograph of Andrew Doyle TD. www.finegael.ie THE EYES!
11:28 AM FineGaelIreland - <> Speech by Billy Timmins T.D. Fine Gael Spokesman on Foreign Affairs tinyurl.com
11:27 AM ianmcgahon - #FGAF – Fine Gaels plan for supporting jobs doesn’t add up – they want to get rid of 15,000 civil and public service jobs
11:27 AM Stephen Spillane - Post on today so far is.gd #fgaf
11:25 AM johnnycbad - DIMPLE! #fgaf
11:25 AM BrianGreene - #fgaf Enda maxheadroom Kenny at the 07AF url.ie
11:25 AM ianmcgahon - Ah look Paschal Donohoe finally got his late late slot #FGAF
11:24 AM Stephen Spillane - @ianmcgahon wayhey!
11:23 AM ianmcgahon - Ah look Paschal Donohoe finally got his late late slot #FGAF
11:20 AM squidlimerick - Audio interview, Dan Neville has been uploaded #fgaf www.limerickblogger.ie
11:20 AM BrianGreene - @whatthetrend #fgaf is the Fine Gael Ard Fheis – 2nd largest irish political party annual conference. url.ie
11:18 AM NoelRock - Enda: “You can all rest assured, I won’t be using any parliamentary language tonight” #fgaf
11:15 AM Stephen Spillane - Is the streaming working on the FG website? www.finegael.ie
11:13 AM ann_donnelly - Switching on Fine Gael Ard Fheis. Is any of this talk going to help anything?! #fgaf
11:13 AM bosca - YFG gain seat on National Exec: There was amotion this morning giving Young Fine Gael an extra seat on the Fine .. tinyurl.com
11:12 AM Stephen Spillane - @eoinbannon of course we are, you are missing so much!
11:10 AM eoinbannon - Due to totally foreseen circumstances, I won’t be at FG Ard Fheis until much later today. Hope y’all having good time out there #fgaf
11:09 AM Suzy Byrne - @simonmcgarr the motions this morning were on candidate not delegate selection – they’ve been sent to a special delegate conference for further debate.
11:08 AM BrianGreene - #fgaf too many delegates are monitor watching. then when they are focused on they adjust. the late late show audience syndrome (or Live@3)
11:07 AM johnnycbad - Nice! #fgaf
11:07 AM revahealth - @BrianGreene #fgaf further slight correction ‘unemployed’ can be mis-interpreted due to fudging of the figures, better say ‘on the live …
11:07 AM trendsy - #fgaf: #fgaf is now a trending topic on Twitter.
11:07 AM BrianGreene - tv cams track @lexia Qik the room (iThink) was the phone in portrait?
11:07 AM BrianGreene - #fgaf correction 11% of workforce unemployed. not 11% of population. the former is greater in number.
11:07 AM cianflah - Carvery is open with the last hour. Still no one on the Rte boardroom tho one or two floating around main conf. #fgaf
11:06 AM johnnycbad - Nice! #fgaf
11:06 AM revahealth - @BrianGreene #fgaf further slight correction ‘unemployed’ can be mis-interpreted due to fudging of the figures, better say ‘on the live …
11:06 AM trendsy - #fgaf: #fgaf is now a trending topic on Twitter.
11:02 AM Stephen Spillane - Speeches starting to come through on the Press lists
11:02 AM BrianGreene - #fgaf correction 11% of workforce unemployed. not 11% of population. the former is greater in number.
11:01 AM davidcochrane - Coveney says FG have overtakn the Greens on their ambition for the green economy #fgaf
11:01 AM BrianGreene - #fgaf boy racer government ! nice one.
11:01 AM BrianGreene - hello Cllr Joan Maher Howth/Malahide. #fgaf #zzz
11:01 AM RedDave14 - Anyone know a good dry cleaners to get my blueshirts laundered; all that saluting plays havoc with my creases…#fgaf *stands well back*
11:01 AM Stephen Spillane - was about to right a post for slugger and its down
10:58 AM Stephen Spillane - Coeveny: FG have taken over greens on green economy #fgaf
10:56 AM cianflah - God what an awful last tweet damn iPhone keyboard.
10:56 AM cianflah - #anyone any ideas what the motion is? It doesn’t seem that obvious from speeches unless it is ‘that ff are a shower of hoors altogether.’
10:56 AM FineGaelIreland - <> Summary of Speech by Fine Gael Environment Spokesman, Phil Hogan TD tinyurl.com
10:56 AM Simon McGarr - www.qik.com
10:55 AM Suzy Byrne - @lexia makes it to telly doing qiking #fgaf
10:54 AM AllanCavanagh - FG speeches are hitting Reader at a rate of knots now #fgaf
10:54 AM Simon McGarr - What’s the really big Motion of the day? I see that the question of changing how delegates are selected, which Miriam Lord suggested in today’s Times was a bit contentious has been shunted away. Any equivalent of the massive Labour Party 21st C Commission Report vote?
10:53 AM Stephen Spillane - @suzybie ahh its grand, its not annoying. Yet
10:52 AM BrianGreene - in summary FG are listing much what is wrong with ireland. no way forward that i would believe in. just as well RTE Int. TV is off air #fgaf
10:52 AM Simon McGarr - Excellent reporting here, by the way. I like seeing the wires.
10:52 AM Suzy Byrne - @spiller2 you have permission to shut down!
10:51 AM Stephen Spillane - well @suzybie‘s laptop is playing lovely music as we listen to speeches in the press office #fgaf
10:51 AM lexia - #fgaf Going to Qik the room – www.Qik.com/alexiagolez
10:50 AM Simon McGarr - I should point out, re blogger and press digs that at Labour, RTE TV Hair and Makeup got their own room.
10:49 AM Stephen Spillane - @lexia mainly that is because that is where the cameras are panning too. It needs to look full #fgaf
10:48 AM lexia - FG faithful being sheparded to the other side of the room away from where we’re sitting #fgaf
10:48 AM ann_donnelly - Switching on Fine Gael Ard Fheis. Is any of this talk going to help anything?! #fgaf
10:48 AM BrianGreene - how would broadband help Waterford Crystal? anyone counting the number of times BB is mentioned at #fgaf
10:48 AM Stephen Spillane - @ann_donnelly who knows, depends. on when the next GE is and if FF rob policy #fgaf
10:42 AM Suzy Byrne - Speeches much longer, chats are taking up time. No debate? #fgaf
10:42 AM cianflah - Tv strategy is get the front bench and
Economic message out. Sure we know them! No major Reliance on local candidates for speeches. #fgaf
10:41 AM lexia - Frances looking altogether very Hillary #fgaf twitpic.com
10:36 AM Suzy Byrne - It’s the chat show format again this year but where is Fine Gael’s chat show queen? #fgaf
10:28 AM cianflah - Mep or chat show host. twitpic.com
10:28 AM FineGaelIreland - <> Speech by Fine Gael Health Spokesperson, Dr James Reilly TD tinyurl.com
10:21 AM Alexia Golez - Coveney is good cop to Mitchell’s bad cop. Mr. Positivity talks of change and the need to push past recrimination and then talks about how two economic busts were presided by FF.
10:19 AM Stephen Spillane - Come on Coveney! #fgaf
10:19 AM Alexia Golez - And here comes Simon!
10:17 AM Suzy Byrne - The live blog at #fgaf – join us as we watch Gay Mitchell talk about fish and barrels bit.ly
10:16 AM cianflah - Gay Mitchell hits the ‘cronie’ half point at Ard Fheis bingo. Lost half point for lack of capitalism. We are off to Niagara Falls since Fianna Fail can’t shoot at fish in a barrel. No I don’t really know what he is talking about either.
10:12 AM cianflah - James Reilly sending a message to government, via shouting and mic distortion. #fgaf
10:11 AM Stephen Spillane - Annual Check up?? An NBT? #fgaf
10:10 AM Suzy Byrne - Resource to be cherished – the patient – according to James Reilly #fgaf
10:07 AM Stephen Spillane - lesson one: Do not shout into microphones please! #fgaf
10:05 AM Stephen Spillane - James Reilly introducing new policy on health #fgaf
10:03 AM lexia - @kellyforeurope My, you are all a-twitter this morning. #fgaf
10:03 AM cianflah - Nice digs for RTE at #fgaf. Nothing but the best. Rooms for print, broadcast, bloggers not as luxurious. twitpic.com
10:03 AM Suzy Byrne - It’s Telly Time at the Ard Fheis…and Jim Higgins annoys disability rights movement immediately by using the the h word even if it is to have a dig at FF.
10:00 AM kellyforeurope - Really looking forward to Enda’s speech tonight #fgaf
10:00 AM kellyforeurope - We have the London Taxi up with us so try and get a shot with it and post it on my site www.seankellyforeurope.com #fgaf
9:57 AM Suzy Byrne - James Reilly’s speech arrives – it’s going to involve a bit of shouting #fgaf but maybe no mention of farmers?
9:56 AM FineGaelIreland - <> Speech by Senator Frances Fitzgerald, Fine Gael Seanad Leader & Spokesperson on Health and Children tinyurl.com
9:55 AM Stephen Spillane - Signing up for Irish Youth Media European thing www.irishyouthmedia.ie
9:54 AM Suzy Byrne - Econcide – defined by Dan Neville, FG spokesperson on Mental Health #fgaf
9:54 AM Stephen Spillane - @ann_donnelly its just a typical FG slag. The party of the big farmers. We seam to be playing to stereotypes #fgaf
9:48 AM kellyforeurope - Then I am chairing a session at 3.15 come along and get involved we have some very good speakers, Tom Sheahan and Michael Creed etc #fgaf
9:48 AM Squid Limerick - Could the free examiner be classed as a political donation
9:48 AM kellyforeurope - I will be at the cheque ceremony for the Super draw at one #fgaf
9:47 AM kellyforeurope - Had a good night in City West last night #fgaf
9:47 AM Suzy Byrne - Tony O’Donnell – blogging candidate and competent speaker at #fgaf drtod.wordpress.com
9:41 AM Stephen Spillane - good speech by David Stanton on carers. No mention of farms #fgaf
9:34 AM Suzy Byrne - tinyurl.com Dan Neville’s speech released by FG press office before it’s delivered.
9:33 AM FineGaelIreland - <> Speech by Fine Gael Spokesman on Mental Health, Dan Neville TD at the 2009 Fine Gael Ard Fheis tinyurl.com
9:30 AM Stephen Spillane - its strange that two speakers on health have mentioned farms! its going to be a strange day #fgaf
9:29 AM Stephen Spillane - Health motions under way #fgaf
9:29 AM cianflah - Defending the Family Farm at #fgaf, no stereotyping here.
9:29 AM FineGaelIreland - <> Speech by Fine Gael Spokesman on Mental Health, Dan Neville TD at the 2009 Fine Gael Ard Fheis tinyurl.com
9:27 AM cianflah - inspirational speeching at #fgaf Fianna Fail boo. Fine Gael yay.
9:25 AM Suzy Byrne - 40 acre farm mentioned by Paul Connaughton – #fgaf bingo has begun
9:22 AM lexia - Morning all! At the #fgaf with @cianflah @suzybie @spiller2 @limerickblogger
9:20 AM Stephen Spillane - Live feed is being sorted (hopefully). Have raised it with Press Office and they ware working on it #fgaf
9:20 AM limerickblogger - New post: [Liveblog]Fine Gael Ard Feis #fgaf: www.limerickblogger.ie
9:18 AM Suzy Byrne - RTE have their own room (very swanky board room type), then other radio and telly have a room, then print and then bloggers. So they are ‘distincting’ between everyone…No Special Treatment…
9:15 AM Simon McGarr - Surely not blogger/ Press distinctions being made already? #fgaf
9:15 AM Suzy Byrne - @squidlimerick every press type has own room here…we’re not been shoved anywhere. Bloggers are in swiftbrook suite 3rd floor hotel.
9:14 AM squidlimerick - waiting for media badge. #fgaf
9:13 AM Suzy Byrne - Bloggers in the blogger room #fgaf
9:13 AM squidlimerick - @suzybe [cont] have been dragging this shit like laptops and cameras around since 5am and aint doing it again till i go home #fgaf
9:13 AM squidlimerick - @suzybie which room ye in. I seem to have ended up in the main room. If they ask me to leave then they can shove their ard feis #fgaf
9:13 AM cianflah - P diddy #fgaf twitpic.com
9:13 AM squidlimerick - waiting for media badge. #fgaf
9:01 AM Stephen Spillane - YFG motion done and hangover kicks in. My body is strange
9:01 AM Stephen Spillane - @MickFealty thanks for the follow
9:00 AM Stephen Spillane - onto organisation motions, get rid of church gate collections! #fgaf
8:58 AM Stephen Spillane - amendment passed! woo! #fgaf
8:56 AM Stephen Spillane - Denis Kirby rocks!!!!! #fgaf
8:52 AM Stephen Spillane - current amendment on giving YFG an extra seat on National Exec, National Exec opposing its #fgaf
8:46 AM ann_donnelly - @suzybie Have a good time. Looking forward to your tweets. #fgaf
8:44 AM Stephen Spillane - amendment carried. FG to contest Hiugher Education Seanad seats #fgaf
8:43 AM Stephen Spillane - Amendment to allow FG to contest NUI and Trinity Seanad Panel being proposed #fgaf
8:40 AM Stephen Spillane - @suzybie woooo! #fgaf
8:16 AM Stephen Spillane - first post of the day is.gd #fgaf
8:11 AM Stephen Spillane - we haz sound still no picture #fgaf
8:09 AM Stephen Spillane - no coverage so far on monitors, may head down in to main hall #fgaf
8:06 AM Stephen Spillane - @suzybie issue with the TV reportage was technical issue. RTÉ have apologised! #fgaf
8:04 AM Stephen Spillane - (PS My head hurts!!!)
8:03 AM Stephen Spillane - the only controversial amendment on OMOV vs Delegates at Convention has being moved to a special delegate conference #fgaf
8:01 AM Stephen Spillane - Morning everyone, alone in the bloggers room again. First session is Constitution and rules, im under a whip to vote on one motion #fgaf
7:33 AM squidlimerick - Another day another Irish Rail cattlewagon. wheres the coffee #fgaf
7:33 AM RTEpolitics - Job retention the focus for Fine Gael: The Fine Gael Ard Fheis resumes in Dublin this morning, with the main foc.. tinyurl.com
7:31 AM FineGaelNews - MIRIAM LORD’S WEEK tinyurl.com
7:31 AM the_irish_times - Fine Gael ardfheis to focus on economy tinyurl.com
10:26 PM Paschald - Opening of Ard Fheis went well. We have a by election stand there. Good response to it.
9:09 PM Simon McGarr - Fine Gael is hopeless at the internet. Seem actively unable to communicate. #fgaf
9:08 PM Suzy Byrne - @briangreene I put the full clar online myself last night for the bloggers etc. bit.ly #fgaf
9:05 PM BrianGreene - @suzybie basic Clár ? in PDF url.ie #fgaf nb: LIVE scary TV
8:24 PM Suzy Byrne - No footage from City West on RTE Nine O’Clock News? Cuts? Or Technical Problems?
8:19 PM Suzy Byrne - @spiller2 there was a screen on front of website last night – as depicted in @damienmulley ‘s post. We’ll see what story tomorrow is! #fgaf
8:16 PM lexia - loving that #fgaf is an anagram of #gaff
8:16 PM Stephen Spillane - First post on #fgaf done is.gd
8:15 PM Stephen Spillane - right off to find people and may get some delegate views, Later all
8:14 PM Stephen Spillane - @suzybie none that I can find #fgaf
8:11 PM freenews - BN: Kenny attacks Government’s handling of health service: The Leader of Fine Gael says if he gets into Gover.. tinyurl.com
8:11 PM rteheads - Fine Gael promises universal health cover
8:08 PM Stephen Spillane - @LCreighton Lisbon will complete Single European Project – What?? No it wont #fgaf
8:06 PM Stephen Spillane - @LCreaighton to address Ard fheis #fgaf on Lisbon Treaty
7:58 PM eoinbannon - @colmburkemep says he believes if Israeli policy continues unabated, Gaza will cease to exist within 10 years #fgaf
7:43 PM eoinbannon - First YRC post from the FG Ard Fheis url.ie #fgaf
7:43 PM Stephen Spillane - not sure what to make of part of Billy’s speech. Esp about the stance on Israel/Palestine
7:43 PM eoinbannon - Kenny has a kiss for Lucinda Creighton. Everything is grand so… #fgaf
7:42 PM Stephen Spillane - @eoinbannon of course its grand we aint a family at war! #fgaf
7:37 PM Stephen Spillane - Billy Timmins speaking now, Enda Kenny gave good speech, looking forward to health policy tomorrow #fgaf
7:17 PM Simon McGarr - @faduda Is that because they don’t think there’s much point in going to an event and then sitting in a room away from it all? Or did they just not bother going?
7:14 PM faduda - Bloggers room empty at #fgaf
7:12 PM Stephen Spillane - Enda now speaking. Blaming FF for crises. #fgaf
6:58 PM kcoDublin - at the fine gael ard fheis
6:42 PM Simon McGarr - #fgaf New Fine Gael Logo typeface is 1987 Garret-Tastic!
6:41 PM Stephen Spillane - I think we are about to start #fgaf
6:41 PM eoinbannon - Big news from FG Ard Fheis is, eh, there’s a separate room for bloggers. Reading speeches now so proper news soon #fgaf
6:41 PM Stephen Spillane - Just been interviewed by two of journalists from the village magazine who are here without accreditation. They also took my photo! #fgaf
3:11 PM RTEnewsIreland - Around 5,000 delegates are expected to attend the Fine Gael Ard Fheis, which opens in Dublin this evening. tinyurl.com
3:08 PM FineGaelIreland - <> Sen. Joe O’Reilly to run for Fine Gael in Euro Elections in Ireland North West – Kenny tinyurl.com
3:08 PM ColmBurkeMEP - Leaving for the Ard Fheis shortly, lunch went really well great crowd! Look out for the jeeps on the way up to Dublin
2:30 PM GayCork - [BLOG] Fine Gael Ard Fheis 2009: Today I leave for Dublin for the Fine Gael Ard Fheis. I media accreditati.. tinyurl.com
2:30 PM FineGaelNews - Fine Gael names election candidates tinyurl.com
2:29 PM eoinbannon - Off to Maynooth for a bit. Then back into City West for some of the evening. Exciting day! #fgaf
2:29 PM chrismehigan - Are Fine Gael on Twitter? #fgaf
12:11 PM Stephen Spillane - right time to get up shower, pack, get hair cut, meet @murphskie, then @colmburkeMEP‘s fundraiser, then #fgaf with @jerrybuttimer – fun day!
12:11 PM eoinbannon - Off to Maynooth for a bit. Then back into City West for some of the evening. Exciting day! #fgaf
12:11 PM chrismehigan - Are Fine Gael on Twitter? #fgaf
10:14 AM lauramcgonigle - Morning! All packed and ready for the Ard Fheis #fgaf
11:51 PM Suzy Byrne - Ard Fheis Clár (Programme) is available here www.scribd.com
10:08 PM Stephen Spillane - If anyone wants the Clár (Program) for #fgaf and isnt going, let me know and Ill send it to you. ff.im
10:08 PM Stephen Spillane - reading the motions for #fgaf and shouts “No” at motion 1. European Information Officer… yea right… ff.im
10:36 PM Stephen Spillane - now told I have to be at very first session of #fgaf on sat morn. so much for a lie in
10:36 PM Stephen Spillane - Full Timetable with sideevents of #fgaf if anyone is interested is.gd (PDF File)
10:36 PM Stephen Spillane - wooo! YFG side event at #fgaf “Ireland needs Change” and Richard Bruton is Chair

Labour Party Conference, 2009

Simon McGarr — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:58:09 +0000

12:03 PM krayZpaving - RT @labour: Conference website now live. Go to Labour.ie/conference2009/. #LP09
12:49 PM krayZpaving - Speechwriting for Labour Conference (#LP09) at the moment. Gotta make the most of Saturday telly time for Nessa Childers, our MEP candidate.
5:34 PM astarmain - survived giving the course. Now to sort out heading to Mullingar tomorrow for #lp09
5:34 PM eoinbannon - Any other bloggers heading for Mullingar this weekend? YRC will be there. #LP09
6:50 PM krayZpaving - ScribbleLive for Labour Party Conference is now up (kicks off Friday at 18:30) – head over to http://is.gd/p73j #LP09
6:55 PM stretchneil - Goodness me, I’ve been terribly quiet on the interweb recently. Looking forward to putting that right in the next couple of weeks…
7:25 PM RebeccaMoy - Hopping mad at Jim Power’s crazy idea. Economics & health don’t mix http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0326/1224243451773.html
12:59 PM ianmcgahon - New blog post http://tinyurl.com/dacewt #LP09
12:59 PM krayZpaving - Backdrops and displays up. Just checking in on email right now. Eamon GIlmore out and about in Mullingar Town right now #LP09
12:59 PM krayZpaving - Hailstones at #LP09
12:59 PM keithster - Ah conference Friday! Will be on the road to Mullingar at 3 #lp09
1:31 PM keithster - Will be on tv tomorrow morning on RTE 1. Speaking on banking and economy motion. #LP09
2:22 PM krayZpaving - Time to check in to my B&B and get suited up for the evening. #LP09
2:33 PM krayZpaving - New candidate for Ireland North West euro election to be announced by @labour at 5pm #LP09
2:55 PM keithster - we R on the road 2 Mullingar & destiny! I hear we R announcing a Euro Candidate 4 the North West! Who cn it be!
2:58 PM keithster - we R on the road 2 Mullingar & destiny! I hear we R announcing a Euro Candidate 4 the North West! Who cn it be! (via @keithster) #LP09
3:32 PM labour - @darraghdoyle thanks for good wishes, if you’re not coming along, hope you’ll follow online http://www.labour.ie/conference2009/live/ #LP09
3:32 PM astarmain - is about to hit the road. Conference here we come! Both DSE motions up for debate tonight. Pensions one probably more controversial #lp09
3:34 PM dlooney - On the road to mullingar .. Looking forward most to michael d’s speech@9.45 tonight. #LP09
3:47 PM krayZpaving - Just met @labour new candidate for Ireland North West. Very impressive person. Hope you can all wait until 5! #LP09
4:23 PM keithster - 40 minutes till Labour’s new Euro Candidate for North-west. Who is it #LP09
4:30 PM aoifecarroll - Just heard @labour is launching our NorthWest candidate at 5. Excellent news to start the weekend #LP09
4:54 PM aoifecarroll - On the train with the manics on the ipod…bring it on & let the politics begin! #LP09
5:02 PM keithster - Weather has turned for the worst but spirits are high as the Mayo boys arrive in the midlands #LP09
5:08 PM keithster - Susan O’Keefe the journalist who exposed the Beef scandal is our candidate for the North West Euro seat!
5:09 PM keithster - Susan O’Keefe the journalist who exposed the Beef scandal is our candidate for the North West Euro seat! (via @keithster) #LP09
5:59 PM krayZpaving - Labour selects journalist Susan O’Keefe as its candidate in Ireland Northwest. #LP09.
6:08 PM dlooney - 5 o’clock train from Connolly to mullingar packed with Labour members. Forward socialism! #lp09
6:08 PM labour - Labour selects journalist Susan O’Keefe as its candidate in Ireland Northwest. #LP09.
6:50 PM krayZpaving - Live streaming of #LP09 just started – http://www.ustream.tv/channel/labourparty
6:51 PM gomaonaigh - Biggest ever Labour Conference getting underway now. Slight delay as there are so many delegates #LP09
6:54 PM krayZpaving - Mayor of Mullingar Cllr Michael Dollard giving the opening address to #LP09
6:58 PM aoifecarroll - Party chair, Brian O’Shea, welcomes us all to Mullingar, the home of the formidable Willie Penrose #LP09
7:03 PM Suzy Byrne - Labour annouce Susan O’Keefe as candidate for North-West Constituency in European Parliament Elections
7:06 PM ianmcgahon - IreklaIreIIre
7:07 PM krayZpaving - Eamon Gilmore takes to the stage at #LP09
7:08 PM ianmcgahon - aaagh not used to my new mini laptop
7:08 PM christinebohan - Gilmore: 3 big issues of #LP09 are the economic crisis, June elections and internal party stuff.
7:08 PM labour - #LP09 Live stream now going out on the Labour site, Eamon Gilmore now speaking
7:09 PM christinebohan - Gilmore: Now more than ever, Ireland needs a Labour-led government #LP09
7:10 PM ianmcgahon - Irelands most popular leader “Ireland needs a Labour lead government” #LP09
7:11 PM aoifecarroll - Gilmore: Irish politics needs to move beyond conservative civil war parties still fighting over history
7:12 PM labour - Gilmore calls for severing of cosy link ‘tween big money and politics to send a clear msg to all that influence in Ireland is not for sale.
7:12 PM gomaonaigh - Eamon Gilmore TD making Opening conference speech. “Influence in Ireland is not for sale” #LP09
7:12 PM labour - ums too.
7:15 PM labour - And Gilmore announces that Labour Party will shortly publish Bill to clean up corporate governance.
7:17 PM Fergal Crehan - Sen. Alex White hits the “People who work hard and play by the rules” note. FF invented cronyism, they know no other way.
7:17 PM gomaonaigh - Senator Alex White proposes first motion. http://tinyurl.com/cdjvgj #LP09
7:19 PM ianmcgahon - NEC candidates lobbying away #LP09
7:19 PM keithster - We’re in the hall! Just had Eamon Gilmore’s opening address. Now Senator White is speaking for the first motion #LP09
7:19 PM Fergal Crehan - Naas Branch. Their motion in ’07 stirred a vigorous debate, to say the least
7:23 PM Fergal Crehan - Michael D now speaking. List of motions is available here:
7:25 PM gomaonaigh - Michael D Higgins condemns the Government for “sleep-walking” the economy into recession and wasting the boom. http://url.ie/1dl3 #LP09
7:28 PM keithster - Nessa Childers on now. She’s very good, excellent speech! #LP09
7:46 PM aoifecarroll - Vic Duggan: recovery will happen when Cowen loses his job…and he has a career as a male model waiting! #LP09
7:49 PM Fergal Crehan - Willie Penrose responds to the motions
7:51 PM keithster - At Labour Conference where Dave Fallon spoke on the need for a new N5. Very good! (via @keithster) #LP09
8:11 PM krayZpaving - Setting up the election room for tomorrow’s National Executive Committee and Standing Orders Committee elections. #LP09
8:13 PM Simon McGarr - Willie Penrose ought to be sliced up thin, like Lenin’s brain, and sent to all the rural Labour outposts to study how to win and hold a seat outside a city.
8:19 PM Jnisbet - Listening to Eithne Frost speaking very well on a Labour Party Conference Motion! #LP09
8:23 PM astarmain - Pension motion passed. Mary now proposing education forum motion. Apart from the canary yellow jacket job well done #lp09
8:25 PM Simon McGarr - I see that Lemass is being appropriated byc the Labour party, akin to Lincon now owned by the Democrats. The party left him.
8:28 PM Simon McGarr - I’m agreeing with everything said about cutting education. But I’m not fired up. Waiting for the fire juggler. Bound to turn up.
8:29 PM Simon McGarr - Maths Teacher Venn Diagram Gag!
8:32 PM Fergal Crehan - Dig at Paul Gogarty’s bet-hedging from speaker on Education.
8:35 PM Jnisbet - Us maths teachers wish that the Government would learn how to do their figures – they need the maths lesson! #LP09
8:39 PM Simon McGarr - I have a pocket full of postcards. I will be handing them out at #lp09 tomorrow with explanation and exhortation.
8:40 PM Simon McGarr - Speaker refuses to yield! Shepard’s Crook brandished off-camera.
8:43 PM eoinbannon - So, Róisín Shorthall says she has started telling people they would be better off on the dole #lp09
8:53 PM yrctweets - wifi in main hall is very patchy for YRC. Confined to the press room til we get it sorted. Debating education motions now #lp09
9:03 PM Jnisbet - Call me biased and derivative but I’m going to borrow from West Wing – “Education is the silver bullet. Education is everything. We don’t need little changes. We need gigantic revolutionary changes. . . . Competition for the best teachers should be fierce.”
9:03 PM Jnisbet - Brendan Ryan has his figures and his ideas right! We should be in charge! #LP09
9:03 PM Jnisbet - Ruairi Quinn and his 5 ways to fix the education system! Excellent and practical – the crowd are behind him too! #LP09
9:06 PM Simon McGarr - Ruairi Quinn a fan of 5 point plans. I seem to remember him having a little card printed up before one of the elections.
9:13 PM yrctweets - Surprisingly, Ruairi Quinn didn’t mention third level fees in his remarks on the education motions #lp09
9:32 PM Simon McGarr - Who’s in Mullingar? What’s the news and excitement outside the hall and around the Hotel? #lp09
9:45 PM yrctweets - @Tupp_Ed Hey Simon, Ciara and me from YRC are in town (press room to be exact). You around? #lp09
9:48 PM ciaralnorton - in mullingar for #lp09 blogging for yellowromancandles.wordpress.com
9:48 PM Jnisbet - How does Michael D. do it, he absorbs information, analyses it and puts it back out with a passion that’s a little scary! #LP09
9:48 PM christinebohan - Gilmore: 3 big issues of #LP09 are the economic crisis, June elections and internal party stuff.
9:48 PM labour - #LP09 Live stream now going out on the Labour site, Eamon Gilmore now speaking
9:48 PM christinebohan - Gilmore: Now more than ever, Ireland needs a Labour-led government #LP09
9:48 PM ianmcgahon - Irelands most popular leader “Ireland needs a Labour lead government” #LP09
9:48 PM ciaralnorton - in mullingar for #lp09 blogging for yellowromancandles.wordpress.com
9:49 PM Simon McGarr - @yrctweets I’m sitting in Dublin, considering a biscuit. But will be around tomorrow. #lp09
10:00 PM dlooney - Superb speech by michael d higgins promoting a real intellectual and political alternative #LP09
10:06 PM ianmcgahon - NEC candidates lobbying away #LP09
10:06 PM gomaonaigh - Michael D Higgins condemns the Government for “sleep-walking” the economy into recession and wasting the boom. http://url.ie/1dl3 #LP09
10:07 PM Fergal Crehan - Michael D finishes his traditional Friday night speech. Conference adjourned until next session, 9am tomorrow morning
10:10 PM Simon McGarr - Didn’t the 21st C. Commission recommend that Michael D be made El Presidente for Life? I’d love a job like that.
8:14 AM krayZpaving - Morning all. Never again, etc. Up bright and early to run the polling stations for internal @labour elections at #LP09
8:14 AM krayZpaving - Bizarrely the placemat at breakfast celebrates the passing of Jim Connell, author of Thr Red Flag, a famous Labour anthem #LP09
8:15 AM Simon McGarr - Singing nursery rhymes and thinking black, black thoughts against Sen. Ronan Mullen as I get going for Mullingar. #lp09
8:25 AM christinebohan - I hate this. My body thinks it should be asleep.
8:53 AM labour - Conference is about to kick off with motions on defence at 9am.
8:56 AM krayZpaving - Polling station set up – until I remembered that Clare is in Ireland North West, not Ireland South. Corrected. Station now ready! #LP09
9:21 AM labour - @MickFealty we do its #LP09
9:25 AM Suzy Byrne - Wakes up and turns on livestream and wonders if its the GAA congress I’m watching…
9:28 AM Suzy Byrne - Mary Upton TD – spokes person on Arts, Culture and Tourism responds to sports and tourism motions. Mentions a famous sportsman called Gerry McLoughlin along side Bernard Dunne and Brian O’Driscoll? Who he?
9:32 AM Suzy Byrne - Labour Conference will dim lights briefly at 7.30pm to mark Earth Hour
9:34 AM Suzy Byrne - Labour Conference Motions
9:38 AM Suzy Byrne - Senator Michael McCarthy responds to debate on motions con Marine. However there was no debate – an amendment was moved to a motion which someone from Mayo Constituency Council didn’t arrive to move and the Senator had to formally move. Ooops….
9:44 AM Suzy Byrne - Home Care Packages under debate.
9:51 AM Suzy Byrne - Motion on Cervical Cancer Vaccine being moved.
9:55 AM Suzy Byrne - Labour Youth announce Young Writers Competition on relevance of Democratic Programme in 21st Century (?) – open to all labour members and supporters up to age of 30.
9:57 AM Suzy Byrne - Fingal County Councillor and breast cancer survivor speaks on motion calling for reduction in age for Breast Cancer screening.
9:59 AM labour - Starting to upload the first of the weekend’s photographs http://www.flickr.com/photos/labourparty/sets/72157616014763928/ #LP09
10:29 AM Suzy Byrne - I diagnose a urgent and virile case of ‘conference underrunningitis’ – a rarity in Irish Political Conferences – there’s now a speaking opportunity for everyone in audience. Brendan Howlin, a former minister for Health, condems scrapping of cervical cancer vaccine and speaks out against PPP hospital deals.
10:33 AM Suzy Byrne - Kathleen Lynch compares Batt O’Keefe to a schoolyard bully over cuts at primary school level – picking on people who are vulnerable.
10:35 AM Suzy Byrne - Kathleen Lynch speaks about self advocacy for people with disabilities – I don’t think I’ve ever heard an irish politician speak on this before..
10:39 AM JL_Pagano - wants to see a Labour Party ready willing and able to awaken the sleeping giant that is the Irish Left. No pressure then! #lp09
10:46 AM Éidín Ní Shé - It would be lovely to see who is in the crowd
10:47 AM MickFealty - we owe it to connelly and we owe it to Larkin… Old school labour!! No pushing youth in front of the cameras like SF and FF… #lp09
10:50 AM aoifecarroll - Joan Burton: unemployment destroying hope all over the country #LP09
10:51 AM ianmcgahon - #LP09 Joan Burton “no genuine commitment from government to tackling unemployment in special budget”
10:51 AM ianmcgahon - #LP09 Joan Burton “no genuine commitment from government to tackling unemployment in special budget”
10:52 AM aoifecarroll - Its all about jobs & investment in human capital says Joan #LP09
10:55 AM labour - Live (televsion) coverage about to start on RTE. Of course we are live streaming the whole conference which you can see at labour.ie #LP09
10:58 AM ianmcgahon - @MickFealty there are quite a few younger candidates who will speak later #LP09
10:58 AM labour - @Éidín Ní Shé the live streaming is from a static camera, tune into RTE 1 to get broader picture of the whole hall,thanks for watching #LP09
10:59 AM labour - Reminiscent of school yards here as someone rings a bell to call candidates into hall for live RTE coverage. #LP09
11:00 AM aoifecarroll - Joan: if you hold an Irish passport you should be proud to pay your fair share #LP09
11:06 AM ianmcgahon - #LP09 ” To FF – for Irelands sake go and go as soon as possible”
11:10 AM aoifecarroll - @ RebeccaMoy: Brian Cowen is a coulda been has been!
11:13 AM Éidín Ní Shé - morning all
11:13 AM Éidín Ní Shé - Tanaiste on MF
11:27 AM aoifecarroll - Arthur Spring (Kerry candidate): We represent all the people of Ireland #LP09
11:29 AM ianmcgahon - #LP09 what is meitheal and why is the latest buzzword in Irish politics?
11:32 AM labour - Watchii
11:33 AM ianmcgahon - #LP09 Cian O Callaghan – FF and FG – parties of the goden circle
11:33 AM Éidín Ní Shé - Meitheal means working together
11:35 AM keithster - Getting ready to give my speech live on RTE One! Sitting in the wings waiting! #LP09
11:35 AM aoifecarroll - Aodhan O’Riordan: We believe people have a right to hope and we will give them that hope #LP09
11:36 AM aoifecarroll - What will we do about the bankers? Jail them shouts a delegate from the floor! #LP09
11:51 AM astarmain - Maria Parodi tells delegates that Government hasn’t upheld it’s end of the bargin with young graduates. #lp09
11:51 AM astarmain - Joan Burton tells FF to go! Economy debate continues #lp09
11:51 AM JNisbet - Well done the Dublin South East Team – Ruairi Quinn talks to the nation and Maria Prodi talks about basics!
11:52 AM justinf - #lp09 might be overshadowed by #g20 bad luck with the timing
11:52 AM Jnisbet - Joan Burton explaining that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed!-I shall tell that to a critic of hers I met last week #LP09
11:55 AM darraghdoyle - #labour really good speeches being made by candidates for local elections. Can their suggestions be followed up with action though?
11:55 AM darraghdoyle - #labour from the back of the room in the labour conference, Mullingar – http://mobypicture.com/?nxkv5o
11:55 AM darraghdoyle - #labour interesting t-shirt caption at the Labour Conference. – http://mobypicture.com/?34g1ox
11:57 AM daraghobrien - watching #lp09 (Irish labour paty conference) on tv and on http://liveblog.ie
11:58 AM daraghobrien - #lp09 George Lawlor speaking now. Focus on costs to SMEs from rent and importance of small biz.
11:58 AM Mark_Coughlan - First Blog Post of the #LP09 www.markcoughlan.com
11:59 AM daraghobrien - @ianmcgahon #lp09 Meitheal described here: http://tinyurl.com/dm6k4d.
11:59 AM labour - @darraghdoyle the hashtag for conference is #LP09, thanks for the live tweeting
12:02 PM Suzy Byrne - Labour candidate blogger Michael McLoughlin speaking now…
12:04 PM aoifecarroll - LGBT t-shirt slogans: ‘I’ve never kissed a blueshirt’ & ‘if gay & lesbian people are given civil rights then everyone will want them’ #LP09
12:04 PM labour - Big cheer for Dublin MEP Proinsias De Rossa from the hall #LP09
12:07 PM astarmain - P De Rossa – our place is at the heart of a progressive, united Europe. #lp09
12:10 PM ianmcgahon - #LP09 deRossa – Ireland needs social justice not social apartheid
12:10 PM labour - Blogging Westport Cllr Keith Martin now addressing the hall #LP09
12:11 PM labour - Heres his blog, and pics following soon http://councillorkeithmartin.blogspot.com #LP09
12:12 PM Suzy Byrne - Blogging and youtubeing Keith Martin @Labour
12:13 PM Jnisbet - Let labour be the light that leads us out of these dark times! – Margaret Lawlor #lp09
12:15 PM aoifecarroll - But not to be confused with Dublin Keith Martin architect of our Ireland East campaign & named checked in the new Phoenix! #LP09
12:19 PM labour - Susan OKeefe, who is seeking candidacy for Ireland North West euro election welcomed on stage. #LP09
12:20 PM ianmcgahon - #LP09 – I may be speaking against the 21st century commission report later
12:21 PM Jnisbet - We will take them on in the hills, the valleys, the towns, the villages and the beaches! – Seamus Rodgers #LP09
12:21 PM keithster - Well speech over. Hope it came across well. Will post it in my website http://www.thingscanonlygetbetter.ie
12:22 PM Mark_Coughlan - Susan O’Keefe welcomed to the stage (not podium) Joan Burton didnt get 1 of them. #lp09
12:22 PM ianmcgahon - @Mark_Coughlan Joan Burton isn’t a brand new candidate
12:22 PM labour - Now Mick Dollard, Mayor of Mullingar, addresses crowd about job losses, including his two sons who have lost their jobs #LP09
12:24 PM darraghdoyle - #labour if you’re going to talk labour… Interview on blog soon – http://mobypicture.com/?zl3xzf
12:25 PM keithster - Well speech over. Hope it came across well. Will post it in my website http://www.thingscanonlygetbetter.ie (via @keithster) #LP09
12:26 PM labour - trust @darraghdoyle to nab the party leader for pic http://www.mobypicture.com/user/darraghdoyle/view/133394 #LP09
12:29 PM Suzy Byrne - ‘It’s like a bunch of rabbits deciding on family planning policy’speaker on rich in society deciding on paycuts for rest.
12:31 PM Suzy Byrne - Dermot Looney another Candidate blogger now proposing motion on nationalisation of all irish banks –
12:32 PM daraghobrien - #LP09 Relying on bankers to set financial policies is like relying on rabbits to manage family planning. My vote for quote of Conference.
12:32 PM aoifecarroll - Dermot Looney proposes Motion 8 – one motion I don’t support
12:32 PM daraghobrien - Again with the SME focus from Labour speakers. This is interesting. Party of the left = party of the entrepreneurs?
12:34 PM ianmcgahon - @Mark_Coughlan I know someone you might get a lift with – Im at very back of conference hall
12:36 PM labour - Rousing round of applause for Tipperary Cllr Denis Landy #LP09
12:37 PM Simon McGarr - Just missed Richard Waghorne getting off the train. He got the nice taxi. #lp09
12:37 PM darraghdoyle - @labour and a good video interview. He was very kind. #lp09
12:39 PM Suzy Byrne - Nessa Childers Labour’s European Candidate for East constituency…asks Brian Cowen to call general election in the national interest….
12:43 PM ianmcgahon - #LP09 I’m sure Dermot Looney didn’t literally mean “fingers in the dyke”
12:45 PM krayZpaving - More than 100 people watching the live streaming of #LP09 at the moment. http://labour.ie – and also live on RTÉ 1 for ten more minutes.
12:45 PM dlooney - #LP09 Proud to have moved motion to nationalise banks at labour conference, the members decide later!
12:46 PM christinebohan - Watching @ianmcgahon get photographed for the Irish Times. He was pretty fierce. Tyra would be impressed.
12:50 PM darraghdoyle - #lp09 just filmed great interviews with @rebeccamoy and now Ivana Bacik – http://mobypicture.com/?5k6bzb
12:50 PM Concerned - I note there are few references to the flawed decentralisation policy proposed by the current muppet show. In particular, the move of BIM to Clonakilty has been extremely badly planned as 1. none of the staff will move, 2. the industry is opposed to this move and 3. the €20million spent to date on the new premesis is a blatant mis-use of tax payers money and the new facilities are duplication of existing facilities and strengths already to be found throughout Ireland.
12:53 PM jmwalsh - Labour conference: community, community, community… I keep hearing it but what the hell does that word actually mean?
12:53 PM NInews - Irish Times: Labour calls for budget to focus on job creation: The Labour Party has called on the Go.. http://tinyurl.com/dyqlpo
12:55 PM krayZpaving - @concerned Labour has called for some time for decentralisation to be frozen, and criticised it as a political stunt since the outset #LP09
12:58 PM macsithigh - Wishing good luck to friends (and followers) at #LP09 – (Irish) Labour Party @labour annual conference in Mullingar
12:59 PM aoifecarroll - @jmwalsh Community means working together for everyone and not just the select few with influence
1:00 PM krayZpaving - Labour Conference about to pause for lunch. Workshops on elections & the EU and voting will continue though. #LP09
1:00 PM Mark_Coughlan - SAME COMMENT AT FF, GP AND, AND LP! Classic! #lp09
1:00 PM krayZpaving - Labour Conference about to pause for lunch. Workshops on elections & the EU and voting will continue though. #LP09
1:00 PM eoinbannon - Same Woody Guthrie quote again – Joan Burton #lp09
1:01 PM aoifecarroll - Joan is back: We can get out of this by working together…invokes her late father, John, a former foundry worker
1:02 PM Suzy Byrne -
1:03 PM eoinbannon - “Some rob you with a six-gun and some with a fountain pen” – Woodie Guthrie, Gerry Adams, Dermot Ahern, and now Joan Burton #lp09
1:04 PM aoifecarroll - Good to see all our political leaders are so well read….or at least they have a decent book of quotes!
1:04 PM Éidín Ní Shé - lol Joan is on fire
1:08 PM Suzy Byrne - Motion 8 on nationalisation of banks was asked to be referred back but Dermot Looney for proposers refused – put to a vote and defeated.
1:09 PM Suzy Byrne - Labour Conference Motions
1:09 PM Jnisbet - Joan Burton quotes Woodie Guthrie – Some people rob you with a fountain pen! #LP09
1:17 PM Suzy Byrne - Eamon Gilmore captured at #lp09 by @cloudsteph
1:20 PM Simon McGarr - In the dining room eating salad. Come and say hello. We’re the one’s with the netbook. #lp09
1:24 PM Suzy Byrne - Blogpost – Irishelection.com Gilmore Pledges Junior Minister Cuts as Labour Conference Kicks Off
1:39 PM labour - Thanks to everyone who has been viewing our Ustream, 7,000 in total, more after lunch and thanks to all tweeters #LP09
1:44 PM keithster - Off into Mullingar town for lunch. Rabid debate in car between Billy and Sean and now Dave is kicking off! Voting in NRC after lunch #LP09
1:46 PM keithster - Ah the joys of Quiche and a Coke in Mullingar. We passed Joe Dolan’s statue #Lp09
1:47 PM labour - Watching @darraghdoyle work his way round conference and delegates, looking forward to seeing his videos. #LP09
2:02 PM gavreilly - Would really like there not to be any more Bruce Springsteen on the ustream feed for #lp09.
2:02 PM Simon McGarr - Rejecting the €7 bun. Socialism Fail. #lp09
2:05 PM labour - Party Leader has just cast his vote for NEC and Standing orders next stop Conference hall.
2:06 PM Aidan Ffrench - Bring on the socialist revolution – how about one that will be televised, i.e stage comic activist invasion of Dáil chamber on 7 April with kidnapping of the FF villainuous Taoiseach and his ministers by citizens’ arrest for acts of treason agains the republic: exile them to Africa to do charitable works for Goal, Concern and Trócaire. That would put some humity on them. Oh! and yes, install a Labour-led Government………
2:07 PM Simon McGarr - MiCandidate under discussion. Apparently ‘having a conference call with brussels’ happens when your ask hard questions. #lp09
2:08 PM gavreilly - Continues to wait for #lp09.
2:10 PM faduda - @Tupp_Ed #lp09 im here too, where are you?
2:14 PM labour - Live stream has restarted – apologies for the delay #LP09
2:15 PM labour - Labour Leader Eamon Gilmore opens debate on 21st Century Commission #LP09
2:16 PM astarmain - waiting for the sparks to start flying. Constitutional ammendments debate starts with Gilmore proposing. #lp09
2:17 PM Fergal Crehan - Eamonn Gilmore introduces 21st C report. If Labour is to achieve its potential, it must make some cahnges itss self
2:18 PM aoifecarroll - Voted in the NEC elections & now back in the hall for 21CC report debate. This could be fun #LP09
2:19 PM Suzy Byrne - Party Leader still having problems with his rose it seems …
2:19 PM Fergal Crehan - Not everyone will like all of the recommendations, but it is essential the report be adopted
2:19 PM labstreamer - @gavreilly starting again now in a minute, sorry for the delay (and the Springstein!)
2:19 PM labour - Gilmore says only agenda of 21st C report is to make Labour the leading party in Ireland.
2:20 PM aoifecarroll - Eamon is certainly passionate in supporting 21CC.
2:21 PM aoifecarroll - For the record, I’m voting in favour of the 21CC report and the new Constitution. Though not perfect, I believe that the document presents an excellent opportunity to reform internally to allow us better present ourselves as the party to properly lead the country
2:24 PM Simon McGarr - Looking around the room. Close attention being paid to these speeches. Forget the TV ad, this is the heart of the conference. #lp09
2:26 PM Fergal Crehan - First speaker against 21C. Says it does nothing to make Labour a national, ie, All Ireland, party. Opposes “back room boys” ramming report down throats of party. Democracy and effectiveness are not always compatible
2:26 PM Suzy Byrne - Anne Gallagher – Party Vice Chairperson speaks against the 21st Century Commission Report with vigour.
2:26 PM midnightcourt - Nice to see Brian O’Shea looking so well #lp09
2:27 PM Fergal Crehan - Now a speaker pro. Joanna Tuffy TD. Leadership will probably have heavy hitters lined up to support this
2:27 PM Éidín Ní Shé - Back whats this 21C?
2:28 PM midnightcourt - “Is that the cost of democracy?” Er, yes. #lp09
2:29 PM midnightcourt - ho ho “They wouldn’t take any amendments except the ones they took” #lp09
2:29 PM midnightcourt - oh oh, Ms Tuffy is no bombast #lp09
2:29 PM Fergal Crehan - The Report of the 21st Century Committee on the future of the party, a document advocating reforms of the party
2:29 PM aoifecarroll - Eidin, Its a report that has been compiled to make changes to the internal structure of the party. We are going to be voting on a new constitution which will introduce a new NEC, new candidate selection procedures etc
2:30 PM midnightcourt - #lp09 By the way, Ms Tuffy is a solicitor too. Two solicitors arguing toss. Very diverse.
2:30 PM Fergal Crehan - Figures! Never begin a speech with figures!
2:31 PM gomaonaigh - Gary Honer, Labour Youth National Chairperson speaking against 21CC report #LP09
2:31 PM Suzy Byrne - @aoifecarroll – is the candidate selection proposed going same way as in FF and FG – ie accountant types in lovely suits selected by head office?
2:31 PM Éidín Ní Shé - Ah rite thanks Aoife
2:32 PM aoifecarroll - Suzy, no final decision will be by a selection convention with one member one vote. It is introducing a pre-selection convention interview process which in theory would allow for screening of candidates
2:33 PM Suzy Byrne - Is it only going to be members of the commission speaking in favour of their work?
2:33 PM Simon McGarr - Deaglan De Bradun’s most regular reader Joanna Tuffy giving a more human, less barnstorming speech. #lp09
2:33 PM midnightcourt - Jesus, what is the upper-age limit for Labour Youth? 45?! #lp09
2:33 PM gomaonaigh - Loraine Mulligan, SIPTU Researcher speaking in favour of party reform. “21CC will modernise TU links with Labour into the future #LP09
2:35 PM Squid Limerick - #lp09 joining this late. any speakers from limerick been on yet?
2:35 PM Fergal Crehan - Labour Youth Nat Sec now speaks against 21C
2:35 PM aoifecarroll - Another Labour Youth speaker against, Colm Lawless. He clearly hasn’t actually read the report because he is wrong in what he’s just said
2:37 PM Fergal Crehan - Too many people on the Committee? Or too few? Some contradiction in the “No” arguments
2:37 PM Suzy Byrne - Music for a Party Leader – Suggestions wanted
2:38 PM midnightcourt - Senator Kelly responsible for picturegate FAIL. Pointed out pictures were “tasteless” #lp09 #picturegate
2:38 PM gomaonaigh - @midnightcourt Gary Honer is a young and silver fox of 23. Labour Youth’s upper-age limit is the youngest in the state at 26. #LP09
2:39 PM Fergal Crehan - Suzy, as we’re in the home of Joe Dolan, how about “Gil-More and More”?
2:39 PM gomaonaigh - 21CC will make Labour capable of organising and achieving the gains it is showing in the polls. #LP09
2:39 PM Clarabel - @labour will labour be taking part in earth hour tonight? #lp09
2:40 PM Simon McGarr - Laptops open on the liveblog around me sitting in the corner with the hall wifi. #lp09
2:40 PM Éidín Ní Shé - Alan Kelly first time i have heard him speak -impressed-he needs to work on his profile in the munster region
2:40 PM gomaonaigh - Colm Lawless, Labour Youth National Secretary (17): “Voting NO to 21CC will be a vote against the report. Nnot the Party Leader” #LP09
2:40 PM Fergal Crehan - The Yoof don’t like this one little bit
2:42 PM Squid Limerick - #lp09 as an asside Greens say Fingleton gesture not sufficient statement received from the good senator boyle.
2:42 PM Simon McGarr - Don’t deliver the speech climax reading notes. #lp09
2:42 PM eoinbannon - warm applause for Alan Kelly’s remarks in favour of 21st C #lp09
2:42 PM Fergal Crehan - What objective standards for candidates are being demanded? A height requirement, like the Guards?
2:43 PM aoifecarroll - Daddy is taking the floor!
2:44 PM midnightcourt - Senator Kelly’s highlighting of Union problem plus #picturegate FAIL puts him on interesting rightwing of Labour Party #lp09
2:44 PM gomaonaigh - Pat Carroll. “Trust!” #LP09
2:46 PM aoifecarroll - The leadership belongs to us as members of our party. We must trust them says my dad
2:46 PM Simon McGarr - Room packed. Voice of history reminding delegates of the Militant wars. #lp09
2:46 PM midnightcourt - Has he been seen in conclave with Richard Humphreys? #lp09
2:47 PM gomaonaigh - Brian O’Shea TD, Party Chairperson having to speed up every speaker #LP09
2:47 PM Fergal Crehan - Hands out of your pocket you slovenly boy!
2:48 PM gavreilly - Just lost my #lp09 stream
2:49 PM Suzy Byrne - Stream dropping in and out a bit – but I’m sure they know it!
2:50 PM aoifecarroll - The current No speaker is right, party unity will remain strong and is not dependent on the vote…we should still all vote yes!
2:50 PM gomaonaigh - @gavreilly Stream seems to be working fine for me. Just checked it there #LP09. Derek Nolan, Galway West In favour of 21CC #LP09
2:52 PM Fergal Crehan - The Yes speakers should not all be drawn from the ranks of the committee its self
2:52 PM Suzy Byrne - Each ‘for’ speaker from commission keeps saying same thing – how the commission was put together…and how they were all working together. Like they’ve got notes handed to them.
2:53 PM faduda - working fine for me … touch wood #lp09
2:53 PM dlooney - Contentious but respectful debate on 21st century commission, strong opposition #LP09
2:53 PM gomaonaigh - Mark Langhammer, NI Labour Forum. Against Report. “21CC ignores Good Friday agreement” #LP09
2:53 PM dlooney - Contentious but respectful debate on 21st century commission, strong opposition #LP09
2:53 PM midnightcourt - Agree that it is time to cut the Unions loose. Vested union officials currently stand between Labour and ordinary Union membership. #lp09
2:53 PM Suzy Byrne - First mention of clause 4.
2:54 PM Fergal Crehan - Short sighted really that the Labour Youth people are against. It is the young candidates who seem most likely to benefit from a bit of oversight over the selection process. Buggins Turn a big problem. #lp09
2:54 PM aoifecarroll - Its so not a clause 4 moment.
2:54 PM Éidín Ní Shé - Ah Ivana
2:55 PM gomaonaigh - Ivana Bacik on need to have a more diverse members basis. In favour of 21CC. #LP09
2:55 PM Suzy Byrne - Independent Senator and Labour Party Member Ivana Bacik speaks in favour of the report. Is it because of her personal experiences as a party member and potential candidate?
2:56 PM midnightcourt - I refreshed livestream and it si going again #lp09
2:56 PM eoinbannon - Bacik is right on need for more diverse membership base #lp09
2:56 PM midnightcourt - Look, another lawyer and posho. Hurray! #lp09
2:57 PM Suzy Byrne - Ian McGahon tweeting and blogging candidate speaking against report –
2:58 PM aoifecarroll - Another no speaker who hasn’t read the report. Central Council will have reps from all the sections. Get it right people!
2:58 PM Éidín Ní Shé - Stream is choppy for me
2:59 PM Simon McGarr - NI sorts want it all about them. I blow a raspberry. #lp09
2:59 PM aoifecarroll - For everyones information, as it is a constitutional change the motion needs a 2/3′s majority to pass
2:59 PM midnightcourt - Greatest diversity need in Labour is to appeal to provincial and rural voters #lp09
2:59 PM midnightcourt - comrades? How empty a word is that? #lp09
2:59 PM labour - Apologies for the drops in the live stream, technology eh! #LP09
3:00 PM dlooney - Bray Labour candidate Ian McGahon attacks 21cc report in impassioned speech, citing loss of exec reps for Lab Youth & Equality
3:01 PM krayZpaving - In the hall for the vote on the 21st Century Commission report and new constitution. #LP09
3:01 PM aoifecarroll - Oh no, its a Maire Hoctor moment!
3:02 PM dlooney - Bray Labour candidate Ian McGahon attacks 21CC report citing loss of exec reps for Lab Youth and Equality
3:02 PM eoinbannon - @midnightcourt Agree on need for rural organisation. They need that if want to tranlate poll ratings into Dáil seats #lp09
3:02 PM krayZpaving - In the hall for the vote on the 21st Century Commission report and new constitution. #LP09
3:02 PM aoifecarroll - Oh my god, OSC already has power to deselect candidates. This isn’t new!
3:02 PM eoinbannon - Prop speakers quite happy to style this motion as declaration of support for Gilmore #lp09
3:03 PM dlooney - Rory Geraghty lashes 3 person selection committee proposed in 21cc report, saying absolute power corrupts absolutely #LP09
3:04 PM aoifecarroll - Oh Richard, is such a lawyer!
3:05 PM Suzy Byrne - Candidate for Stillorgan and blogger Richard Humphreys speaks in favour
3:05 PM gomaonaigh - Emmet Stagg TD. “Vote for Change” “Support Eamon Gilmore TD” Vote Yes to 21CC. How timed have changed #LP09
3:05 PM darraghdoyle - #lp09 had a lovely dinner and chat with the extremely proficient @cloudsteph. Back into it now.
3:05 PM midnightcourt - TWITTER?! What is that? #lp09
3:05 PM faduda - Sangidge in bar #LP09
3:06 PM aoifecarroll - Richard is right, failure to pass the motion will be measured in lost seats and lost opportunities
3:07 PM Simon McGarr - He has decided to accept that the anti side have good arguments, but wants a yes vote because the leader says so. #lp09
3:07 PM midnightcourt - Nice tie Richard. NOT! #lp09 I will not vote for that neckwear.
3:07 PM midnightcourt - Crazy Labour Kidz with their Twitter and Interwebs. Yess!! R. “Crazy like a Fox” Humphries BL. Another lawyer and posho #lp09
3:08 PM midnightcourt - “I want to overthrow capitalism” YOu’re in the wrong party dude. #lp09
3:08 PM gomaonaigh - NILF delegate. “We’re not nationalist or unionist. We’re Socialist”
3:09 PM keithster - Voted in NEC elections and are in the hall for the 21st Century Commission debate. It’s hot and heavy already! #LP09
3:10 PM gomaonaigh - Northern Ireland Labour Forum delegate: “We’re not Nationalist or Unionist, Labour is Socialist(i.e. Other in electoral designation)” #LP09
3:10 PM Simon McGarr - Standing room only now in the hall. Speaker’s fears of what public thinks overplayed. Nobody cares. #lp09
3:12 PM Suzy Byrne - Mention of market research brings me very Painful memories of Pat Rabitte and his advisors and focus groups…
3:12 PM Simon McGarr - Speeches will continue. I’m going walkabout. #lp09
3:12 PM aoifecarroll - @Suzy, I hear you!
3:13 PM dlooney - A number of NI delegates opposing 21CC report for its position on building Labour in the North #LP09
3:13 PM aoifecarroll - Roger Cole is the first non-Labour Youth/NILF member to speak against the motion
3:13 PM midnightcourt - Dun Laoghaire branch not in vanguard of fight against capitalism #lp09
3:13 PM keithster - Dermot Lacey has his finger poised over the two minute button for the speakers.
3:13 PM dlooney - A number of NI delegates opposing 21CC report for its position on building Labour in the North #LP09
3:14 PM keithster - Dermot Lacey has his finger poised over the two minute button for the speakers. (via @keithster) #LP09
3:15 PM gomaonaigh - Roger Cole spoke strongly against the 21CC + new constitution #LP09
3:15 PM Fergal Crehan - Some discussion on whether motion requires a 2/3 majority. Anyone?
3:16 PM Suzy Byrne - Another commission member speaking in favour from Dublin South East.
3:16 PM midnightcourt - Anti 21CC speeches echoing 10CC’s “I’m Not in Love” #lp09
3:16 PM Jnisbet - Supporting the 21st Century Commission! In hall and ready to vote yes! Bring the positivity! #LP09
3:17 PM gomaonaigh - Aidan O’Sullivan: “21CC improves TU links and moves us toward the Nordic Model” #LP09
3:17 PM keithster - Some passionate speakers on both sides! Which way to vote! Ah democracy in action!
3:17 PM keithster - Some passionate speakers on both sides! Which way to vote! Ah democracy in action! (via @keithster) #Lp09
3:17 PM aoifecarroll - Just to clear something up, not all pro speakers have been members of the Commisson though the majority were members
3:17 PM keithster - Some passionate speakers on both sides! Which way to vote! Ah democracy in action! (via @keithster) #Lp09
3:17 PM gomaonaigh - Aidan O’Sullivan: “21CC improves TU links and moves us toward the Nordic Model” #LP09
3:18 PM gomaonaigh - Mark Khan, Former Mayor of Lismore speaking against 21CC. “Focus should be on elections and candidates, not the report” #LP09
3:19 PM dlooney - Aidan O Sullivan from Dub SE strongly supportive of 21CC report, Cork-based Mark Khan now speaking against. 2/3 majority req’d, may be close
3:19 PM dlooney - #LP09
3:20 PM aoifecarroll - There seems to be some confusion in the hall over the 2/3 requirement
3:20 PM Fergal Crehan - Speakers all wasting their opening remarks and ending up having to rush the end. Current speaker has spent all of 30 seconds on his actual objections
3:21 PM gomaonaigh - Senator Alex White and Dublin South candidate speaking in favour of 21CC. “Democracy is central to what Labour is about” #LP09
3:21 PM Fergal Crehan - Alex White takes “politburo” language on as paranoid.
3:21 PM midnightcourt - Right. Enuff socialism for me. Off out for oysters #lp09
3:22 PM aoifecarroll - Alex White: Comments that report will lead to party being led by a ‘politburo’ is paranoia. Excellent stuff! Dealing with some of the more silly ‘no’ arguments
3:22 PM dlooney - Alex White accuses opponents of ‘paranoia’ #LP09
3:22 PM gomaonaigh - Abstentions aren’t including in counting of 2/3 majority. Only Yes/No #LP09
3:22 PM aoifecarroll - Alex is right, we all want excellent candidates!
3:23 PM dlooney - Alex White accuses opponents of ‘paranoia’ #LP09
3:24 PM gomaonaigh - Debate getting repetitive. Not nearly as exciting as I’d expected… Alex is right. There are 1 or 2 issues with the 21CC for all. #LP09
3:25 PM gomaonaigh - Cllr Brian Collins from Kells against Michael D becoming Party King. #LP09
3:26 PM midnightcourt - Generally preaching to people they need to “get real” is unpersuasive. The converted love it of course #lp09
3:27 PM gomaonaigh - Brian Collins in favour of Troika for the party, as long he is on it! #LP09
3:29 PM aoifecarroll - Just read the current party constitution. Think was wrong earlier. Seems like a simple majority is all that is required to pass the motion
3:30 PM aoifecarroll - @gomaonaigh just read the current constitution. I think only a simple majority is required to pass
3:30 PM Fergal Crehan - Yes speakers are all a good deal more coherent. Also more practiced of course
3:30 PM gomaonaigh - @aoifecarroll Richard Humphreys thinks otherwise. Hummm. Could get interesting if its close #LP09
3:32 PM gomaonaigh - Here comes Paul Dillon. Lots of smiles. Excellent speaker. On the mark on the NO points. #LP09
3:33 PM keithster - Paul Dillon giving it welly! I think he’s going to vote NO! Good man Paul #LP09
3:33 PM gomaonaigh - Here comes Paul Dillon. Lots of smiles. Excellent speaker. On the mark on the NO points. #LP09
3:33 PM barratree - #LP09 Labour down 5 in red C poll
3:33 PM Simon McGarr - standing orders committee in furious confab. I’m hoping for ace row over rule arcana. #lp09
3:33 PM aoifecarroll - Paul Dillon has probably been the most coherent speaker on the No side
3:33 PM astarmain - Debate drawing to a close. It ran out of steam about 20 minutes ago. #lp09
3:34 PM Éidín Ní Shé - Paul Dillon impressive
3:34 PM keithster - I think they are stabbing the two minute button #Lp09
3:34 PM Éidín Ní Shé - Jesus Willie stop banging the podium
3:34 PM keithster - I think they are stabbing the two minute button #Lp09
3:34 PM Fergal Crehan - Willie Penrose barnstorming. There was a notable excitement in the room when he took the stage
3:35 PM gomaonaigh - Paul Dillon: “We are all leaders” Best speaker on the no side so far #LP09. Willie Penrose speaking in favour of 21CC
3:35 PM dlooney - Paul Dillon gains huge vocal support from floor for opposition side. #LP09 floor
3:36 PM Simon McGarr - Question seems to arise over 2/3 or 1/2 vote required. #lp09
3:36 PM Éidín Ní Shé - LOL Theoretical Nonsense
3:36 PM astarmain - Paul Dillion vs Willie Penrose. All of a sudden the debate picks up! #lp09
3:36 PM keithster - Willie Pemrose is barnstorming! I’d say he’s a YES voter! #LP09
3:36 PM midnightcourt - The kid stays in the picture! #lp09 Great speaker.
3:36 PM aoifecarroll - I’m with Mrs. Penrose!
3:37 PM gomaonaigh - Willie’s granny would vote Yes! #LP09
3:37 PM aoifecarroll - Here comes my constituency colleague!
3:38 PM gomaonaigh - Battery is about to die. Going to shut down for now. #LP09 Patrick Nulty, Mulhuddard Candidate speaking against
3:38 PM gavreilly - Maurice Hickey speaking at #lp09?
3:38 PM Jnisbet - If my grandmother was alive today – classic lines from Penrose, the quality of speeches is on the rise – Mr. Dillon too! #LP09
3:38 PM midnightcourt - Willie’s grandmother not here to defend herself. #lp09
3:38 PM krayZpaving - Barnstorming speech from Willie Penrose has the delegates cheering in favour of the 21st Century Commission report #LP09
3:39 PM Suzy Byrne - Patrick Nulty argues against Stepford Candidates (My title for interview process…had to get it in!)
3:41 PM Fergal Crehan - P De R speaks in favour. Lightens the mood a little, strikes a reasonable note, jokes about his experience in watching parties die
3:41 PM Simon McGarr - Fortunatly, Conor Power BL on hand to work through rule arcana. Labour never short a lawyer. #lp09
3:41 PM gomaonaigh - Battery is about to die. Going to shut down for now. #LP09 Patrick Nulty, Mulhuddard Candidate speaking against
3:42 PM dlooney - Willie Penrose’s tubthumping speech most bizarre moment of #LP09
3:43 PM Fergal Crehan - No more against speakers….a round of applause goes up.
3:44 PM keithster - Now class act DeRossa wins over the undecided 2 the YES side. “Politics is about change” ‘Give Eamon Gilmore the mandate he needs” #LP09
3:44 PM aoifecarroll - No more ‘no’ speakers. Think the vote will be soon. RQ giving a very honest speech
3:44 PM Jnisbet - Ruairi – cool calm collected commentary – Well in the Dublin South East #LP09
3:44 PM squidlimerick - #lp09 @labour any chance we can get the schedule and motion links at the top of labour.ie to open in new window so as not to inturupt stream
3:44 PM Simon McGarr - In the press room now. Silence, but for the keys clicking.
3:45 PM dlooney - Debate wrapping up on 21CC with Ruairi Quinn. Vote coming up soon enough, my prediction is that it’ll pass by the 2/3 – but only just
3:45 PM keithster - Now class act DeRossa wins over the undecided 2 the YES side. “Politics is about change” ‘Give Eamon Gilmore the mandate he needs” #LP09
3:45 PM Éidín Ní Shé - Gilmore up
3:46 PM keithster - Ruairi Quinn now speaking 4 Adoption of the report. Quiet & reasonable. No more speakers against motion so I think it’s in the bag #LP09
3:46 PM Simon McGarr - Press room react to Ruari Quinn writing their headline for them. sound pleased.
3:46 PM Fergal Crehan - Eamonn Gilmore to respond to the debate. By the feel of the mood in the room, I’d say it will pass. The No speeches very often were more heat than light
3:47 PM keithster - Eamon Gilmore now on to finish debate! #LP09
3:47 PM labour - More pics uploading as we tweet to Flickr, including a blogger or two http://www.flickr.com/photos/labourparty/sets/ #LP09
3:48 PM keithster - Eamon Gilmore says if we don’t change we won’t get into Government. #lp09
3:48 PM krayZpaving - Eamon Gilmore summing up. Vote in a minute. Two thirds majority required to pass. #LP09
3:48 PM Simon McGarr - I should say that the opposition to this report is mind bogglingly misguided. 21C Commission basically suggests Labour join the 21st Century.
3:50 PM keithster - Eamon Gilmore is calming and reasonably dealing with concerns on reform. Is there a two thirds majority to pass the motion?
3:51 PM keithster - Eamon Gilmore is calming and reasonably dealing with concerns on reform. Is there a two thirds majority to pass the motion? #LP09
3:51 PM Simon McGarr - Press room too isolated from the hall to take the measure of the room. In fairness, R. Waghorne is at least physically in the room.
3:51 PM Fergal Crehan - Everyone knows Labour has a succession problem, and this needs to be fixed.
3:52 PM Fergal Crehan - Overwhelmingly carried
3:53 PM keithster - Eamon Gilmore this reform is not about the present. This is about the future of … Read More: http://is.gd/ppyq
3:53 PM faduda - aiui standing orders ctte says only straight majority needed #lp09
3:53 PM Jnisbet - The leader argues best for the 21st Century Commission! #LP09
3:53 PM krayZpaving - Motion passes 90/10 majority.
3:53 PM aoifecarroll - Overwhelmingly in favour. Very small minority voted no
3:55 PM keithster - Reform commission Over whelmingly passed! Party Democracy in action. Some relief on the top bench! #LP09
3:56 PM midnightcourt - Gilmore’s speech was excellent. Perhaps the best I’ve seen from him. Practical, intelligent, frank and respectful #lp09
3:58 PM gavreilly - Red C/SBP poll tomorrow: FG 31 (+1); FF 28 (+5); Lab 17 (-5); SF 7 (-4); Green 7 (+1); Others 10 (+2). #lp09
3:59 PM Squid Limerick - speaker drops in a picturegate swipe #lp09
4:00 PM keithster - Jed Nash gets stuck into The Mullingar Accord! #LP09
4:31 PM labour - #LP09 Live stream going offline now – will be back up at 7:15pm – thanks for watching
4:35 PM JL_Pagano - @MickFealty surely there’s no chance of that poll reflecting any change in public opinion post #LP09?
4:35 PM squidlimerick - #lp09 Motion 61 proposed by Kilfinnane Brance has been carried.
4:35 PM gavreilly - Ah, there’s @horganjonesjane and @izzy_o speaking at #lp09.
5:00 PM Mark_Coughlan - Second Post of #Lp09
5:00 PM ciaralnorton - more from #lp09 @ http://tinyurl.com/ckz2dd
5:00 PM yrctweets - more blog posts: polls and 21st Century commission @ #lp09 in mullingar http://tinyurl.com/ckz2dd
5:02 PM keithster - Conference adjorned. Am in a workshop. #LP09
5:27 PM Éidín Ní Shé - Anyone at the Equality workshop?
6:19 PM Simon McGarr - In the bar, with weary feet. There’s a lot of heel kicking until the leader’s speech. If you’re working on an election, come say hi. #lp09
6:20 PM Simon McGarr - We’re the guys with the little computer open at a table right in front of the bar.
7:01 PM krayZpaving - Getting the hall set up for Eamon Gilmore’s big speech tonight. #LP09
7:10 PM FitzStephen - At the Labour Conference I talked in favor of a policy, ‘A clean break from business as usual’, it outlines our 8 principles for bank reform
7:24 PM keithster - Here in the hall for Eamon Gilmore’s speech to conference. He will outline the Beart Nua (New Deal) for Ireland at 8.30pm #LP09
7:25 PM Squid Limerick - Whose the Bruse Springstein fan #lp09
7:25 PM labour - Live stream of Labour Conference is back online #LP09
7:26 PM Alexia Golez - Oh.. an air hostess moment!
7:27 PM dlooney - Evening session open. Lifetime service awards to reward senior members begins the night #LP09
7:28 PM aoifecarroll - Back in the conference hall. Deputy leader to present long service awards before Leaders speech
7:49 PM dlooney - SDLP’s Alban McGuinness addressing #LP09
7:53 PM Squid Limerick - Jack O’Connor from SIPTUaddresing the conference after he is presented with a framed photograph
7:54 PM Squid Limerick - Makes “blueshirt joke.
7:54 PM dlooney - Hearing rumours that Ireland are one up at #LP09
7:58 PM dlooney - Martiz Schulz – “You can count on us, the European socialists, as we can count on you, the Irish socialists” at #LP09
7:59 PM krayZpaving - Martin Schulz, leader of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, is addressing Labour delegates at #LP09
8:00 PM Fergal - Off inside now in advance of leader’s address #lpo9
8:01 PM aoifecarroll - Martin Schultz tells delegates that a social Europe is the future #LP09
8:07 PM labour - Hall goes oooohhhhhhh as lights dimmed for earth hour #LP09
8:07 PM Squid Limerick - jaysus, that was the fastest hour . how time flies when you is having fun
8:08 PM dlooney - Lights dimmed at #LP09 to great hilarity. Members on good cheer with news from Croke Pk. EG expected in 20 mins
8:13 PM Fergal Crehan - Introducing the line-up for the Euros, including Susan O’Keeffe, just announced yesterday as North-West candidate
8:15 PM Fergal Crehan - A film introducing Eamonn Gilmore
8:16 PM Fergal Crehan - Gilmore at work in a clinic. Music redolent of the Obama film before his nomination speech
8:17 PM dlooney - Shocked to have appeared in a video for eamon gilmore at #LP09
8:23 PM Fergal Crehan - “Is feidir linn!”
8:24 PM aoifecarroll - Here we go…! #LP09
8:24 PM Fergal - Gilmore uses the phrase “‘fess up”. I am greatly pleased by this for some reason #lp09
8:26 PM krayZpaving - Eamon Gilmore waiting in the wings for his big speech as Alan Kelly introduces him. #LP09 Me guarding the door to the wings!
8:27 PM Fergal Crehan - The only portrait of Eamonn you’ll ever see will be hanging in the Taoiseach’s corridor in Leinster House
8:29 PM Fergal Crehan - No Labour representative was ever investigated by a tribunal
8:30 PM dlooney - Alan Kelly introduces Eamon Gilmore as the next Taoiseach #LP09
8:30 PM darraghdoyle - #lp09 Alan Kelly assures us that only portrait we’d see of Gilmore is of him as Taoiseach in Leinster House. No #picturegate for him?
8:31 PM Fergal Crehan - Eamonn Gilmore takes the stage
8:32 PM darraghdoyle - #lp09 Alan Kelly is a great speaker. Talking up Gilmore of course but doing it in a fairly decent, but passionate way.
8:34 PM krayZpaving - Gilmore – great thing about being Leader is you can watch the first half of the match! #LP09
8:34 PM labour - Gilmore describes recession as not just a political or an economic event but a horrible human experience.
8:35 PM Fergal Crehan - This is the first great global crisis of global capitalism
8:36 PM darraghdoyle - #lp09 Gilmore is good at talking about human side and experience. He brings it to that level and keeps it there. Good speaker. Good speech.
8:37 PM astarmain - will not be defeated by the greed of the few. #lp09
8:38 PM labour - We Irish are resilient & creative & will not be defeated by the mistakes of the past or the greed of the few – Leader
8:39 PM Mark_Coughlan - Gilmore gets down and passionate with green and employment issues and the future of the nation #lp09
8:39 PM Fergal Crehan - No rescue for the cabal of cowboys and charlatans who got us into this mess
8:40 PM darraghdoyle - #lp09 I find myself nodding along to what Gilmore is saying, almost despite myself. Lot of obvious respect and admiration for him in room.
8:41 PM krayZpaving - Gilmore – no rescue for the cabal of cowboys that got us into this situation. #LP09
8:41 PM astarmain - no bailout for the cabal of cowboys and charlatans. #lp09
8:41 PM darraghdoyle - #lp09 why vote Labour? One four letter word says Gilmore. Jobs.
8:41 PM Fergal - #lp09 Gilmore finds a smart way to sell stimulus – it’s all about jobs
8:43 PM MickFealty - ‘jobs is the difference between labour and people who got us here…’ the tax and spending decisions will be difficult #lp09
8:44 PM Fergal Crehan - Education and training should be invested in now more than even
8:45 PM Fergal Crehan - An 18 month cut in Employer’s PRSI when a new job is created
8:45 PM astarmain - time to launch a skills revolution! #lp09
8:45 PM darraghdoyle - #lp09 we must fight harder to keep the jobs we have says EG. The greatest false economy is to pay people to do nothing.
8:46 PM Fergal Crehan - Te govt are now on their fourth attempt to fix the public finances
8:46 PM darraghdoyle - #lp09 why vote Labour? One four letter word says Gilmore. Jobs.
8:46 PM MickFealty - ‘jobs is the difference between labour and people who got us here…’ the tax and spending decisions will be difficult #lp09
8:46 PM astarmain - time to launch a skills revolution! #lp09
8:46 PM darraghdoyle - #lp09 we must fight harder to keep the jobs we have says EG. The greatest false economy is to pay people to do nothing.
8:48 PM Fergal Crehan - If working people have to pay tax, then everyone must pay
8:49 PM Mark_Coughlan - Id love to get involved in a graduate work placement scheme! #lp09
8:49 PM Fergal Crehan - Now is not the time for education cuts
8:50 PM Fergal Crehan - Universal access to third level would be kept by Labour
8:50 PM MickFealty - we need budget that is part of a three year plan. doing it one year likely 2 kill the patient.. taxes must rise new tax rate 4 rich #lp09
8:50 PM astarmain - keep universal access to 3rd level education. Gilmore plays a blinder! #lp09
8:50 PM Mark_Coughlan - “No one who makes an honest effort to pay mortgage to lose home. Reverse education cuts. 3rd fees not come back”. Easy thing to say… #lp09
8:50 PM Fergal Crehan - It’s time to say “Never Again”
8:52 PM MickFealty - Hitting the applause one after the otehr.. cervical vaccines got one… FF nutured crony capitalism #lp09
8:53 PM Fergal Crehan - If we are all in this together – and we are – there cannot be a parting of the ways as the hospital doors”
8:53 PM MickFealty - Good speech, but very short on new practical ideas… reserved enclosures are 4 racecourses, not hospitals #lp09
8:54 PM Squid Limerick - This recession is not just an irish problem, i is a european and indeed a global problem – gillmore lp09
8:54 PM MickFealty - Record of integrity in local government… re run of Gormley’s line… #lp09
8:55 PM Squid Limerick - Gillmore bigs up the eur candidates . #lp09
8:56 PM astarmain - Gilmore backs Lisbon treaty again. #lp09
8:56 PM Squid Limerick - anyway, wheres the conference next year
8:56 PM Fergal Crehan - crowd to their feet for the big finish “one Ireland – this is the time for Labour”
8:57 PM Squid Limerick - Did the RTE presenter say the conference was in Waterford?
8:57 PM MickFealty - Reforms in the EU are necessary… welcomes susan o’keefe and namechecks Alban Maguinness #lp09 Thi
8:58 PM dl37 - @labour Fantastic speech from Gilmore – Hopefully it will pull in some of the floating voters out there #lp09
9:02 PM MickFealty - Promises a budget statement next week. Good solid speech, esp asking for a three year budgetary frame. FF made 4 adjustments this year #lp09
9:02 PM CyMolo - #lp09 what is EG’s take on latest opinon polls?
9:06 PM Suzy Byrne - Again David Davin Power is not surrounded by party members on Nine O’Clock News #lp09
9:08 PM yrctweets - in comparison with last year’s speech Gilmore has little new to offer and what was new was vague #lp09
9:08 PM damienmulley - @suzybie I hope Labour Kids do what The Green CaptainPlanetKids did with David Davin Power and do a re-enactment #lp09
9:10 PM the_irish_times - Labour to propose third tax rate for high earners http://tinyurl.com/dlffqk
9:10 PM labour - Live stream will be back on at 10am on Sunday morning #LP09
9:15 PM darraghdoyle - #lp09 speech over. Ovation loud. – http://mobypicture.com/?vkdx7j
9:38 PM darraghdoyle - #lp09 at post-speech drinks. Gilmore drinking red wine, Ruairi on Heino. Michael D trying goujon things.
9:40 PM CllrJoeRyan - OG OMG!
9:41 PM keithster - Eamon Gilmore is to take the stage now #lp09
9:43 PM keithster - Well it was a great speech and we’re all finished for tonight. More in the morning!
9:52 PM darraghdoyle - #lp09 Joan Burton’s on white, @stretchneil is surrounded by people looking for numbers.
10:03 PM yrctweets - verdicts on gilmore’s speech @ www.yellowromancandles.wordpress.com #lp09
9:05 AM gomaonaigh - The Banjos are out and the guitars too. Singing in the air. Labour is partying hard into the wee hours. #LP09
9:05 AM krayZpaving - Willie Penrose dancing is a sight to behold, I can assure you. Gilmore has some moves though! #LP09
9:05 AM krayZpaving - Eamon Gilmore, Joan Burton and Willie Penrose all on the dancefloor at #LP09 & joined by @stretchneil and @aoifecarroll
9:14 AM Suzy Byrne - Assume there are a few sore heads (and tired legs from all the dancing) in Mullingar this morning
9:52 AM CllrJoeRyan - Any news in NEC elections? am home and had no update
9:58 AM CllrJoeRyan - Can we get a camera angle to pan the delegates? live streaming is fab
10:01 AM labour - @CllrJoeRyan – we have no camera view of the crowd – sorry. Will post any election updates on the Conference election page.
10:14 AM dlooney - Transport motions at #LP09 – I’ve just moved motion 43 on Dublin Bus. Tired faces abound!
10:14 AM krayZpaving - Labour Conference back up and running this morning. Currently discussing transport issues. #LP09 labour.ie
10:22 AM Suzy Byrne - Tommy Broughan is surprisingly awake this morning. Well he`s waking me up through my earphones…
10:23 AM dlooney - Speech of the morning from tommy broughan td – speaking passionately for state run facility at sr technics
10:24 AM dlooney - #LP09
10:25 AM labour - Brendan Howlin to propose motion 68 on civil unions
10:26 AM Suzy Byrne - Brendan Howlin speaking on Motion 68 on Civil Unions.
10:26 AM labour - Brendan Howlin to propose motion 68 on civil unions (sorry forgot hashtag) #LP09
10:26 AM lostexpectation - very little reaction from ruari quinn’s second demand to take the schools under state control #LP09
10:29 AM ianmcgahon - #LP09 Brendan Howlin calling for referendum on same sex marriage
10:30 AM labour - Remember you can watch the conference live at www.labour.ie #LP09
11:03 AM labour - NEC election results at www.labour.ie #LP09
11:27 AM dlooney - Pat Rabbitte surprisingly endorses NUI Galway motion on licensing hours, #LP09
11:33 AM ianmcgahon - #LP09 I will be proposing a motion on a national fire authority
11:34 AM ianmcgahon - #LP09 in about 10 minutes
11:41 AM labour - Dublin Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Emer Costello, talking about the devastation caused by the collapse of PPPs in affected communities #LP09
11:43 AM labour - The Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) was to regenerate housing for St Michael’s Estate, O’Devaney Gdns, Cork Villas, etc #LP09
11:45 AM labour - Labour must put communities before profit, says one delegate #LP09
11:47 AM labour - Richard Humphreys, (www.richardhumphreys.blogspot.com) candidate for Stillorgan, talking about local democracy #LP09
11:48 AM labour - ‘Words are cheap, if they want action from the Government they won’t get it’, Humphreys says – #LP09
11:57 AM dlooney - @ianmcgahon scribbling furiously at #LP09
11:58 AM labour - Labour Leader introduces video on Labour’s achievements #LP09
12:00 PM christinebohan - This is unexpected. Break in proceedings at #LP09. Gilmore is introducing a video about Labour’s achievements.
12:08 PM Suzy Byrne - word reaches me that I’m in Mullingar…sort of I missed it!
12:14 PM christinebohan - Good reaction to the video. Entire room laughs at old clip of Gilmore in the Dail and cheers Niamh Breathnach abolishing fees. #LP09
12:18 PM aoifecarroll - Conference ends with the news that the Govt have called a press conference for 3pm. Wonder what thats all about? #LP09
12:19 PM krayZpaving - Government has called a press conference for 3pm. Banks news? #LP09
12:26 PM AllanCavanagh - @krayZpaving that’ll be the public execution of Conor Casby then #LP09
12:28 PM ianmcgahon - #LP09 and so conference ends – Michael D rocks – I’m delighted that he is now president for life
12:30 PM labour - Dermot Looney finishes up conference with a rendition of Red Flag #LP09
12:31 PM ianmcgahon - #LP09 Brian O Shea – challenges us to go out and win seats
12:31 PM labour - Thanks to everyone for all your tweets, its been a great conference – Labour’s going forward, now we’re going home, thanks Mullingar #LP09
12:33 PM labour - On a final note, we will still be updating our Flickr, and conference website with the last of posts, pics and videos, thanks again #LP09
12:36 PM ianmcgahon - #LP09 rousing rendition @dermotlooney – lets keep the red flag flying here
12:38 PM stretchneil - RT @aoifecarroll Conference ends with the news that the Govt have called a press conference for 3pm. Wonder what thats all about? #LP09
12:39 PM stretchneil - @labour apologies for my lack of tweeting this weekend – delighted to see many others took up the challenge #LP09
12:39 PM Suzy Byrne - Thanks for everyones liveblogging and tweeting – keep an eye to irishblogs.ie for candidate blogs on conference and also posts from bloggers embedded at conference – eg. videos from darraghdoyle.blogspot.com which will be going up in next few days.
12:40 PM dlooney - Proud to have closed the conference with the singing of the Red Flag #LP09
1:12 PM labour - And a final finally a BIG thanks to Simon for Scribble Live, brilliant way to cover conf, and we’re delighted to be part of it. #LP09
1:13 PM labour - And the final thanks go to the Scribble Live moderators for all their hard work over the weekend. #LP09
1:58 PM labour - Scribble living (it up) during party conference as Michael D speaks in the hall #LP09
2:11 PM christinebohan - Any word on the government press conference yet? I’m agog.
2:28 PM christinebohan - @Mark_Coughlan @thomasbrunkard Tell me if you hear anything. I’ve no laptop here so totally out of the loop. God bless dodgy WAP connection
2:31 PM christinebohan - @Mark_Coughlan A few of the media folk mentioned it a couple of hours ago as they were leaving the Labour conference
2:32 PM stretchneil - Still waiting on news of this government press conference. Is anything happening?!
2:51 PM christinebohan - @Mark_Coughlan Yep, twittered it a bit but phone died yesterday which put a stop to that. I should have said hey, saw you were down too
3:02 PM krayZpaving - Nothing on any radio news about the Gov’t press conference that was supposed to be on an hour ago. #LP09
3:04 PM stretchneil - Slowly losing my mind waiting on news from the Government #LP09
3:05 PM aoifecarroll - Right,thats Mullingar done for 09. Hitting the road with @stretchneil & @krayZpaving. Still no news from alleged govt press conference #LP09
3:30 PM gomaonaigh - Finding my feet again after leaving the Mullingar conference. Getting a good reaction to Gilmore’s speech from locals #LP09
3:42 PM keithster - I spoke this morning on an Anti-social behaviour. Well received #lp09
3:47 PM keithster - Will be posting my conference motions, speeches, videos and opinions on my site www.thingscanonlygetbetter.ie #LP09
3:50 PM keithster - Thanks to all the organisers, Cathy, Keith, Mags, Shauneen, and all the Delegates who supported my motions. Great conference. Bye #LP09
5:17 PM stretchneil - That Press Conference was the dullest thing imaginable. Can’t believe I spent all afternoon wondering about it…
5:23 PM krayZpaving - Back home after a very enjoyable Labour Party Conference. Off to Laois in the morning campaigning with Nessa Childers #LP09
5:35 PM stretchneil - OK, home sweet home. 1 week to go before I start getting paid to work for Labour (this weekend was a freebie!)
5:44 PM krayZpaving - RT @patphelan HSE has 43 seamstresses, but only 12 suicide officers ff.im
6:50 PM redmum - Just back from Labour Conference where I was one of the @labour tweeters, wrecked, but about to launch into lots of pics #LP09
6:50 PM redmum - Great weekend in Mullingar, up 2 late up 2 early, would love day off, but have to get pics ready for local papers, no rest for wicked. #LP09
6:50 PM redmum - Also want to thank everyone who tweeted and helped with Labour’s online work, much appreciated and will be seeking help again next yr #LP09
9:04 AM Simon McGarr - If you’d like to join in, just leave a comment here or post on twitter and add the tag #lp09 at the end.