*** TIMES TO NOTE ***
Monday: 6.00pm – RTE TV News, including Michael Martin interview – nothing “at all” statement.
Tuesday: 5.30am – Irish Independent published online.
Tuesday: 7.00am – RTE news says nothing about revealing email.
Tuesday: 7.10am – “This Morning” study of papers on show, only refers to Jim Gavin withdrawal.
Tuesday: 7.30am – RTE news says nothing about revealing email.
Tuesday: 8.00am – RTE news says nothing about revealing email.
Tuesday: 8.05am – “This Morning” study of papers on show, only refers to Jim Gavin withdrawal.
Tuesday: 8.30am – RTE news says nothing about revealing email.
Tuesday: 9.00am – RTE news says nothing about revealing email.
Tuesday: 9.00am – RTE “This Morning” ending, still said nothing about revealing email.
Tuesday: 10.00am – RTE news says nothing about revealing email.
Social media now going hyperactive and RTE no longer can afford to be seen to ignore email matter.
Tuesday: 10.35am – RTE Claire Byrne radio slot, finally mentions revealing email.
All prior FF TD’s on air that morning, managed to oddly escape being asked about email.
Tuesday: 2.30m – RTE News reports Mr Martin states “specific details” about money issues not known.
Tuesday: 6.00pm – RTE 6 TV News, Mr Martin states got “generic details” about Jim Gavin issues.
“A day, never mind a week, is a long time in politics.”
As repeatedly proven the world over, twenty-four hours, even twelve hours, can be a long time in politics. Beginning at 6pm on Monday, 6th of October, it has never been proven to be more true. That evening RTE’s Six News went on at considerable length about the withdrawal of Fianna Fail representative Jim Gavin, from the election for presidential office. It then interviewed Taoiseach Michael Martin. During this interview stated…
There was questions to be asked. Journalists were all over it like an unwanted rash on Fianna Fail and Mr Michael Martin.
* Who knew Mr Gavin had outstanding money issues?
* Who didn’t know there was owed money issues?
* Those that knew, when did they find out?
* Those that knew, what did they know?
* Those in the dark, why were they in the dark?
* When did Mr Martin find out the full details?
* When did Mr Martin find out any details?
* Who was the actual person who said “I think Jim Gavin should run for us!”
* What strongarm tactics were used, to make party members support Jim?
* Who was applying the strongarm pressure to get Mr Gavin voted for?
* If Mr Martin really know nothing, how could be be so stupid?
* If Mr Martin did know something earlier, why didn’t he more investigate?
* If Mr Martin didn’t investigate after the Sept’ 8th email, why the hell not?
* If Mr Martin did know something earlier, why didn’t he speak up before a party vote?
* If Mr Martin knew that the media would look into all aspects of every runner, why did he allow Mr Gavin to continue, then get party nominated?
* If Mr Martin didn’t think the media would find out about even the smallest of past errors, how could he have been so very stupid?
There was lots more questions being asked on Monday 7th of October. When there was only u-turns and flipflopping mostly coming from the few top heads of Fianna Fail willing to speak to media on air, there was at best, vague answers – and in some cases, no answers given whatsoever, despite some questions being repeatedly ask. Top rank asked in Fianna Fail, either pretended to be stupid and went on about something they were not actually asked about – or just downright refused to give a clear direct reply.
EXAMPLE:
“Who first put Jim Gavin forward for Fianna Fail selection, for the presidency?
…”Well, Jim was voted for, through a party democratic process” In other words ‘We ain’t saying!‘
“That’s not what I asked. Who first brought Mr Gavin’s name into the list of possible runner selections?”
…”Jim was already well known at the time and it was felt that he would be a good pick” In other words ‘I’m not saying!‘
“That’s not what I asked. Who specifically put Mr Gavin’s name into the selection process?”
…”Jim was thought to be a good representative, given his high sport profile.” In other words ‘I see your question. I refuse to answer it. Feck off, stop asking, I’m not telling you.‘
Not one member of Fianna Fail that were interviewed, has had the backbone to state that it was likely Michael Martin. If it wasn’t Mr Martin, why didn’t they even clarify just that, as it was put to them repeatedly by a number of different journalists? Did they fear some sort of future ramification for naming Mr Martin? Do they still live in fear of Mr Martin? If they did or still do, why would they? Is there a track history of some party member culprit being vengeful, if their name is ever mentioned in regards to something negative?
Is this how politics operates behind closed doors in Fianna Fail? Open your mouth, say the wrong thing to the media, tell on us – and we will vengefully get you back! “We will remember! We will wait in the long grass, to see you don’t advance further in the party!”
Why wouldn’t a single member of all those that voted – for or against the selection of Jim Gavin – state EXACTLY WHO FIRST brought Mr Gavin’s name into the Fianna Fail meeting for possible selection? A massive veil of silence remains over this very question, like many others still outstanding. Expect more ducking and diving on this particular question.
…Then later in the day (Tuesday 7th), James O’Connor TD released a public statement as journalists were asking questions at fever pitch rate – but getting massively stonewalled.
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Journalists then sought even more answers to many additional matters that arose from that too. Once again, there was bugger all answers coming from the usual top Fianna Fail heads. Fianna Fail short statements were now issued through its press office, telling very little more, and again, refusing to answer many more asked questions. Some Fianna Fail TD’s earlier in the day, quietly – off the record – made it known that they had been bullied, extensive pressured, etc, into voting for Jim Gavin by top rank Fianna Fail heads. James O’Connor’s public statement appears to confirm this. Is this how Fianna Fail operates under the vague description of phone “lobbying” – translated: workplace bullying?
…You make sure to support Jim Gavin – or else we will remember later that you didn’t!
Who was doing the bullying? Sorry… “lobbying“…We can only guess? Is this REALLY how things are done in Fianna Fail and indeed, other top parties? Workplace bullying? Still no answers to many questions, are coming from Fianna Fail elected – including Mr Martin. Journalists were and still are, frustrated by the lack of answers, the mountain of question political ducking and diving, along with other TD’s who suddenly were and still are, uncontactable. Missing in action. Can’t be found in order to have questions put to them. It appears that the Fianna Fail party has once again closed ranks to protect itself and frankly, protect their own individual backsides and those of mates – or even the feared, in case of further ramifications ‘down the line’ from them later.
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“Thank God It’s Budget Day“
If Mr Martin and Fianna Fail needed something massive to quickly distract journalists and a nation of people, who are still watching Fianna Fail make a complete cock-up of the presidential race, both Mr Martin and Fianna Fail were blessed that the Jim Gavin situation blew-up a day just before the national budget was to be announced. RTE and other media played their part. All questions were suddenly switched to budget matters. Very handy!
For a day or three, Mr Martin and Fianna Fail behind closed doors, can possibly gain time to formulate a saleable PR tactic, to address non-budget questions they all know journalists and public alike, are still waiting to ask, re-ask and hopefully be answered. Certain TD’s might be told to ‘shut-up’, keep you head down and say nothing – or simply not mention Mr Martin’s name in relation to anything!
* The budget announcement, two to three day grace period, is handy for certain members of Fianna Fail to quietly operate behind closed door in order to ensure that PR damage limitation is better managed.
* The budget announcement, two to three day grace period, is handy for certain members to ensure they don’t get into the ‘bad books’ of Mr Martin or an underling, as the days of grace, pressure temporary off, might help to cool things down as investigating reporters continue to seek answers – and many will – including the likely, most effective investigators of the year, the much FF/FG hated and same time feared, “The Ditch“.
Dublin and national journalists are already expecting some version of the following… “We might be able to give answers to your questions once we hold a review.” A question ducking reply that will be regurgitated by loyal to Mr Martin and party faithful – like a good cult! It will be a statement made by Fianna Fail TD’s as a now traditional way to avoid giving answers to question put to them. ‘We are reserving comment till after a review, after an investigation, after an inquiry, after a commission, after a tribunal concludes’… Yes, a nation of Irish journalists have heard some version of what Fianna Fail elected are already stating to the media still asking questions. Here we go again…
In greater truth, many journalists know it’s a stalling tactic answer. It’s a cowardly answer – but most importantly for elected, it’s a ‘cover my ass’ answer. …And when their “review” is complete? ‘Slap on the hand’ stuff at best, might or might not, be even then dosed out. The inevitable review results will see no one actually held to proper account. Journalists know this. The sharp public know this. The elected of Fianna Fail know that we all know this – and some of Fianna Fail are suspected of laughing at our frustration to get answers from them! They knowing once again, if they are allowed time to let media heat die, they can once again get away with their usual party, closed door antics.
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Changes Have Been Long Needed.
It’s clear to many people, journalists and observant public, that the top heads of some political parties operate at times like mini dictators. They will absolutely deny this. However, if you get a lower ranked member of Fianna Fail (just for example) in a quiet place with no recording devices or live cameras, if they trust you, some will most assuredly tell you that they live and fear of a possible wrath from above if they don’t ‘toe the line’.
* If they open their mouths,
* if they dare to criticise those above them,
* if they reveal too much,
* if they reveal anything at all,
* if they don’t go into hiding when needed,
* if they don’t vote as asked (told) to do,
…Then there could be a price to pay – either immediately or in time, as once some publicity over a matter dies down, then the party member ‘who didn’t play ball‘ will get their comeuppance sooner or later, more quietly. Yes, party faithful will deny this goes on – but journalists and ex-members of certain parties know that this is exactly what goes on. What Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, Labour and more, call “Lobbying“, is in fact a form of legalised bullying in the workplace. It’s certainly NOT true democracy in action. It’s true democracy suppressed for the will or demand of a higher ranking party official/member, who can be vengeful later if he/she doesn’t get their previous way!
It’s clear that for far too long, the heads of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and more, have wielded too much inner party power over other members. In the case of Jim Gavin, Mr Martin and an underling, phone calling around in order to get votes to support their favoured candidate for Fianna Fail selection, might have been more than just asking politely to see that Mr Gavin was voted for? James O’Connor’s public statement appears to confirm this. It has to be stated, credit to him where others are far too silent – for he speaking up about this aspect of day to day Fianna Fail operations. However, Fianna Fail top rank are extremely unlikely to be the only ones that operate in such a fashion? Safe bet. Ask a national journalist in a quiet bar corner. You will get your answer.
The bullying – sorry, “lobbying” – methods that top party rank regularly apply, have to be addressed – and not just PR addressed. Proper party addressed. Such bullying/lobbying far greater allows individual and whole parties to be caught up in one scandal after another, as people connected to said parties are later discovered to have a past that is not as originally ‘white’ as tried to be PR stunted upon media journalists and a voting public. The power that is being dished out (to bully, to ‘persuade’, undemocratic turn a vote) from above at the top of parties MUST be proper addressed. Not just PR stunt addressed. PROPER ADDRESSED.
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Where Are We Now?
It’s clear that Mr Martin has a lot to answer for. It’s clear to many that Mr Martin will certainly not make it to November 2027 as a party leader. What is not clear, is answers after the exposure of the September 8th email being made public. What exactly did he mean by, he got “generic” information – after he TV stated “We didn’t know about that specific issue at all“. What exactly did he mean by, “specific” details were not known?
The September 8th email should be published.
* What exactly was in it?
* What did it NOT actually say?
Reveling some or all of it’s content will go along way to exposing possible more lies and a possible subsequent party cover-up – till a party selection vote was taken within 24 hours later!
Mr Martin might to some low or high degree, bare a lot of responsibility for the complete mess that now exists surrounding the Jim Gavin situation – but how top political parties still operate, are allowed to operate by its too complacent and too bullied members, also bares some percentage of blame for allowing higher ranks to get away with simply far too much, for too long.
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Mr Michael Martin.
* Will Mr Martin survive this current political storm? Honestly? Yes – if time is allowed for this latest political farce die to down and media moves on – as they normally do. It would not be unexpected that he’d hope this would happen.
* Is Mr Martin politically damaged? Yes. His credibility is shot to complete pieces in the eyes of many Fianna Fail members, the general public and local cumman party faithful across the Irish nation.
* Will a Fianna Fail later “review” produce anything more than ‘slap on the hand’ stuff and recommendations that will just end up being ignored after days and weeks? Sadly, yes. We been there before. It’s how top political parties ever operate still. Pump out something for the masses, something that will make good temporary headlines – till the media and public has moved on. Mr Martin will, like others before him, try to ride out the latest political storm.
An educated assessment? In time, a bit away from the current political disaster, he will step down “to allow a new/younger generation of members to bring fresh ideas and energy to the party.” We will all recognise the now usual media line when it will be eventually PR stated. Those seeing him off, will largely gush over him and in the Dail, heap praise on him for his decades of efforts – and to be fair, some of it is deserved. Most members of all parties enter into politics with greater energy, great ideas and manage to cross a lot of political hurdles as they climb over each other, as they same time try to make their way up a party ladder.
Mr Martin didn’t get to where he is by being too stupid. He likely knows it’s better to leave with face, dignity and some reputation still intact. Like other party leaders of Ireland, he will go before he is pushed. He will do so when he feels its best for him, preferably more away from a farce or disaster that will more hang around his neck as he finally leaves.
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The Future.
In decades to come, it’s a genuine possibility that Mr Martin will run for the presidency himself. Not in seven years – but many be sometime after that. Best to leave a fair time gap between now and then, if only so that current minds move on. They will be later distracted by other future issues and what’s occurred this last three days, in the future will be judged to be a mere bump in his political road? In the meanwhile, whenever Mr Martin does step down, no doubt an EU, UN or other European job role will be found to keep him tied over, but importantly still occasionally in the eyes and refreshed mind of the Irish public, till he too can run in a race for a later presidents office. Do not count this out!
Meanwhile, right now, a lot of people on the outside of Fianna Fail are waiting to see if any of the powerful rank within the party, actually has the courage to request that Mr Martin step down for making one too many mistakes, be it for possible pressure “lobbying“, possible lying, possible embarrassing the party at local and national level too much, for possibly damaging Fianna Fail chances of putting an alternative potential election winner forward – and more! Will rank and file say a lot behind closed doors, say too little – and then allow things to return back to status quo with Mr Martin once again in charge, all powerful and possibly inner intimidating again? Time will indeed tell. Hint: don’t get your hopes up that much will change in hours, days – or even weeks ahead.
Anyone in Fianna Fail with leader ambitions, knows they need to be in place before the next general election, if only to build up their own inner party credibility and equally ensure they are more likely to get re-elected at the next general election giving their own (hopefully) new title of “Party leader“. Mr Martin will know all this too. He long knows how to play the ‘party political game’. He likely knows when to cut hiss losses, thus leaving before there be a heaving!
Meanwhile, the 6th of September email issue is being downplayed by government party, perceived biased media outlets. It’s like it never existed – and still doesn’t!
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