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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Aibu to find this comment from Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar deeply offensive to all people with intellectual disabilities & their families. Absolutely appalling.

201 replies

55balloons · 24/05/2023 21:29

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41143480.html

This same man is trying to rush in draconian hate speech laws in Ireland..

Many disability groups in Ireland have quite rightly voiced their disgust & despair..

These vulnerable people with intellectual disabilities are suffering enough at the hands of our Prime Minister & his Fine Gael party through severe lack of funding. How dare he make fun.
Ireland as a nation is in a very bad way...

Sinn Féin 'like politics for slow learners', says Taoiseach

Leo Varadkar says he has concerns about Sinn Féin's "economic and European policies in particular that we think will be major departure from what made our country successful".

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41143480.html

OP posts:
Thread gallery
17
Gardendad · 27/05/2023 16:08

DownNative · 27/05/2023 16:00

An expected shifting of the goalposts. You claimed not to be a "typical SF voter" but you respond like one. 🤷‍♂️

The point is that if people claim to care about things like equality, justice, fairness and so on, that cannot be true at the same time as voting for Provisional Sinn Féin.

I anticipated people like you would throw out the "it's history!" line which is why I specifically mentioned the last twenty-five years. That is clearly NOT history in the way you meant it, i.e., a long time ago.

The sexual abuse cover-up is not that long ago. The murders of Paul Quinn and Robert McCartney, for example, are not that long ago either. To this day, Provisional Sinn Féin continue to deny families the truth. Bregee Quinn still tries to raise awareness of her son's murder.

Over? Clearly it isn't since terrorist groups are still in operational existence and Provisional Sinn Féin is still controlled by the Provisional Army Council. That assessment was announced as valid in the last year or two, so not ancient history at all.

It strikes me that people such as yourself are being highly selective, cheerypicking and have self-induced amnesia.

Don't you think it's strange how Provisional Sinn Féin does not actually have democratic leadership contests?

The reality is that in 2023 Provisional Sinn Féin is still not s normal democratic political party.

As the Republic of Ireland has a PR system, it will likely produce another result whereby Provisional Sinn Féin can be excluded from government once again.

Show quote history

Theres a phase when kids are teenagers where their lives revolve around the justice/injustice narrative. Their transition into adulthood is marked by the dropping of that narrative and the realisation that they are not unique, have to make compromises and grow up with nuance.Most people in N Ireland are of the same narrative, point scoring and saying 'but, but' ...and they never grow out of the 'equalisation fetish'.
Nobody in S. Ireland cares about anything you have written. It affects none of us. FGFF would like to make it relevant but have failed to do so.

DownNative · 27/05/2023 16:13

And the Republic of Ireland system produces coalition governments most of the time as well.

In the UK, its normal to speak of just one party's prospects of getting into government since just one forms it most of the time.

It's odd to see anyone in this thread claim "The only alternative option with any credible chance of getting into Govt in Ireland is SF" when that's not really how the system works.

DownNative · 27/05/2023 16:20

Gardendad · 27/05/2023 16:08

Theres a phase when kids are teenagers where their lives revolve around the justice/injustice narrative. Their transition into adulthood is marked by the dropping of that narrative and the realisation that they are not unique, have to make compromises and grow up with nuance.Most people in N Ireland are of the same narrative, point scoring and saying 'but, but' ...and they never grow out of the 'equalisation fetish'.
Nobody in S. Ireland cares about anything you have written. It affects none of us. FGFF would like to make it relevant but have failed to do so.

Show quote history

No, the OP themselves claim to care about injustice and inequality.

The point here is its not good optics to be highly selective about it. But at least the wider forum can now see the hypocrisy proudly on show from some in this thread.

It's beyond a joke to exaggerate and take Varadkar's wording out of context whilst behaving as though Provisional Sinn Féin’s behaviour on BOTH sides of the border the last twenty-five years is somehow OK.

It speaks not only to amnesia but suggests moral bankruptcy on behalf of those who think PSF's behaviour is no big deal.

It's clear you have no real argument in response other than the classic "I'm alright, Jack!" attitude which certainly isn't maturity.

All in all, I'm actually quite pleased to see such brazen minimising of Provisional Sinn Féin’s crimes the last twenty-five years.

Gardendad · 27/05/2023 16:37

DownNative · 27/05/2023 16:20

No, the OP themselves claim to care about injustice and inequality.

The point here is its not good optics to be highly selective about it. But at least the wider forum can now see the hypocrisy proudly on show from some in this thread.

It's beyond a joke to exaggerate and take Varadkar's wording out of context whilst behaving as though Provisional Sinn Féin’s behaviour on BOTH sides of the border the last twenty-five years is somehow OK.

It speaks not only to amnesia but suggests moral bankruptcy on behalf of those who think PSF's behaviour is no big deal.

It's clear you have no real argument in response other than the classic "I'm alright, Jack!" attitude which certainly isn't maturity.

All in all, I'm actually quite pleased to see such brazen minimising of Provisional Sinn Féin’s crimes the last twenty-five years.

Show quote history

Im glad you have come to terms with my viewpoint.

Original poster
55balloons · 27/05/2023 17:38

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

🤣🤣 Best post on this thread so far 💯

OP posts:
DownNative · 27/05/2023 17:46

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Bizarre logic as I frequently refer to the UDA as terrorists!

It's not a choice between supporting PIRA or the UVF. Most reasonable people can easily condemn both. The two groups barely ever touched each other and seemed to prefer it that way, so it's not like we have to choose between one or the other.

You should be ashamed of yourself for that.

Sorry to disappoint you, but I don't and have never voted DUP. Why do you only think in binary terms? It's not intelligent to do so.

And I'm simply using their full name - Provisional Sinn Féin which the Gardai and Irish Government agree is still controlled by the Provisional Army Council. 🤷‍♂️

Original poster
55balloons · 27/05/2023 21:16

Gardendad · 27/05/2023 16:08

Theres a phase when kids are teenagers where their lives revolve around the justice/injustice narrative. Their transition into adulthood is marked by the dropping of that narrative and the realisation that they are not unique, have to make compromises and grow up with nuance.Most people in N Ireland are of the same narrative, point scoring and saying 'but, but' ...and they never grow out of the 'equalisation fetish'.
Nobody in S. Ireland cares about anything you have written. It affects none of us. FGFF would like to make it relevant but have failed to do so.

Show quote history

Completely agree @Gardendad . Many voters are also single issue voters. One thing certain about the next government is that Leo Varadkar will not keep his seat & Fianna Gael will no longer rule the roost. Bring it on!
The amount of protests across the country really highlights the current mood of despair in the country.

OP posts:
Gardendad · 27/05/2023 21:53

55balloons · 27/05/2023 21:16

Completely agree @Gardendad . Many voters are also single issue voters. One thing certain about the next government is that Leo Varadkar will not keep his seat & Fianna Gael will no longer rule the roost. Bring it on!
The amount of protests across the country really highlights the current mood of despair in the country.

Show quote history

Agree. They absolutely squandered an amazing opportunity. Awful politics protecting the top earners and multinationals. Neoliberal playbook.

Original poster
55balloons · 27/05/2023 22:03

Great news @Gardendad I posted the previous opinion poll upthread & FG were already on the slide then 😂

Hope @DownNative is having a chilled glass of prosecco to celebrate 🥂

What gaffes can Leo make now to top the coronation scandal & his "slow learners" slur to ensure they hit rock bottom on the opinion polls?

OP posts:
Gardendad · 27/05/2023 22:13

I think Leo is actually unwell. I dont mean that in a nasty way but he is unable to read the room on a lot of things- alarmingly so. Now a major liability. 6 TD's not running including my local guy who was really depriving a village of an idiot the way he behaved. Not much hope for seat increases. Greens will be pummeled too.

Original poster
55balloons · 27/05/2023 22:28

@Gardendad yes I did read about the 6 FG TDs stepping down... God yes will be glad to see the back of the Greens.. Roderic o Gorman & Leo gave destroyed the country..
Leo has no self awareness & he is completely removed from the vast majority of the population as his "slow learners" comment proves.

No apology for the disability groups but apologising, bowing & scraping to the British Royal family & British Government on behalf of his boyfriend who was unable to conduct himself like a normal person at the coronation. My four year old would have behaved better.

Apologising to the British Royal family & British government for "any offence caused"
But NO apology for all the thousands of Irish citizens for the hurt & offence he caused with his "slow learners" slur.
I hope to God everyone remembers this come election time & vote him & all FG out.

OP posts:
Chickenkeev · 28/05/2023 00:45

55balloons · 27/05/2023 21:16

Completely agree @Gardendad . Many voters are also single issue voters. One thing certain about the next government is that Leo Varadkar will not keep his seat & Fianna Gael will no longer rule the roost. Bring it on!
The amount of protests across the country really highlights the current mood of despair in the country.

Show quote history

Tbh there's sweet FA protests going on. People are happy enough with them. It's so depressing that there isn't any viable alternative.

Original poster
55balloons · 28/05/2023 01:05

There's a fair amount of anti immigration protests going on accross the country at the moment. I will link all evidence in case @DownNative or @EarringsandLipstick accuse me of having an "agenda" for mentioning migrants!
Yes though you're right there is zero opposition apart from a few independents. FG need to go. They also need to get Simon Coveney steering the ship before the next election.
This country does not need a leader singling out "slow learners"... The man calling for inclusivity & introducing hate speech laws to punish that exact sort of language. What fucking hypocrisy.. "Slow Learners" have a vote too Leo!!!!

OP posts:
Chickenkeev · 28/05/2023 01:27

55balloons · 28/05/2023 01:05

There's a fair amount of anti immigration protests going on accross the country at the moment. I will link all evidence in case @DownNative or @EarringsandLipstick accuse me of having an "agenda" for mentioning migrants!
Yes though you're right there is zero opposition apart from a few independents. FG need to go. They also need to get Simon Coveney steering the ship before the next election.
This country does not need a leader singling out "slow learners"... The man calling for inclusivity & introducing hate speech laws to punish that exact sort of language. What fucking hypocrisy.. "Slow Learners" have a vote too Leo!!!!

There won't be any reaction to this at the ballot box. Prepare for more of the same.

Original poster
55balloons · 28/05/2023 01:36

@Chickenkeev not this time. FG won't be in power after this😂 We might get more of the same but no more Leo! I'd actually tolerate Simon Coveney, he can hold his own in Ireland & in Europe. He has diplomacy & is a canny speaker.. I'd imagine his wife would be able to conduct herself also if she was attending a huge international ceremony paid for by the Irish taxpayers.

OP posts:
Chickenkeev · 28/05/2023 02:35

I dunno, we have form for electing more of the same. Despite my best efforts!

Original poster
55balloons · 28/05/2023 08:08

@Chickenkeev remember SF won last time but MM & LV got their coalition by a loophole... Won't be as lucky this time. "Slow learners" votes count too.

OP posts:
DownNative · 28/05/2023 11:50

Gardendad · 27/05/2023 21:57

Again, you post as if the Republic of Ireland has the First Past The Post system. They don't.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil together have more than Provisional Sinn Féin. It really depends on which parties are open to doing deals with each other which is clearly not a loophole in a coalition government system as @55balloons tried to say.

Whether PSF are able to get into government with another party or not, its still a good thing for Northern Ireland either way, i.e., good for those preferring the status quo.

Provisional Sinn Féin clearly do not have a good track record within the Northern Ireland Government. So what makes you think they will in the ROI? Rhetorical question.

It's interesting to observe the 180 degree change in the OPs posts. No longer about thinking of voting for Provisional Sinn Féin, but looks like absolutely will. Pair that with their hypocrisy regarding PSFs record on human rights and it certainly looks like they were a Shinner from the off trying not to appear as one.

Ah well. I lose no sleep over it! 🤷‍♂️

Original poster
55balloons · 28/05/2023 18:51

Well I would rather be a sinner @DownNative than someone who supports a party that pander & bow & scrape to the British Royal family... Leo profusely apologising for his boyfriends bizarre at the coronation but will not apologise to all the people he offended with his vile "slow learners" slur..

OP posts:
peachgreen · 28/05/2023 21:45

Hang on a minute OP, early on in this thread you were complaining about Leo and his partner’s behaviour at the coronation but now you’re complaining that he “bows and scrapes” to the British royal family? It’s almost like you are just looking for any excuse to slag him off and your actual agenda is something quite different…

Original poster
55balloons · 28/05/2023 22:27

Leo was bowing & scraping to the British Royal family & the British government for apologising for his boyfriends ignorant bahaviour & comments which he said didn't mean to cause offence!!!!

He is refusing to apologise to the hundreds of thousands of IRISH citizens who he has offended by his "slow learners" slur!

OP posts:
Original poster
55balloons · 28/05/2023 22:33

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.politico.eu/article/ireland-leo-varadkar-apologizes-for-ill-judged-intern-joke-at-clintons-expense/amp/

Also apologises over his ludicrous joke about Bill Clinton on his official state visit to the USA on St Patricks day.

Apology to Clinton but what about an apology for all the people deeply hurt & offended for his "slow learners" comment.

Irish PM Varadkar says sorry for ‘ill-judged’ Clinton-Lewinsky joke

Gag draws laughs, gasps — and a rapid apology.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.politico.eu/article/ireland-leo-varadkar-apologizes-for-ill-judged-intern-joke-at-clintons-expense/amp

OP posts:
Chickenkeev · 28/05/2023 22:42

peachgreen · 28/05/2023 21:45

Hang on a minute OP, early on in this thread you were complaining about Leo and his partner’s behaviour at the coronation but now you’re complaining that he “bows and scrapes” to the British royal family? It’s almost like you are just looking for any excuse to slag him off and your actual agenda is something quite different…

That's a very good point! Leo's a dick, always has been. But odd to suddenly get worked up about it.

DownNative · 29/05/2023 10:06

55balloons · 28/05/2023 18:51

Well I would rather be a sinner @DownNative than someone who supports a party that pander & bow & scrape to the British Royal family... Leo profusely apologising for his boyfriends bizarre at the coronation but will not apologise to all the people he offended with his vile "slow learners" slur..

"For ALL have sinned..."

We're all sinners here. But you'd rather be a....SHINNER?! 🤦‍♂️

You're blatantly contradictory as well throughout this thread. Time everyone left you to rant in the void, I think.

At this point, it's very obvious you were always a Sinn Féiner who's trying and failing to start a pile on with the leader of the opposition who stand in your way into government.

Hey-ho. 🤷‍♂️