The race is on

Bertie was up with the milkman to head to Aras an Uachtarain and ask sweet mother of Ireland Mary McAleese to dissolve the 29th Dail - sitting of parliament.The Irish General Election will be held on May 24th. Let the glad-handling, schmoozing and lies begin.

They will talk about stamp duty. The Sunday Independent will tell us it is important. People who think this paper reflects modern Ireland will care.

They will talk about the environment. Everyone will care but few will understand what we can do except turn off lights, shop locally and smother your friends with pious rhetoric about the future of the planet and your children's children.

They will talk about crime. Each will be tougher than the last. None will make any difference but will seek to convince you they will. As long as they talk about being tough on crime we will continue to perpetuate it.

They will talk about these things and all a whole lot more. I will blog about them with enthusiasm for sincerity and change but crushing doubts that either will be much evident. The rule of my coverage is this: if they are open, fair and honest so will the coverage. If they are cynical, I will let them have it.

They will talk...watch how they talk. Listen to the opposition when they're asked about policy. 9 times out of ten they will respond "Our coalition's point of view has been very clear on this for a long time...". They always say this. They always try to ram home their solidarity, whether it exists or not. Watch for these masters of language, kings of deceptions...twisting, turning and fudging their way to your vote.

Watch our for bullshit buzzwords and cynical catchphrases. Think ASBO, MMR, and WMD. Ask why they have such catchy rings to them. Ask why why why. Make them work for it. We get the government we deserve; if we are lazy...