"Είχανε δεν είχανε"

[Aelialicinia]

Is this whether or not - No.
Is it try as they might - no i don't think so because try as they might implies something was not accomplished
can anyone translate/interpret this one properly?
Context: Είχανε δεν είχανε, τον κάνανε οι πολιτικάντηδες αρχηγό μας!
Thanks!

 

[Perseas]

It's an expression.
I assume: One way or the other, either way.

PS. I think "whether or not" could be, as I can deduce from the example in WR dictionary:
We'll go to the game whether or not it rains (or: whether it rains or not).
Θα πάμε στον αγώνα έτσι κι αλλιώς, βρέξει δεν βρέξει.

 

[Aelialicinia]

I see your point. But the meaning must reflect the fact that they tried very hard to accomplish something. That there were obstacles they faced in getting it done.

 

[dmtrs]

Apart from Perseas' very good interpretation (one way or the other, either way) I'd like to add "nevertheless" or "notwithstanding" although the exact synonym seems elusive.

 

[Αγγελος]

After all they said and did, the politicians ended up making our chief of him!
Είχες δεν είχες, το χάλασες = With all you did or didn't do, you ended up breaking it.

Είχε(ς) δεν είχε(ς) is a term of reproach, implying that one's actions or omissions led to an undesirable outcome.

 

[Aelialicinia]

I decided this: Leave it to them, the political hacks ended up making him our leader!
Many thanks to he suggestions - they helped!

​