To Wit, To Woo We’re conscious that dogs have featured prominently – perhaps too prominently
– in our election coverage this week, and we do want to ensure fair and balanced coverage for the rest of the animal kingdom. Many thanks, therefore, to Dublin Bay South candidate Eoin Tierney, who has produced a series of attractive animal-themed posters. Eoin is standing as an Independent, but according to his website he is going out to bat (sorry), for the Open Party, who seek to "ensure the continuing survival of our species and our ecosystem" and "to show kindness and generosity to all, especially those in need, to facilitate the development of efficient systems, and to be accurate and rigorous". All highly admirable, although we fear when it comes to election day, Eoin will be a lamb to the slaughter.
The Longest Day beckons
If you’re looking to have a punt on which constituency will be quickest to complete its first count in this election, the odds-on favourite, according to
Paddy Power
, is the three-seater in Laois (previously named Ireland’s most boring constituency by this column). Clear favourite to be the slowest constituency to have completed a count is the large and fiercely contested Dublin Bay North, where 20 candidates, of whom at least 11 or 12 will be in with a chance, are battling it out for the five seats. Bring the flask and sandwiches for that one.
Quote of the Day
Battles by the Boyne Shenanigans in Drogheda, where satirical website The Faa Side has picked up on shocking Labour allegations that Sinn F
éin activists were circulating negative leaflets against Labour's junior minister Ged Nash. The Faa's version of the leaflet includes allegations that Nash voted to tax the elderly by targeting bingo winnings and refused to buy a special edition of An Phoblacht commemorating the hunger strikes.
Mildly amusing at best, but we do continue to hope that Louth will find it in its heart to elect the candidate with the most Father Ted-esque name in this election, Sinn Féin's Imelda Munster.
The Art of Politics
Reckon you haven’t had your fill of election posters yet? Then get yourself along to the Kenny Gallery in Galway this evening for the launch of an exhibition of posters, fliers, handouts, badges and ephemera, from all political parties and some Independents over the last 50 years. Most of the items in the show have been collected by
Alan Kinsella
, who has accumulated the most comprehensive private collection of this material in Ireland.
Check out Alan’s fantastic website at irishelectionliterature.com. “You do have to be interested in politics to get a kick out of this exhibition,” warns the gallery. “Nothing like it has ever been seen in Galway before.” We’re so there.
