I have to say I was unimpressed with the analysis former Blanch Gazette editor, Ken Whelan gave of my chances in the election on the RTE Radio One programme, ‘The Constituency’ last Sunday evening. I realise it is in the nature of all politicians to defend themselves when they are put down, but for Ken to say that there is no Green support in the constituency is completely off the wall. I have been out knocking on doors in Dublin West since July and people who have never voted Green before have been telling me that they are going to consider giving us the No 1 on this occasion. Now, I’m not suggesting that I’m going to top the poll, but having canvassed in many elections before, I have noticed a major change in people’s attitudes to the Green Party, and in Dublin West I believe this change in attitude, combined with peoples’ belief that we have the necessary solutions to traffic congestion, bad planning and climate change, will see me getting a very respectable vote in May/June and have me challanging for the last seat.
On a related note, Ken stated that Gerry Lynam (Brian Lenihan’s running mate) was a long time member of Fianna Fail. I’m sure that came as a suprise to everyone, including Gerry, since he was an Independent Cllr on Fingal CC for 5 years and only joined FF in the last few months, according to media reports.
