Voters want support for leisure centre
But politicians still came to town, perhaps for a bit of respite after the first week’s campaigning.
Those who arrived left with a clearer idea of some of the issues of local voters.
Environmentalists had installed ‘Incineration equals global warming’ posters on the approach roads. Inside the rugby club’s ground, a billboard of press cuttings highlighted a fundraising campaign for a €13 million leisure centre for the town.
Project co-ordinator Bronwyn Connolly said the area has been neglected in the development of community facilities and campaigners are demanding political backing for the Sáile.
“We are telling as many people as possible that when they come to the door canvassing to say that we need their support.”
Among the Dáil hopefuls to hear their message was the Jim O’Keefe “canvassing family”. The Fine Gael deputy is expected to poll strongest in this part of the constituency.
This would have been threatened had poll-topping councillor Kevin Murphy not contained his anger at the party’s refusal to nominate him for the election.
This weekend the pair were side-by-side, evidence Mr O’Keefe will enjoy the full support of the Kinsale-based man and there will be no repeat of Fianna Fáil’s difficulties in Cork North Central. There, a disillusioned Dave McCarthy opted to run as an Independent. “I am disappointed. But O’Keefe is my deputy and he has my full support,” he said.
