Count on me, say candidates in hopes of knock-on effect

THERE is no manual explaining how best to win votes.

In the dogfight for Cork South Central, 14 candidates must each hone their own strategy.

The last time out, the constituency was responsible for the country’s longest recount. It took three counts to eventually separate John Dennehy and Kathy Sinnott by just six votes.

At the doors and on the streets in 2007, all candidates — understandably — drill home the message that every vote matters. Mr Dennehy did just enough in 2002. He reminded his supporters of that epic recount.

“The last time out it was just two votes between myself and Kathy Sinnott on the first count. I need every vote — you’ll have to get everybody in the house out as well,” he told residents near the Lough Community Centre.

He lingered at the door, to talk about pensions and parking. He drew from a well of anecdotes and stories, developing what could be a key connection.

Twice he lost his canvass team who raced ahead to different estates before the 9pm cut-off.

Among his competition, Labour Party councillor, Ciarán Lynch, was the complete opposite.

He was in charge and directed operations for the evening canvass. In a full suit, he sprinted between houses — if something was said, he wanted to hear it himself.

He couldn’t stay for long conversations. There were a lot of houses to hit and, at each, he pressed home his message.

“The Red C poll had myself and Fianna Fáil neck and neck for the final seat in the constituency, so if you want to vote for change you’ll have to vote me in,” he repeated.

Mr Lynch was operating in his home patch of Ballypheane where he enjoys strong support for his work, which includes the local authority buy-back scheme for flats.

He learned, on his first canvass in 1999, that making an impact at doors wins votes — even if the votes are down the preference order and only return on the final count.

Meanwhile, it’s a 7.30am start on the Trinity footbridge for Fine Gael’s Jerry Buttimer, a surprise contender for the last seat.

His relaxed, quick-wit humour helps him engage with the electorate, in spite of their dash to work.

On the canvass trail, he has knocked on 24,000 doors and worn out two pairs of shoes. The toe of a third has fallen off.

“First-time voter? I am a first-time candidate. We have a lot in common,” he jokes with one student at the College of Commerce.

But when the serious issues arise, he makes his pitch.

“It is time for a change, the people of Cork need a fresh voice and something new and if you want that then vote for me,” he insists.

The candidates’ styles vary but the reactions from the public are consistent — many have yet to make up their mind.

There are, realistically, nine candidates in with a shout for the five seats in the constituency. They’ll hope their performance on the doorsteps will be persuasive and sufficient — before the tension mounts in the race to determine the final seat.