Interest wanes in ‘redundant’ by-election

CANDIDATES in Donegal south west will be anxiously watching voter turnout throughout today, hoping their supporters do not stay away from what has quickly become a redundant ballot.

Interest in the vote dwindled after the Green Party demanded a General election in early January. This turn of events is expected to favour Fianna Fáil Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill with a loyal party base more likely to turnout compared with those motivated by disillusioned protest.

On the eve of the election Fine Gael’s candidate Barry O’Neill urged voters to make the effort to register their choice and not dismiss the by-election entirely.

“Many are disillusioned about the way in which they have been treated. Many more are simply apathetic in light of the fact that they will be going to the polls again sometime in the New Year.

“I am making a direct appeal to everyone who is eligible to vote in the by-election, to come out and make their voices are heard, no matter what,” he said.

The favourite for today’s vote, Senator Pearse Doherty, said it was not without consequence and this was the only chance people in the constituency had to make a statement on the proposed cuts in the budget.

“People need to turn their anger into action by sending this government a strong message.

“This is the only opportunity that the Irish people have to cast their verdict on this government and to oppose the budget on December 7,” he said.

The Donegal Times newspaper has predicted the race will be a lot tighter than opinion polls suggested.

It believes Councillor O’Neill will top the poll but Senator O’Doherty will ultimately win out because he will pick up Fianna Fáil transfers.