No shortage of canvassers for parties

THE Labour party and Fine Gael are reporting a surge in people interested in canvassing with election candidates in Cork, while Fianna Fáil claims Micheál Martin’s elevation to leadership is warming the reception they receive on doorsteps.

Rumours had been abounding that the number of Fianna Fáil canvassing teams across the city and county had dropped significantly compared to the 2007 election. However, Fianna Fáil last night said that they “weren’t short of bodies”.

Michael McGrath says he doesn’t “believe in going out in huge numbers” and that family, friends, and party activists were all coming out with him as well as leafleting and putting up posters.

Cllr Terry Shannon, who is helping run Micheál Martin’s campaign in Cork South Central, said they had plenty of canvassers as “there is a sense of ownership around Micheál” in Cork city and that people liked strong leadership and this “parochialism would advantage him”.

In Cork North Central, Fine Gael director of elections Owen Cafferky said they had much more people contacting them this year with a view to canvassing. The Pat Burton teams are canvassing strongly in Killeens and Rathpeacon while Dara Murphy’s troops are out around Ballyvolane.

The Labour Party in Cork North Central says it has benefited from a 30% hike in party membership on the northside — thanks to a facility on the website, where you’re asked to join the party as soon as you access it.

“We’re emailing and texting all of these members before we start canvassing in their area so we can bolster our numbers. It always helps to have someone on your team that people recognise as being from ‘up the road,’” said Declan Walsh, Cork North Central Director of Elections.

Meanwhile, in Cork South Central, Cllr Paula Desmond said she’s being strongly supported by family, friends, party activists and Labour Women.

“The reception on the door has been great. I’ve had five people who I met on the doorsteps and who after talking to us, have asked if they can help out with the campaign,” she said.

Sinn Féin in Cork North Central say that voters — outside traditional Sinn Féin areas — are much more open to the party this election. “They’re much more aware of us and our economic policies. There’s also a Pearse Doherty factor,” said Cllr Jonathan O’Brien.