Bags of charm from Fine Gael hopeful Coghlan on the doorstep

Olympic athlete Eamonn Coghlan exudes bags of charm on the doorsteps with voters.

The Fine Gael Dáil candidate is not shy about his celebrity sports status and, while he may have the “feelgood” factor to poll well in this week’s Dublin West by-election, his smiles and free pens aren’t for all.

Just after lunchtime, the sun-kissed senator arrives in his campaign car at the Roselawn shopping centre in west Dublin and greets his campaign team. He’s joined by Jobs Minister Richard Bruton, whose experience adds to the efforts.

Coghlan faces an uphill battle here to win sufficient votes in a constituency which leaned heavily to the left in the 2011 by-election. Dublin West sprawls between Swords and Lucan and has a population of more than 100,000. A plethora of issues are on people’s minds, including the cost of housing, jobs, the loss of medical cards, and water charges.

Supporters from Coghlan’s local running club catch shoppers as they stroll past.

The senator knows the game, jumping in and out of photographs with children, his supportive wife Yvonne and even Transport Minister Leo Varadkar’s parents who wander by with a trolley.

Coghlan says many issues troubling people are local. “It can be about traffic, bus shelters or speed bumps,” he says.

In the estates across the road, it’s a different matter on the doorsteps away from the shopping centre set pieces.

The unsuspecting senator is met by one disgruntled father who tells him in no uncertain terms what he thinks about Fine Gael.

“I’ve no time for your party, I’ve always time for you. It’s what they’ve done to the country,” says Paul Wells.

His son, Ronan, 8, follows up much to our surprise. “Fianna Fáil put their suitcases in and Fine Gael and Labour picked them up,” quips the young St Francis School student.

Mr Wells says his other boy Colm, 5, has ataxia, a form of cerebral palsy.

Coghlan stands his ground and engages the youngsters.

“Any support you can give me, even a number two or number three would be great,” he says as he leaves the family’s driveway.

Mr Wells says budget cuts are hurting locals and high earners should instead be hit. The senator walks on. Others are more welcoming.

One pensioner smiles accepting his flier, adding: “I’ll go for Coghlan, I’ll run with him.”

The free pens are out again.

“You just might need a pen to write number one on the ballot paper,” says Coghlan.

More issues come up on doorsteps, including education, political reform, and even a lady’s candid request for a local graveyard. The Lennon family are not too keen on being buried in Mulhuddart, north Dublin. You never know what to expect on a campaign trail.

Retired electrician Patrick McAvinue wonders has Coghlan, a former Olympian, got what it takes to compete in the Dáil.

“You were a hero ... but I don’t think you’re suited to the cut and thrust of politics,” says the voter.

The senator doesn’t reach inside his pocket for a free pen. Instead, he replies: “I won’t set out promises. But I’ll do the best I can.”

Friday will decide if voters believe him on that.