Five things we learned from canvassing with Galway West by-election candidates

Candidates encountered polite voters, sharp criticism, and persistent cost-of-living concerns while canvassing across Galway West communities

While people are polite, this doesn’t mean that all callers are welcomed with open arms. Photo: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Canvassing is an age-old art, with politicians of all stripes having to put on their walking shoes and hit the street in a bid to gain a number one (or two or three) from a prospective voter.

While many politicians will knock on doors or do leaflet drops outside of the election cycle, once a contest is underway things ratchet up a notch.