Election campaign - Not on pulse with voters’ hearts...

LET there be no mistake, the country is on an election footing as the battle for the hearts and minds of voters begins in earnest following yesterday’s meetings of parties on opposite sides of the political spectrum.

Belying the facade of confidence projected by Cabinet ministers, rank and file members of Fianna Fáil, in Cavan for this annual two-day think-in, know there is ample reason for concern. Especially since the Coalition’s finger no longer appears on the pulse of public opinion.

Stealing their thunder, the leaders of Labour and Fine Gael were in Mullingar for the first anniversary of their coalition accord. Gearing up for the next election, the two major opposition parties are busy cementing relationships as a possible alternative government.