This article is from page 10 of the 2014-05-20 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
SINN Fein remain confident as early indications suggest it could secure its first Clare County Council seat in living memory, when the electorate go to the polls on Friday.
With national polls showing voters favouring Independent and Sinn Féin candidates, those canvassing in Clare said the party is looking strong.
Independent candidates have also reported that people on the doorsteps are indicating support for non-parties and the Government opposition party. Despite being in Government, Fine Gael remains optimistic although cautious, while Fianna Fáil are getting a less hostile reception than the last time they went on the hustings.
Meanwhile Labour is reportedly hopeful but taking nothing for granted. Director of Elections for Fine Gael Edmund Jennings said that while candidates are getting a good reaction on the door, there is a fear that there could be a surprise when the votes are counted.
“There could be a swing against the Government and we are very mindful of that, but we are not getting it on the doors,” he said.
“Most of our candidates are sitting county councillors and those that are not are very strong. When you speak to the individual candidates they are quietly confident,” he added.
Sinn Féin in Clare has a pep in its step as it canvasses the doors believing there is a real chance of returning a county councillor to the chamber for the first time in almost 90 years, with Shannon and Ennis polling strong for the party.
Finbarr MacGabhann, Director of Elections for Sinn Féin in Clare told The Clare People the party was very encouraged by the reception on the doorstep.
“There is a lot of anger at the Government and previous government, and we would be confident of taking a seat.
Director of Elections for Fianna Fáil Gerry Reidy said that reception on the doorsteps for the party’s candidates is much better that the last local elections in 2009 and general election in 2011.
“There is very good engagement. It was visibly hostile the last time,” he said.
“Our fear is visible apathy. We are not too confident of a large turn out.”
Labour TD Michael McNamara said that while the party is confident it is taking nothing for granted. The party is particularly hopeful of taking a seat in Ennis area.