Week to the Election

I have been getting a lot of requests to write a bit about the election and I've been just watching what's been happening. Like everybody I'm waiting for the election to take off! Frankie tried to ignite it last week maybe he misunderstood Enda's remarks about “all shoulders to the wheel!” Shoulders Elbows all very similar on any football pitch in North Roscommon when Frank Feighan wore the colours of Boyle!!?? 

So we had the debate last Tuesday night on Prime time most people felt it was poor! Can't blame the candidates they can only play on the pitch provided. 10 people debating?? Is it possible?  No not ready. Tomorrow it's Radio one in Roscommon and tonight Friday at 9pm Paddy Power is quoting as follows: 

Ivan Connaughton - Fianna Fail 4/9  

Michael Fitzmaurice - Independent 5/2         

John McDermott - Independent 5/1

Maura Hopkins - Fine Gael 7/1

Martin Kenny - Sinn Fein 9/1

John Kelly - Labour 16/1                   

Des Guckian - Independent 20/1       

Tom Crosby - Independent 25/1        

Gerry O'Boyle - Independent 40/1

Emmet Corcoran - Independent 40/1

Denis O'Brien - Independent 50/1

 

As far as Paddy Power is concerned then it’s just Ivan Connaughton of Fianna Fail and Michael Fitzmaurice the Ming backed Independent. In reality that was my call at the start and I still think it will pan out that way! 

The people of South Leitrim are seriously fed up as they are not really getting any of the attention. The issues to date are "Water" "Hospital" and it’s all about Roscommon! What about John McDermott of the Hospital Action Committee I expect him to poll very well. John was maybe a lucky man to have been elbowed a few times last week!! 

Now let’s get realistic Martin Kenny of Sinn Fein is fifth in the betting yet it’s just himself and Des Guckian from Leitrim. Sinn Féin are popular! Maura Hopkins of Fine Gael, has she a hope? This time no, but next time maybe! Maura is making a fantastic impression on all she meets. A wonderful personality I’m told. She and John Kelly are both from Ballaghaderreen and will cover each other well. Maybe they’ll transfer well to each other and which ever goes first will feed the other a massive transfer!

 At the end of the day Fianna Fáil are like a championship team that’s peaking for semi final and the final is yet to come where as Fitzmaurice is like a team with players recovering from injury. Getting stronger by the day! If the election was today Ivan would be the TD however we have to wait another week. Fitz is coming and coming fast! Will the week be enough? Too much? We shall see! 

Watch Kenny and Hopkins! they're not as out of it as PP might suggest. Mc Dermott to shock, but Fitz and Connaughton to go to the wire??? 

The others in the race are all doing well, however for a lot it’s a profile building operation. This is like the M50  it brings you to a lot of different roads but never to  your actual destination. 

Who knows? That’s why we love elections!! More to follow if you want!! Please comment below!