‘Feel good’ moments
A lot of people ask me what it is like canvassing. It is an intensely social activity in which the object of the exercise is to meet with as many people face to face as possible. Political scientists have confirmed that the single most important factor influencing voters is whether they have met the candidate in the flesh. Our campaign has largely been built around door to door canvassing along with shopping centre and Luas appearances. It is a bit of a slog- especially in inclement weather- but it is also hugely rewarding. Everyone on a campaign loves the “feel good” moment. Here are some of mine.
I met the boys of St. Mary’s N.S. Rathfarnham on Thursday, February 17th as they poured out thee school gates and their energy, enthusiasm and eagerness ‘to meet the candidate’ literally bowled me over. I couldn’t get near the parents as I was prevailed upon to sign journals, hand out canvass cards and give ‘high fives’ to my junior fan base.
Outside Rathfarnham Church on Sunday morning, February 19th a woman approached me and gently said “ You take care, we’ll get you there.” After another service elsewhere in the constituency an army officer recently returned from a stint abroad told me proudly that he had already cast a postal ballot and voted Alex White number 1.
In Whitechurch estate, Sunday afternoon, February 19th a bunch of us were moving down the street. A man crossed the road, held out his hand and said “This is your time, this is your election. You have my number one vote.” It’s moments like those that keep the bounce in my step, and that also remind me of what a privilege it is to be out on the stump, seeking a mandate from the people of Dublin South.
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