Indo interlude and a spooking in Phibsborough

The days are getting longer - in more ways than one. First business this morning was at Leeson Street bridge to meet commuters coming down the canal on foot from Charlemont LUAS, together with huge numbers of cyclists. They all converge at an area adjacent to the old kiosk at the junction Adelaide Road and Lower Leeson Street. At peak time there is a big build-up here of people waiting for the lights to let them cross the road on foot or by bike. We are very slowly accommodating our city’s streets to the bicycle. As a regular cyclist I recognise this, but so much more needs to be done to make Dublin truly cyclist-friendly.

With Kevin Doyle and Philip Ryan

My next appointment was at Independent House in Talbot Street to be interviewed for The Floating Voter podcast hosted by Group Political Editor Kevin Doyle. We were joined by Philip Ryan, Indo Deputy Political Editor. I was certainly put through my paces! Naturally they were interested in how the election might go, and especially how Labour would do. I recounted my experience of positive canvass outings in recent days - a complete contrast to 2014 and 2016. I also got a chance to discuss elements of my ‘Vision for Dublin’ pamphlet. I am making the case for fair treatment and adequate pay for creative workers. Freelance work has always been a feature of this sector. But at least in the past freelancers had some face-to-face relationship with the employer. Now it’s more a case of uploading your work into an amorphous digital space.

After the Indo it was on to Northside shopping centre with Alison Gilliland; then to Blanchardstown with Joan Burton; onwards to Phibsborough for a short on-street canvass; then to the Beacon Quarter for a presentation by Sandyford BID; and finishing up in the Marlay estate with Peter O’Brien.

Quote of the day: I’m told in a text from a Phibsborough resident of my acquaintance that I must have “spooked” someone when I was there earlier: “because Paschal Donohue is out canvassing us here tonight”.