Strictly Come Dancing

All smiles on Baggot Street Bridge

Well done to Coolock’s community station Near FM for hosting a live radio debate tonight, presented by Declan Ralph, who like me is a past pupil of Chanel College Coolock.

Media coverage of this election campaign has been poor to non-existent. Maybe the broadcasters are unsure how to handle debates involving such a large number of candidates. But they could make a bigger effort than they have. European Movement Ireland also had a debate today which they live-streamed. Most of the candidates took part, and Pat Kenny did a very good job in moderating the discussion, showing that it can be done - and done well.

The night time Near FM debate ended a day that started early at Pearse Street DART with Alan Kelly TD and our crew. On to Mount Merrion and some very pleasant interaction at the Supervalu. The coffee afterwards in the Merrion Tree Bistro was easily the best in this entire campaign - in truth the best coffee I have ever had!  After the European Movement event I joined Barry Andrews and Frances Fitzgerald at a DCU Brexit Institute debate to answer some very searching questions. From there it was straight to Baggot Street Bridge to continue our charm offensive with commuters. Later in Coolock we canvassed with councillor Alison Gilliland who is truly on top of her game.  Leaving Alison and her crew I was accosted by a man who pulled up in his car, jumped out, and offered his No. 1 vote if I could remember who he was!  I couldn’t.  When he revealed his name (Percy Singleton, a great name not easily forgotten) I immediately placed him as an old neighbour from Marino.

Quote/moment of the day: the candidates were all asked what was there favourite TV programme. I startled the audience by revealing that mine is Strictly Come Dancing.