Smith reflects on 20 years as FG Director of Elections

Michael 'Canoo' Smith was the Director of Elections for 20 years for Fine Gael. He's helped oversee the successful election of dozens of local candidates in that two decade period, and campaigned tirelessly for those looking to claim a seat in the Dáil.

This election he handed over the reigns to Donal O'Reilly, though when the Celt speaks with Michael he's still in the thick of it, clipboard in hand, wedged with tally sheets, casting an interested eye over the contents from a voting box from Cootehill.

Michael is turned out in a navy blue two piece suit and tie. Its a once in a five year occasion.

“Twenty years,” he laughs, a broad smile filled with warmth spreading across his face. “And I'm still at it.”

Reflecting on passing on the baton to someone else, Michael says: “There comes a time in life for everyone where enough is enough.”

He describes being among the tallymen as “grand”. Its certainly an easier pace.

The question Michael puts next is with one eye on the future. He loves the buzz of the count centre but doesn't think it will be around for ever, such are the changes in society and upgrades in technology.

“We're here today, but 15 or 20 years down the light there might be no 'here' any longer, it'll all be electronic.”

As for where the votes are going to go now however, he says: “Even talking to Fianna Fáil people, on the ground, its pretty good.”

He says if candidates don't pick up votes in their own home areas then it makes it very difficult there after.

“You have to have something to work from. If you don't get them there, there's a chance you won't get them at all.”