Sen Wilson feels FF can win seats in all areas
Only one FF candidate elected so far.
Fianna Fáil Senator Dairmuid Wilson believes his party stands a chance of claiming seats in all three electoral areas- Cavan-Belturbet, Bailieborough-Cootehill, and Ballyjamesduff.
Fianna Fáil's Philip 'Gunner' Brady on 1,316 after Count 4 looks on course to return in the Ballyjamesduff area, and Nathan Galligan (850) stands an outside chance to getting a seat first time running, but has work to do with Shamrock Independent Lester Gordon ahead of him on 11,068, having initially polled 958 first preferences.
In Bailieborough, Deputy Niamh Smyth's cousin Niall Smith is on 1,111 heading into Count 4 and Fine Gael's Carmel Brady's surplus of 12 votes to be counted, keeping him in contention for the sixth and final seat, whereas running mate Aiden Fitzpatrick is on 1,198.
Party stalwart Clifford Kelly on 1,286 looks safe for now.
In Cavan-Belturbet finally, Áine Smith, daughter of the late sitting councillor Séan Smith, and niece to Brendan Smith TD, Smith topped the poll in the area with 1,763, where the quota is 1,431.
The biggest winner from her surplus was party colleague John Paul Feeley, who jumped 109 votes to 1,159. After Count 3, where four candidates were eliminated- Liam van der Spek's (365), Aontú's Tinko Tinev (244), the Green Party's Kevin Murphy (109) and Independent Susuana Komolafe (75)- he sits on 1,194
Patricia Walsh is on 1,006.
Asked if Smith in Cavan-Belturbet perhaps polled too well to the detriment of the other two candidates in the area, Wilson states: “Nobody every lost a seat from polling too well.”
As an overview of the three areas, the long-term Senator though acknowledges: “Its going to be tight”.
“We expect that vote to stay mainly with candidate also based there. It'll help Patricia Walsh and I believe John Paul Feeley will be far enough ahead to retain his seat as well.”
In Bailieborough-Cootehill Sen Wilson thinks Clifford Kelly will retain his seat.
“A hard working councillor in Kingscourt. I believe Aidan Fitzpatrick will retain his seat, and I believe Niall Smith stands a chance of gaining a seat at this stage as well.”
Of Ballyjamesduff, he praises the campaign run by the two candidates there- 'Gunner' Brady and Galligan- the latter of whom he feels is in with a “fighting chance” of getting elected.
“He's put in a great campaign, he's a great young candidate,” says Sen Wilson of Galligan.
Wilson was Director of Elections for Brendan Smith TD's European campaign five years ago, and for the locals this time out ceded the reins to Matty Boylan from Ballyjamesduff.
Sen Wilson was Director of Local Elections for his party in Cavan in 2014, and Director of Elections for Brendan Smith TD's European campaign five years ago. For the locals this time out ceded the reins to Matty Boylan from Ballyjamesduff.
While Fianna Fáil appear to be doing well nationally in the polls at local, he though suggests it would be “foolish” to think it'll immediately translate to a national vote come General Election.
He says General Elections are a “different animal” and warns against complacency.
“Locals are different to a General. It would be foolish for any political party to assure, that because they've performed well at local level that it is going to transfer in to success nationally. They are totally different.”
Sen Wilson adds: “Local elections are fought on local issues. General Elections are a totally different animal. The vote we have got here in Cavan, and from what I'm hearing from reports around the country, is very positive and consistent. Its an excellent vote, but that's not to be taken for granted at a General Election.”