Tag Archives: canvass

TIMMY Dooley is wearing a pair of corduroy trousers as he hits the canvass in Ennis, on an unseasonably mild Wednesday afternoon. An essential part of the wardrobe of a seasoned campaigner, they’ve been bought specially over Christmas for occasions like this. “I always wear a pair of corduroy trousers,” he reveals. “They’re a great guard against dogs. It gives them something to chew on and they don’t get through to your leg. Last time around, I got a right nick from a dog. He made a grab and got me, so I had to go off and get a tetanus shot.” As a phenomenal vote-getter for 18 years now, the outgoing Fianna Fáil TD knows all of the other secrets of an effective canvass. “The first time I canvassed was for my Seanad campaign in 2002, the Dáil was 2007, 2011, 2016 and 2020. So far, I’ve been successful. I like to think it’s hard work, but people make …

ALTHOUGH the name of Pat Hayes will appear on the ballot papers that will issue on Monday for the forthcoming Seanad elections, the Clare county councillor will not be canvassing for election. Speaking to The Clare Champion, Councillor Hayes said that at this point in time and for personal reasons, it does not suit him to go forward. “I was honoured to get the nomination but circumstances this time didn’t allow me to canvass. I am very interested in being a candidate in the future,” he added. Last month, the East Clare councillor sought the nomination to the Seanad’s Agricultural Rural Development panel from the Irish Grain and Feed Association but then had a rethink and decided not to contest the seat. However, as the papers had been lodged, he could not formally withdraw. “I did seek the nomination and I did get a nomination and then I did seek to withdraw it. The system doesn’t allow you to withdraw …