Tales from the Canvass

[EoinMn]

Well., they are not PAYE so.

So...
You were able to afford a new boiler, heating controls etc, without the schemes..

but you claim you would not be able afford this new boiler, heating controls, etc with the schemes. Have I got that right?

[QuizMaster]

Another party hopper.

[imokyrok]

Greens getting a pasting from pat rabbite in the dail great stuff

Missed that - is it on TV or radio?

[Anorakphobia]

I have had visits from 2 FGers, one Lab and and Indo since Christmas.

I have a post box at the end of my drive and one in door.
I have had at least three flyers from FFers and all were deposited in my postbox at the gate.
So, they simply never even had the balls to knock on my door.
I have no previous form so they would have nothing to warn them off
Given that this is deep in Bertie heartland, I think FF are in a much deeper mire than they are conceding.

There are people on this site who claim to be FF canvassers and are saying they are getting a hard but fair reaction.
I'm sorry but I don't believe you, in fact in most cases I don't even believe you are canvassing.

[imokyrok]

So...
You were able to afford a new boiler, heating controls etc, without the schemes..

but you claim you would not be able afford this new boiler, heating controls, etc with the schemes. Have I got that right?

Actually - on that subject, how about interest free loans or similar for green home improvements? Most people are tapped out and afraid to spend their meagre savings. Such an offer might make all the difference in takeup.

[Tiernanator]

I think this post underlines what will be the death of many a FF council seat. They will still continue to get close to 25/30% of FPV's, but transfers will practically disappear. They'll be into SF territory as far as transfer repellance goes.

It'll be very much a love you or despise you vote for FF in June

I think your right. Practically people like my relatives 3rd preference transfers to FG could actually swing the seats in some areas. I must say I think Sinn Féin is going to do well in Donegal but I also have a feeling FG are going to surprise some people. If people like my family are considering transfers to them (FG)there is a political earthquake on the way. People who don't understand the depth of civil war politics along the border just don't realise how big an issue this is. I only hope FG and Labour give us some transfers I know a few Labour party people who are going to give us transfers this time for the very first time. Progress in my opinon.

[porthos2]

FF in our area were seen out a few weeks ago, dropping in every house and knocking ast every third house.

We have been canvassing since the end of last year and the depth aggression and anger towards FF and the Greens is increasing every week.

[imokyrok]

FF in our area were seen out a few weeks ago, dropping in every house and knocking ast every third house.

We have been canvassing since the end of last year and the depth aggression and anger towards FF and the Greens is increasing every week.

I don't understand how the Green vote is holding its own in the polls.

[Cashel Hill]

I think the biggest problem FF will have is getting their canvassers out at all. What canvasser would want to put themselves through a nightly ordeal for the party?

Especially when they had practically no say in selecting those candidates they are due to canvass for. FF made a bad situation worse with that committee.

[Ballyfermot Man]

Feedback I have been receiving is of a very high level of apathy. You see, people don't think about politicians and elections and quotas and votes or anything like that. They have enough problems to be worrying about. I would'nt have detected the hugh level of anger commented upon by some of the threads above.

Canvassing, and the canvassing technique is something that the parties have got to start working on. I've witnessed candidates losing votes simply on the poor quality of the people representing them on the doorsteps. The branding is essential. Image, presentation, good looks, in touch with the local issues and keeping your gob shut at the appropriate moment are canvessing keystones.
Urban area canvessing is very demanding. People don't know you; God knows what will be behind that door when you knock on it. A typical housing estate on a Saturday morning between 11 and 1 will result in no more then 40% human contact. The rest are either out or don't answer. I just think parties will have to devote a lot of time and research and fresh implementation with regard to canvessing before the next GE, because what I've witnessed so far does not impress.