Laois and Offaly, Local Elections 2009

[Michael Moloney MCC(I)]

Eddie Fitzpatrick has left the PDs and gone independent - he'll have good support from Portarlington though whether it will be enough is another question. Fergus McDonnell.............

You can put money on Eddie Fitzpatrick, he has taken to politics like a duck to water, excellent on the ground and built up personal base that will stand in the long term.

He has also been gifted with the fact that Edenderry Area has gained an extra seat and the extended boundaries are close to his base, all rural and will be proportionally more beneficial to him than to the mostly based Edenderry town area.

He will not be sweating for the last seat.

Fergus will stay with the PDs to the end.

Michael Moloney MCC (I) Laois CC

[apkavanagh]

I agree with MM; given the pop growth in Port, EF should have an excellent chance of holding his seat. Have FF and FG been courting him at all?

[phonix]

Any word on movements in local electoral circles in Laois and Offaly? Should be interesting this time.

Sinn Fein well on course to make significant gains in local elections in laois.

Lynch - Mountmellick Town Council

Extra Seat Portlaois Town Council

[Michael Moloney MCC(I)]

Sinn Fein well on course to make significant gains in local elections in laois.

Lynch - Mountmellick Town Council

When Stephen (Lynch) takes his seat in 09 it will have little to do with Sinn Fein and all to do with Stephen, and the Lynch family, an institution in Mountmellick. The Lynch family and their friends have given all the children for fifty years (including myself and siblings) great Christmases with Santa in the Owenass Hall (free to all), free fuel for the elderly and the Christmas tree that put the town on the map.

Stephen will pick up votes in virtually every household in the town but watch what you get in the Council election, it will be some contrast.


Michael Moloney MCC (I) Laois CC

[Michael Moloney MCC(I)]

Agreed re Lynch. However he will have to go out and win his seat like everybody else.

You seem to miss the picture; People like Steven Lynch and the Late Johnny Conroy ( before your time here) bring something above and beyond politics to the Mountmellick Town Council elections. They can affiliate themselves to political party’s or go it alone but the debt of goodwill for them ensures that apart from the number ones they pick up they more importantly gather transfers from right across the board and they coast home.

So contrary to your contention that he will have to go out and work for his seat you should re read my previous post, the work is done his seat is in the bag.

Michael Moloney MCC (I) Laois CC

[phonix]

I agree the personal vote will be a major factor in Stephen Lynch taking a seat for Sinn Fein, the family are an institution and I am proud that Stephen chose SF over all the other parties ro run. The moloney family are also an institution in the town and I wish them well. But the point you miss Michael is that there are a hell of a lot of new voters in laois who will not be influenced by by any institution or as they have no loyalty to these groups. This factor and this factor alone will change the outlook of politics in laois this time around and you know this. Sinn Fein will focus on this factor in the months. When will you let us know where you are standing.? Oh and before I go good luck your not a bad aul skin as we say in Dublin. Agree with your position of not buildind on the flood plains you were proved right on that one.

[apkavanagh]

How is the Labour Party reorganisation doing in Offaly? Is there any chance that the party can claw back some of its old Gallagher support in Tullamore?

[Trans-Siberian]

How is the Labour Party reorganisation doing in Offaly? Is there any chance that the party can claw back some of its old Gallagher support in Tullamore?

It really is hard to belive that only ten years or so ago Labour had a TD in this constituency. Was that support personal for Gallagher or was it a genuine Labour core vote?

They have had problems attracting credible local candidates.

[shoe in]

How is the Labour Party reorganisation doing in Offaly? Is there any chance that the party can claw back some of its old Gallagher support in Tullamore?

Its not going well for them, Fianna fail will hold firm in offaly not much room for micro parties.

Labour are making a bit of an effort in laois alright but will win no seats in 09

[feet first]

Some of the treads have taken a turn for the worse. Surely everyone goes to mass for their personal and diverse reasons, attending mass is a virtue not a vice.

Nothwithstanding . the shape of Laois county council will look very different after the next election.
Emo will definitely be different , with probably two indepdents assuming that Michael Moloney and Paul Mitchell will get in , and possibly Emerson.

Portlaoise with a seventh seat , will include a new seat , Not FF but possibly an new ind. or a 3rd FG. ( anyone know who this new FG canditate is)

Mountmellick may have a different look , with possibly a new FG seat.

Borris will have one less so all is to play for.

Luggacurran the same.

Stradbally will probably look the same.

Lets hope that the New look council will be vibrant