Last week I brought you word that a poll among students in Dublin
gave Sinn Féin 5% in next week's election. Well, it's getting
better. In University College Galway a poll shows that 7% of
students will vote Sinn Féin while Galway RTC has the party on
10%. And a poll for the Tallaght Echo gives Sinn Féin's Seán
Crowe 8%.
A new bank opened in Andersonstown last week. The new MP, Gerry
Adams popped in and greeted the staff and the workers who were
putting the finishing touches to the hi-tech building. To get in
or out customers have to go through an `air-lock' - one door
opens only when the other is closed. It didn't quite work as
Gerry was on his way out. One door closed but the other wouldn't
open and the new MP found himself trapped between the glass
doors. As he looked out helplessly, one customer shouted, ``Right,
turn the gas on now.''
Even worse, the bearded one was mistaken for Rolf Harris during
an election walkabout in Dublin's St Jude Gardens. A six year old
was eyeing him with a puzzled look on his face. ``Isn't that him
off the telly?'' he asked his little mate. ``Who?'' ``You know, the
Animal Man,'' he said.
But spare a thought for Lucillita Bhreanach. She was mistaken by
one child for Mary Harney.
Pat McNamee, the Sinn Féin representative for Newry/Armagh and a
new councillor for Slieve Gullion was on his way to the election
count in Newry last Friday when he was stopped by the British
Army. ``Where are you going?'' asked a Brit. ``I'm going to free
Ireland,'' said Pat.
The Sunday Independent weren't interested in the ground-breaking
local elections last week. They didn't have a single word to say
about it. That must mean that Sinn Féin did well.
Derry Sinn Féin candidate and ex-blanketman, Pius McNaught, one
of SF's most capable community workers, who polled very well his
first time out, was an attentive observer at the count in Derry's
Guildhall. As the SDLP was sweating out the contest between their
two sitting councillors, Devine and Ramsey, SF's Marie Rush came
up to him, looking for where the votes were being stacked.
``Where's Ramsey's?'' she asked
Pius looked absolutely blank. Eventually from deep within his
memory store came the reply: ``In William Street,'' he said, giving
the location of the Bogside's most famous fish and chip shop.
It is time someone gave recognition to Sinn Féin's superb vote
management. And because no-one else will do it, I will.
Third prize goes to Cathal Crumley and Mitchel McLaughlin in
Derry's Cityside ward. They polled 1,333 and 1,307 respectively, a
difference of just 26 votes. Their transfers helped bring in
Peter Anderson who got 952 votes.
Second prize goes to Pat Brennan, Packie McDonald and Pat McNamee
in the Slieve Gullion ward of Newry and Mourne Council. They
polled 1,148; 1,114; and 1,108 votes respectively, a spread of
just 40 votes. They were all elected on the first count.
d the winner is - the Sinn Féin election team in Armagh City.
Noel Sheridan, a sitting councillor, got 845 votes and his
running mate, Sean McGirr, got 841 votes, a difference of just
four votes. Both were elected. Congratulations all round.
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