Wednesday, 23 February, 2011.
Long day beginning with meeting commuters at Rush and Lusk Train Station before 7am. Had to break away after 7.30pm to take a call from Morning Ireland on RTE Radio. Interviewed by Rachel English about what is Green Party programme of work in the next Dáil and how we are fighting for the last seat in many constituencies, probably against Fianna Fáil.
Left the station after 8.30am to attend Dublin Fingal Chamber of Commerce meeting in Carnegie Court Hotel, Swords. Made a few suggestions on how Main Street could be made more attractive to the 45,000 population in the hinterland of Swords, e.g. weekly outdoor market run in co-operation with the existing traders as happens already in Balbriggan, and to an extent in Skerries and Malahide too. As well as that, I suggested tapping in to the Bike to Work Scheme cyclists and locate bike lock up U-bars near shops along Main Street which would alleviate car parking hassle too. Both ideas well received and will be following up with FCC and the Chamber.
Into Leinster House then and a quick meeting with colleagues John, Eamon and Ciaran. Then a quick canvass from King Street, down Grafton Street and across to the Shelbourne Hotel for the final Green press conference of the campaign. Got some progress on the Davenport Hotel exploitation of low paid workers. The National Employment Rights Authority, NERA, has to become involved as what Mr Callaghan in doing is in my opinion wrong. I am contacting NERA about this matter today.
Back to Swords then to canvass the centre of Swords and the Drynan Road estatezs. Great bunch of canvassers again and mainly very good response once we had a chance to explain why it is so important for Greens to be elected so sustainable jobs can be created.
Then Vincent Browne on TV3. Not a pleasant experience especially when a body is tired. Deputy leaders of the other parties were on the panel too. Got in a mention for Gaelcholáiste Ghlór na Mara i mBaile Brigín. Go raibh sé ann go luath agus 460 dalta claraithe le blianta beaga amach anseo.
Driving home in the early hours, stopped by a Garda checkpoint. Everything in order and they wished me good luck in the campaign. We’ll see how all that pans out soon enough. Meanwhile another day of canvassing to go before I get to vote for myself.
