Finish line in sight for Malcolm
AS the old saying goes, by-elections by their nature are unusual and notoriously unpredictable, and certainly the same can be said about the journey taken towards this week’s contest.
It has been a very busy year for Gorey’s Malcolm Byrne but he is hoping that it will all be worth it when he fulfils his ambition and gets that seat in the Dáil.
It’s a cold late evening in Ferns, and I’m on the campaign trail with the Fianna Fáil councillor.
Starting at Ferns Castle, the team splits into two to cover the most ground.
One group contains Byrne’s parents, some councillors and keen locals, but I decide to tag along with the candidate himself and his associates, deputy leader of the party Dara Calleary TD and Enniscorthy’s James Browne TD.
They have their stock of canvass cards, and it’s a familiar sight with its likeness to the one that came through the doors earlier this year for the European Parliament elections.
On the front of the card, the beaming Byrne is wearing a green tie, maybe for his party Fianna Fáil, maybe for the country of Ireland, who can tell.
On the back you can see a brief biography and a list of priorities in relation to nine areas, and a message from party leader Micheál Martin is also present.
With cards in hand, the first stop is the local butchers for a chat and photo opportunity, and on towards the housing estates, which are a bit more of a challenge.
The sun is setting and older people especially are uncomfortable coming to their doors, but this doesn’t stop the Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District.
He taps the windows, and a curious head peep out.
‘I’m running in the by-election, this is a chance to send a message to government,’ he says as he hands the card in through the window, not for the last time that evening.
We get a little bit warmer as things start to move quickly, the candidate and his associates running at speed and knocking from door to door.
Malcolm says that you need a certain level of fitness for political campaigns, and as I thank the man above for my gloves and scarf, I see he has a point.
There are some Fianna Fáil supporters along the way in historic Ferns, and they are happy to see James Browne in particular.
One house even asked for James’ own canvass card, not realising the nature of Friday’s election.
A low turnout is expected, but a number of people give Byrne the nod and say that he has energy and enthusiasm, and that it is time for change.
Some speak out through the letterbox, being nervous about opening the door but most are enjoying sitting down to dinner as the evening rolls in.
Despite this, they come to the door and hear what he has to say, particularly campaigning on health and homelessness.
Malcolm tells me that he has learned that to be a politician, you should never be afraid of barking dogs, as a few guard dogs are unwelcoming towards him.
I wonder if he is expecting to be up against a few hounds in the Dáil.
Although some in Ferns tell them that they have no issues to raise, he assures people that he is the most local candidate in terms of distance in this election.
But some take the opportunity to raise local issues, particularly the speed limits and number of speed vans on the old N11 road since the bypass comes up the most across the board.
I was expecting to experience Ferns as a place feeling the pressure of being a newly by-passed town, but this is not felt by the majority.
Malcolm says that he has been vocal on the issue of the speed limit dropping from 100 km/h to 80 km/h, and people say that they will give him the support if he can promise that change.
Although he says he isn’t one for election promises, it seems important to the people of Ferns.
On the larger national issues, Wexford’s mental health services come up at a door and Malcolm agrees that it is disgraceful.
‘A change is needed,’ one woman comments, to which Malcolm assures to be such a change.
Housing and homelessness are raised on the doors also, and one man says that new leadership is needed in Dáil Eireann before one party gets too comfortable leading.
He says he doesn’t want to see Fine Gael get their feet under the table, and considers giving Malcolm a number one because of his youth and enthusiasm.
One door brings up Brexit in relation to Rosslare.
‘There’s no development, it’s suffering and we don’t know what’s happening,’ they say.
Malcolm assures that Brexit is high on the agenda for Fianna Fáil, along with sustainable employment.
Some admit that they haven’t given the by-election much thought, but that they are happy to see a familiar face in the race.
As Malcolm prefers to be judged on his work, he tells one person to Google him in relation to any particular issue.
‘Judge me on my record,’ is the message he gives out.
Malcolm puts forward a Fianna Fáil policy around young people getting mortgages, using rent payments as proof of savings.
On more than one occasion, Malcolm is invited into the homes of Ferns.
Here in particular, more personal issues come up than on the doors, and Malcolm makes time to talk to people individually.
One woman speaks about coming just in over the threshold for a disability grant to make some adjustments to her home for a loved one in difficulty.
Malcolm pipes in that policy changes should be made, and passes his mobile number to her.
Another woman mentions that she had spoken to Malcolm already on a personal matter, and wanted to know how it was progressing.
We decide to go down a dark lane-way and a torch is produced as the terrain becomes unclear, and suddenly a barking dog doesn’t seem as threatening.
Electric gates also prove an obstacle, but these are contrasted with some dereliction close-by.
On to the main street of Ferns as the final destination, we get some much needed heat in the sitting room of a supporter and soon call it a night.
Malcolm remarks that you’d get a lot more hours in during a summer election, and it’s true to say that it is tough keeping the canvassers positive on such nights.
But in contrast, Councillor Byrne brought party leader Michael Martin to the streets of Gorey with just a week to go before polling day.
The better weather of the bright afternoon lifted spirits as the town was buzzing on a Friday in preparation for Santa’s arrival on Saturday.
The pair take a walk and visit the locals, and they are joined by councillors and further support.
A campaign banner makes its way along the main street being towed by a car, and it’s clear that Malcolm feels right at home.
His canvassers tell me that they have their fingers crossed for the weather to be in their favour on Friday, saying that the people of Gorey and North Wexford are sure to come out and vote for Malcolm, although weather dependent.