‘Sad day’ for politics says Blackmore

ONE of the vanquished candidates in the weekend’s by-election has expressed her dismay at the rise of ‘racist politics’ in the county.

People Before Profit’s Cinnamon Blackmore was one of three competitors eliminated after the first count, her 659 votes not enough to see her continue the race.

And, following her elimination, the Gorey woman had some strong words on the content of her opponents’ campaigns.

‘It is a sad day when racist politics starts to gain ground in this county, that’s something we’ll have to keep an eye on,’ said Blackmore.

‘ The fact that Melissa O’Neill got 400 plus votes on a very racist platform, and the fact Verona did as well, I think it’s a sad day.’

Admitting she wasn’t entirely certain where her future lay, Cinnamon Blackmore said she remained open to the possibility of running in next year’s general election.

‘If I’m asked to, if I’m nominated to, I’ll give it due consideration,’ she said.

Noting that she had performed better in the by-election than she had in last summer’s local elections, Blackmore was in a reflective mood as she looked back over what had been an ‘insane’ 18 months.

‘It’s been insane, a year and a half ago I would never have dreamt I’d have been in any elections, let alone a local, and then six months later, into a by-election going for the Dáil. It’s been quite wonderful and exciting and exhausting,’ she said.

Thanking everyone who had supported her and vowing to continue towards uniting her community, the Solidarity People Before Profit candidate said she would find it difficult to offer her congratulations to the man who was to top the polls later that evening.

‘Unfortunately I can’t congratulate Malcolm, the party he stands for are propping up Fine Gael.

‘It’s about the politics, it’s not about Malcolm, it’s about the politics he stands for, so although I have no malice towards Malcolm I cannot actually congratulate him.’