On in media firestorm
Verona didn’t quite understand the importance of the issue and the importance of responsible political language in terms of migrants. She certainly understands it now, I can assure you.’
Mr Coveney described Ms Murphy, who is President of the Irish Road Haulage Association, as ‘hugely energetic’ and ‘very popular’ and someone who is passionate about Wexford.
On Friday the party’s regional organiser Willie Gleeson joined Murphy on a canvass of Blackwater and The Ballagh, while on Saturday a team of 75 supporters blitzed Wexford town, accompanied by Charlie Flanagan, John Hegarty, Avril Doyle, Liam Twomey, former Duncannon GP Dr Kevin Byrne. Minister Flanagan urged canvassers to seek out a No 2 vote from Labour candidate George Lawlor’s base in the town.
Around 30 canvassers covered North Wexford, accompanied by Pat Deering TD and Andrew Doyle.
On Monday Mr Varadkar spent around five hours canvassing in Wexford. Having enjoyed lunch in Kelly’s Cafe he held a meeting with the Murphy camp before canvassing with her in Wexford town and visiting Wexford Garda Station.
Liam Twomey said he believes Murphy has a broad appeal. ‘She is a strong, capable candidate and there is a lot of respect for her and the type of person she is. I genuinely don’t believe she is racist. The comments went against her but my feeling is at the end of the day when it comes to politics people like someone who understands how to get things done and someone who is not afraid to do her job and push out the envelope.’
He said there is a sense that rural Ireland has been hard done by. ‘People feel let down and have done for a long time. She can bring the agenda forward. People feel civil servants maybe don’t quite understand rural Ireland. The politicians representing their communities do but people need strong voices to stand up for them.’
Fine Gael has seen its support fall following the controversy over Murphy’s of-the-cuff comments.
The latest Business Post/Red C poll sample of a thousand adults between November 14 and 21 shows Fine Gael still leads the way on 30 per cent, but has dropped two points.
Murphy’s team, led by her daughter Robyn, feel they have momentum as the days wind down to Friday and it’s boots on the ground until then.