Straight-talker Casey must ease the rhetoric

PETER Casey’s ability to increase his share of the vote from 2pc in the opinion polls prior to the election to the region of 20pc at the final count is a remarkable achievement in a few short weeks.

Mr Casey’s rise was due in no small way to his ability to be highly controversial in his rhetoric on Traveller ethnicity, social welfare issues, the diaspora as a national resource and sometimes his less than complimentary comments about a number of his competitors in the race for the Áras.

He also fought a brilliant media campaign that captured the headlines on a daily basis, and this ensured he was always front and centre on news bulletins in the crucial weeks and days leading up to polling day.

He was described by some members of the electorate as a candidate that called a spade a spade and stood up for the ordinary man, particularly across rural Ireland.

In sharp contrast his competitors – apart from Michael D, who exhibited all the presidential qualities he so obviously possesses – were way behind and floundering in the polls.

Now the gig is done and dusted, perhaps Mr Casey might consider toning

down his narrative in particular on Traveller issues – which has served its purpose for him – and devote more of his time to helping the less well-off. Tom Towey Co Sligo