Majic.iE

The pension levy, which has incensed so many workers who are also voters, has not been missed by Fine Gael but perhaps unusual for an opposition politician, Seán agrees with the essence of the levy but firmly believes that it should be borne more by those who can afford it. By tapping on the table he counts out the elements to a recovery scheme as he sees it – increased income levies, higher tax rates and higher pension levies for those who can afford it. Only then would he, depending on the calculations look further down the chain.

With one eye on the forthcoming election Seán notes that the noise that Labour has made recently which clearly, as shown by Eamon Gilmore’s success in the polls impressed people. “The easiest thing to do”, Séan wistfully remarks, “is to shout, to be in opposition and not produce any alternative”.

Traditionally a Fianna Fail stronghold winning up to 80% of the vote in some areas, Fine Gael will put forward three candidates in the Connemara Ward in the June Elections – with Seán believing that there are definitely two FG seats to be had: “On the last occasion the FG candidate lost by just 48 votes so I’d be confidant that those votes can be made up this time”.

Accutely aware of the challenge, Seán is unmistaken in his belief that Fianna Fáil are helped in no small way by Minister Eamon O Cuiv. “Eamon”, Seán ruefully remarks, “has managed to find himself a ministry where he’s able to give out deontasaí beaga agus deontasaí móra to the people. If you’re in a ministry whereby you’re giving out good news all the time … it all adds up.”

Despite the might of the Fianna Fáil electoral machine, Seán is ready to take up the challenge and fight for his council seat: “When you’re running for re-election you’d like to think that you’re running on your record … I’d like to think all you can do is go on that record and hopefully people think you’re doing a good job and if they don’t think that there’s not much you can do to convince them otherwise.

“All you can ask is for them to consider you and to let them know that all support is greatly appreciated”.