There is nothing a politician hates more than being told they are ‘safe’ and will win a seat. As soon as they hear that they fear no one will vote for them.
This is why Fine Gael councillor Brian Walsh has thrown cold water on recent media suggestions that he is in line to top the poll in Galway City East.
“It’s dangerous talk,” he said, “most likely being peddled by some of my fellow candidates in Galway City East. In reality, it is impossible for me to top the poll given the FG vote management strategy we have in place.”
Fine Gael is aiming to win two seats in the six seat ward. As a result the party divided the ward between its three candidates. Cllr Walsh’s areas are Mervue, Renmore and Ballybane. Barra Nevin has been given Doughiska, Roscam and Ballybrit. Frank Fahy’s area includes Menlo, Tirellan, Ballinfoyle, Bothar An Choiste, and part of Ballybane.
“My campaign is confined to a very competitive third of the ward where winning votes will be difficult,” said Cllr Walsh. “Talk of me topping the poll is nonsense. I will have to fight for every vote to be in with a chance of holding my seat. My focus is on winning one of the two FG seats, if that happens to be the last seat then I’ll be happy.”
