An interesting week it has been. Kilkenny politics has taken a turn as Biffo waved his recession wand over the Marble City by casting to the back benches one of the only men capable of directing the Government out of the crisis they have gotten us in.
We are in recession for crying out loud. We need men like McGuinness leading us out of it. Politics aside, he is the man for the job and even opposition politicians know that. They say you should never out-do your boss. Maybe that was the problem.
Grassroots is no FF supporter and never was. However, one has to recognise the huge contribution of Minister McG over the last two years. He has raised the bar for public representatives in Kilkenny and in the country. And he left his counterparts biting at his ankles while he put the constituency on the map. Sack Cowen, Coughlan, Cullen and a bunch of the other no-hopers. McGuinness for Taoiseach! He might be from the wrong party but at least he has the guts to get the job done.
The reaction in Kilkenny has been overwhelming for the former Minister. People are angry and disappointed at Biffo's failure to acknowledge his contribution. Maybe McG cut too close to the bone and maybe Biffo would prefer to create a mirage for the electorate to follow. Big Pill was shocked and joined with The Monseigneur and Euro Liam in their words of disappointment. Even the Kerry Blue was not pleased with the news. The whole constituency is up in arms. Fine Gael spokesperson on business, Leo Vardakar said he 'got sacked for telling the truth'. That says it all.
Mick Greene, formerly of the Greens, was not so disappointed with the constituency's loss. He was more concerned with catching some air time and displaying his lack of knowledge fof local politics. He has a lot to learn and Grassroots expects that his first lesson will come on June 5.
The demotion is not the only thing McG has to worry about. His brother, the Black Sheep McG is doing his bit to cause embarrassment and confusion. Embarrassing himself and doing his best to confuse the electorate by claiming association with the O'Loughlin Road Camp. The electorate may not be so naive. Many say old Mick would turn in his grave. Attempting to cash in on his brothers’ hard work will not wash with the public. The Black Sheep should reconsider his trip to Oz.
In the Red Camp, Euro Butler is ahead of his posse with his elaborate and expensive advertising campaign. It’s a pity the size of the billboard doesn't reflect the measure of the candidate and it seems that Euro has put his backside to the recession when deciding his election spend.
The Kerry Blue has embarked on a General Election campaign. He is neglecting his local responsibilities to manage a negative advertising spree full of nothing but attacks at issues he has no idea about and no capability to resolve. Lady Marie is refusing to be squeezed out by her colleagues. She is pounding the pavement, slapping stickers on unassuming youths and re-introducing herself to the community. Silent Frawley is still silent.
The Boys in Blue are just sitting back with their popcorn as they place bets on what Labour will spend their money on next and whether or not the Black Sheep will disappear before polling day. Secretly smiling about McG losing his job, the lads are confident that a triumphant victory is on the cards. So much so that they are not bothered with the canvas at all. Well, all of them except the Smiler Fitz. He seems to be everywhere. He is working hard for a seat and Grassroots expects that he will get one. But at who's expense?
Scruffy Murphy vanished with the rubble at Newpark and the Head Prefect is busy with exams. Better Manners is preparing her speech for President McAleese and Martin Frett is sure he is going to top the poll.
Then there’s the gentleman Frank Kavanagh. Now there’s a candidate worthy of a vote. Out of all the Independents, Frank certainly has the most to offer and at least he is honest. No election frills, no cheap slogans or tacky stickers on cars, just simple hard work and dedication. What you see is what you get with Frank. Grassroots is going to give him a chance. However, Jimmy Leahy’s second attempt to fill a borough council seat may see Frank lose out. He too is a strong Independent.
Grassroots expects a nail-biting fight to the finish. With the Labour implosion, the battle of the McGuinness camps, the anticipated FG triumph and the FF suicide mission, readers can surely expect an interesting time ahead.
