AT THE top of Grafton Street in Dublin yesterday, Labour’s Proinsias De Rossa was King.
But there were just a few people in red jerseys, red scarves and red ties in line with the Labour Party logo.
Unfortunately for the candidate there was no great interest in Mr De Rossa’s campaign for re-election to the European Parliament.
“Jobs and justice” was the Labour logo, as Mr De Rossa pressed the flesh among Dubliners.
“These elections are more important for Ireland now than at any time in the past,” said Mr De Rossa,
“The role that Europe can play to end the current economic crisis must be the focus.”
The public looked on, not terribly interested, on this bank holiday afternoon.
“We must demonstrate that we can work our way out of this crisis, thus restoring the hope and ambition of our people,” said Mr De Rossa. “We can do that by working closely with all other European states in a co-ordinated way,” he said.
“Carrying on with policies that have dramatically failed, as Fianna Fáil and the Greens have been doing, is not acceptable.”
And what, by way of a post-general election scenario, would happen were Labour to hold the balance of power if Fianna Fáil stood short of the required numbers?
“The numbers will not add up in that way,” said Labour leader, Eamon Gilmore. “If you look on the opinion polls, there is no way that it can add up.”
Mr Gilmore turned his attention to the possible social welfare cuts.
“It is remarkable that the Government seems determined to inflict pain on children and pensioners and people on low income while at the same time finding billions for the banks,” he said.
It was a message which went down well with the marginally interested on a quiet Grafton Street.