Ming puts a A in the ring

A SEAT in the 28th Dail is the aim of A Ming, one of the more colourfully named of the 484 candidates in the general election.

A Ming used to be "A Ming the Merciless" but legal advice to the electoral office in his chosen constituency, Galway West, was that "the Merciless" had to go.

He has, however, the slight consolation of being the first-named candidate on the ballot paper.

Of course, he is not the only competitor for the title of most intriguing soubriquet in the general election. How about Johnny Kingsize Doody, standing for the first time, in Dublin South?

Or the full-size name of Jog Monster Raving Looney Abum? He is one of 14 candidates the spoilt-for-choice electorate in Dun Laoghaire can opt for. Another choice here is a candidate for Olaf Paul Tyaransen of the Cannabis Legalisation Party.

A real contender for the most appropriately named contestant award, should be Owen Poole, standing as an Independent water charges candidate in Dublin North East. There are other candidates whose names reflect at least one of their issues, including the campaigning stalwart, Sean D. Dublin Bay-Rockall Loftus, in Dublin North Central, and Vincent Ballyfermot Jackson in Dublin Central.

Back in Galway West, there is Pol Bainin O Foighil, the aran-jumper-wearing gaelgeoir and Fine Gael former senator.

In all, there are 103 Independent candidates standing in 40 of the 41 constituencies.