Opposition fears to believe in demise of Fianna Fáil

COUNCIL PROFILE: MEATH:MAYBE IT'S the old mantra that the only poll that counts is the one on election day. Or perhaps the wariness is because it's Meath, a Fianna Fáil stronghold, although a much less fortified one these days.

One way or the other, while Opposition parties are benefiting from “ABFF” (Anyone But Fianna Fáil), in Meath they are far from complacent about the Soldiers of Destiny’s predicted demise.

“Not one person I’ve canvassed in this campaign is voting Fianna Fáil and yet they’re still at 20 per cent in the polls. So somebody’s voting for them,” says one Fine Gael canvasser.

At the same time, however, Fine Gael is still hopeful of picking up three more seats in the county council elections, while Sinn Féin could add at least one to its two council seats.

Meath will be a real test of the swing to Labour. The party had a strong base but after former deputy, now independent Cllr Brian Fitzgerald left, it was greatly diminished. They are rebuilding, helped by the profile of Senator Dominic Hannigan, whose council seat is now held and being defended by his election agent Eoin Holmes, with ambitions for at least a second county council seat. Planning is a big issue in a county but the state of the roads is raised consistently, especially in Slane where residents are outraged at the lack of funding for a bypass.

The Slane area is moving from a five- to a six-seater. Sitting councillor Patrick Boshell (FF) is expected to hold onto his seat as is the Green councillor Tom Kelly. Councillor Anne-Dillon Gallagher (FG) could well be joined by a second party member and Labour’s Cllr Holmes will keep his seat. Independent candidate James Carey could also win.

Kells is reduced from six seats to five. Fianna Fáil holds three seats here and will be the inevitable losers. Council chairwoman Liz McCormack, Bryan Reilly and Michael Lynch will battle to maintain two seats.

Michael Gallagher (SF) will retain his seat. Fine Gael is also likely to hold two seats but there may be a change of personnel.

Labour candidate Brian Collins is a member of Kells town council and is also trying for a seat on the county council.

Dunshaughlin moves from six to seven seats. Two weeks ago, Cllr Nick Killian (FF) sharply criticised the Taoiseach and it remains to be seen whether this will save his seat, one of three the party holds. There are three independents in this area as sitting Fine Gael councillor Charles Bobbett is running as an independent after reconsidering a decision to stand down. Fine Gael is running four candidates to win three and will probably take a Fianna Fáil seat. It will likely win two anyway.

Trim is home to Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey, campaign director for the local elections. Trim goes from five to four seats, currently has two Fianna Fáil, two Fine Gael and one independent councillor but Mr Dempsey could pull it off and keep two seats. Fine Gael could hold two seats. Labour came very close to winning last time, but may not do as well this time, because of the reduced numbers.

Navan keeps its seven seats, currently three Fianna Fáil , three Fine Gael and Sinn Féin councillor Joe Reilly, who will retain his seat. The party is challenging for a second seat. Labour could prove its mettle in Navan. Fianna Fáil is running five candidates, but turnout is a factor, as less than 50 per cent traditionally vote and that might help the party to hold on.

How the parties stand

(Outgoing)

FF12

FG8

Lab1

SF2

GP1

Others5