Past the final hurdle and on to the home straight…But shall anyone fall?

By Gabrielle Campion

The most likely candidates to gain seats in the North West Constituency seem to be Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher and Marian Harkin.

The controversy surrounding his initial nomination, his well-known name and the fact that he has already spent eight years as an MEP will definitely help Mr. Gallagher in his performance in the 5 June hurdle race. These factors, coupled with the fact that the fair people of Dún na nGall often favour their own in situations like this, mean that Pat ‘The Cope’ is almost certain to acquire a seat in Friday’s Elections.

Marian Harkin, a native of Co. Sligo, is favoured for the second seat in the constituency. Athlone man, Tom, on Primetime on Tuesday 2 June, said he would vote for Marian because “she’s a woman and she’s a hard worker”. Both are certainly and undoubtedly true. The liklihood of a photo-finish for first place is strong. Ms. Harkin proved herself to be a competent runner during her five years in Brussels and with the current lack of trust in our country’s government, an independent voice will be strongly backed.

When preparation for the race began there were rumours of a radical change in the North West constituency in the form of the conservative Declan Ganley and his Libertas, yet those rumours have been all but shattered with popularity polls showing Mr. Ganley at a low of 9%. Bookies’ odds however show Ganley just behind Marian Harkin.

It is possible that Declan Ganley, Padraig MacLochlainn and Joe O’ Reilly may battle for the third and final seat in the North-West Constituency with current MEP, Jim Higgins. But, realistically, with yet another photo-finish for third, Jim Higgins will sprint in, a nose ahead of the others to regain his seat as third MEP for Ireland North-West.

The first two are almost certain, but third place is going to be close. The verdict, I predict, will be delayed, with recount after recount, but, in the end, the people will stick to their guns.

We like change here in Ireland, but not that much.