Who's the fairest of them all?

By Grace Campbell

Mirror, mirror on the wall,

Fine Gael, Labour or Fianna Fáil?

Oh, how the tides have turned. In the run up to the elections in 2004, MEP Mairéad McGuinness was an outside bet when she entered the rat race. Now, in 2009 she is the only sure bet to bag a coveted seat in the East constituency.

Her campaign this year has been strong, active and fearless. The vote count at the weekend is a formality for the “straight talking” MEP. What will interest Fine Gael is not whether Ms. McGuinness gets through or not (that's already a given) but by how much and if she can carry John Paul Phelan over the threshold with her.

Mair ead McGuinness speaking to Grace Campbell in Navan, Co. Meath

Although Fianna Fail, as a party, is not in the most popular position, MEP Liam Aylward looks set to retain his seat in the East. He too has provided constituents with a strong, vigorous campaign and has demonstrated a worthy voice in European negotiations over the last five years.

Can his personality win out over his party? In this case, the deeply rooted Kilkenny man with his political family record will hold onto his unwavering support in the heart of Leinster and be pulled across the finishing line.

Liam Aylward speaking to Grace Campbell in Leixlip, Co. Kildare


The last seat is where the fun really begins. It is a battle between Labour and Fine Gael for the final seat from two candidates who will provide fresh blood in Europe for the East.

Mismanagement of votes could scupper John Paul Phelan's chances of being elected. Nessa Childer’s “Foxrock” image could damage her credibility among agriculturally based voters.

It will depend on whether voters want Fine Gael dominance for the East in Europe again or a change with Labour's perspective in the pot for good measure.

John Paul Phelan vs. Nessa Childers


McGuinness, Aylward and Childers is the combination that I believe will come out on top for the East constituency. Whether this threesome tickles your fancy or boils your blood, you can make a difference by voting on Friday, 5 June.