Compiled by Olivia Kelly, Mary Fitzgerald, Michael O'Reganand Kathryn Hayes
Bold vision, blind faith and a defrocked priest
The European Parliament elections wouldn’t be the same without a few candidates of the mad, bad and dangerous-to-know variety. Some of the more colourful characters running this time round include Costas Kyriakou, a Cypriot farmer also known as Utopos, who promises to transform the island into perfect city states, or Utopias, and believes the idea will eventually catch on internationally.
Alexander Tomov, a former vice-president of Bulgaria, ex-president of CSKA Sofia soccer club and former director of the insolvent Kremikovtzi steel mill, is running for election while awaiting trial on charges of embezzling 36 million levs (€18.4 million). He could gain immunity if elected.
Spare a thought for Mitro Repo, an Orthodox priest in Finland, who has been divested of his priesthood for the election campaign and for his term in parliament if elected. The Bishops Conclave of the Orthodox Church of Finland said it acted on a 5th-century canon advising against taking part in politics.
And what about Barbara Matera, a former showgirl representing – no surprise, this – Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's party. His estranged wife has dismissed such candidates as "entertainment for the emperor" but Matera at least sounds earnest. In my heart there have always been two things: the faith in Padre Pio and the dream of becoming a dancer," she told Corriere della Sera. "I know what I can do."
Quotes
"In the coming age of scarcity the prosperity or ruin of the Irish economy pivots on the speed that we can become energy independent. The Greens get it. So does Obama." Eddie Hobbs endorses the Greens.
"For me the European elections are not necessary." A less than encouraging message for prospective MEPs from Czech Republic president Vaclav Klaus.
"In our zeal for mental health, we are labelling people as ill, who would in another time have been considered creative, individual, odd but harmless or even wise?" MEP candidate Kathy Sinnott promotes Mad Pride Family Fun Day – to be held in Cork two days after the elections.
Putting his sole into it
Candidates would like to have you believe that they have worn the soles from their shoes visiting constituents. In the case of Labour’s local election candidate Ronan Farren, he has the shoes to prove it.
Mr Farren, who is seeking election to Dún Laoghaire/ Rathdown County Council said he pounded the pavements of Blackrock and Rochestown canvassing at the weekend and lost the sole of his new Italian shoes, which cost him an undisclosed three-figure sum, let him down.
A bad break for Sinn Féin
A local election candidate in Limerick was forced to call off canvassing after falling while on the campaign trail.
Sinn Féin candidate in Limerick city east Tom Collopy suffered a broken leg while hanging up posters last Monday morning.
Maurice Quinlivan, who is running in Limerick city north, said Mr Collopy will be unable to canvass for the rest of the campaign.
“Tom was injured in an unfortunate and freak accident whilst postering with two of his election workers. My fellow candidates and I extend our best wishes to Tom for a full and speedy recovery,” he said. “I am sure that under the circumstances people will accept that Tom will be unable to participate fully in the remaining three days of the campaign,” he added.
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Wicklow County Council candidate Nicky Kelly temporarily lost his voice yesterday in an unfortunate motoring accident.
The Labour councillor, and current Arklow mayor was left speechless when the loudhailers were ripped from the top of his SUV as he rushed to attend the unveiling of a mural on the side of the Coral Leisure Centre in Arklow.
The entrance to the centre is bounded by an overhead barrier to stop camper vans parking, but the owners probably hadn't factored in the needs of canvassing candidates. Mr Kelly's speakers landed several metres away from his vehicle, but are understood to be undamaged and were re-attached and back in action shortly after lunch.
Blog: Campaignwatch.Submissions on the election campaigns welcomed at campaignwatch@irishtimes.com