NUI Senator Joe O'Toole may be taking to the beaches. It's not because of exhaustion from the interminable Seanad campaign trail, now approaching its fourth month, but because he believes that is where much of his vote is. As president of the INTO, a summer election isn't helpful. His core vote, he told Quidnunc this week, has been seriously reduced by teachers taking advantage of the long summer break.
"Maybe I should organise an invasion team of canvassers to the beaches of Ireland and Europe pleading for the return of votes." On the canvass, however, he has discovered the depth of resentment among graduates of universities other than the NUI or Trinity who are not entitled to a Seanad vote. "I agree. Why on earth should votes be restricted to these two universities, one established by a queen and the other by a cardinal. If elected I intend proposing changes."