How much time will the politicians spend on the islands between now and election day? The answer, probably, is very little, but like most other groups the island communities have their agenda and they want it understood.
From Cape Clear, comes news via Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann of an islands' manifesto which is seeking to give the islanders a greater say in how their lives are shaped. As the election approaches, the islanders want to hear from politicians about what they would do for the islands around our coast which are home to more than 4,000 people.
Tonight in Bandon, Co Cork, Comhdháil will see the launch of the manifesto for the Munster region, which includes Cape Clear, Sherkin and Bere Island. The manifesto will be introduced at other venues during the week.
Most pressing, says Mr Micheál Ó Ceadagáin from Cape Clear, is the establishment of a new body, Comhairle na nOileán - an islands' authority - which would become the statutory co-ordinating body within the local government system to plan island developments.
It would oversee the implementation of initiatives on the islands jointly with local authorities and the funding agencies, and through the Comhairle would give the islands their own budgets and staff.
The manifesto will also call for the introduction of an islands' policy in all State, regional and local government units, so that planning for the islands will recognise the uniqueness of their situation and respond with a flexible approach. It will call, too, for "island proofing" of all legislation and a Charter of Islander Rights to minimise or prevent regression.
Another key issue for the islands is the provision of broadband infrastructure to ensure the islands do not lag behind in modern telecommunications, a vital element in the provision of future educational services and jobs.
The Comhdháil is also calling for the establishment of a special enterprise fund for the islands to give them the same opportunities for job creation which the mainland enjoys, a special tax designation for the islands, and the elimination, through the removal of VAT on freight, of the cost differential incurred by islanders in bringing goods into their communities.
The Comhdháil also wants new measures to encourage young people to remain on the islands. These would include: job-creation programmes, more frequent ferry services, especially at weekends, a more sympathetic planning regime, and the promotion of the islands as areas of environmental excellence for pursuits such as agriculture, authentic tourism, and the development of natural resources. The venue for the manifesto launch is the West Cork Hotel, Bandon, and politicians of all hues are most welcome, Mr Ó Ceadagáin said.