On the campaign trail: Mark Hennessy joined Enda Kenny as he canvassed with candidates in Galway
Given Fine Gael's difficulties over the last couple of years, Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny, has no doubt often prayed for some guidance and a heavenly sign that he still has a prayer.
Canvassing yesterday on Quay Street in Galway, astrologer Pearl Finn was ready to offer celestial assistance, inquiring about his time of birth. Kenny, quickly making the connection with the recently-deceased Ronald Reagan, quipped: "The Great Communicator used to rely on this, didn't he?"
The astrologer, who runs "Pearls of Wisdom" in the city, pressed on: "I think George Bush is using it as well. His decisions look to be planned, strategic."
Perhaps noticing Kenny's slightly doubting look, she went on: "Yes, they are definitely planned. A lot of great people used astrologers."
Not persuaded to follow Reagan's example, Kenny replied: "Napoleon had a plan too, to go to Moscow. Except when he got there it was empty and he had a hell of time getting home."
Kenny too, has to worry about getting home in one piece. On the campaign trail for 49 days, the Mayo man could face his Waterloo if Fine Gael does not perform solidly.
So far, the omens from the street, rather than from the stars, are good, he contended: "We will be very happy when this is over, I'll guarantee you."
The canvassing experience would leave one little the wiser. Nearly everybody is polite. Some are ecstatically pleased to see him; a few, one could swear, are not too sure who he is.
Leading his brood of Galway City Council candidates into Kenny's Bookshop in High Street, he hailed its owner, Tom.
"You'll know all of this array of talent, who are renowned for their wisdom, won't you, Tom?" joked Kenny.
Turning left at Neachtain's pub, the Fine Gael posse headed for the bakery owned by Richard McCabe, who has three world titles to his credit. Offered the latest trophy by McCabe, the Fine Gael leader went outside for photographs, joking as he goes: "It is the nearest that we will get to the Sam Maguire. "He is talking about Mayo," quickly interrupted one of the Galway candidates, whose loyalties to Kenny cease when football is on the agenda.
Heading back to Eyre Square, a young woman took flight at the sight of politicians and hurtled across the street. Kenny dashed after her, and secured the handshake.
Spying a middle-aged man standing alongside his bicycle, Kenny approached offering pleasantries. A grudging handshake was offered. Within seconds, the Fine Gael leader moved off. The man proceeded along his way, quietly muttering, "Jesus", under his breath as he went .
In Cross Street, the group entered the betting shop owned by one of them, Cllr John Mulholland, in search of the latest election betting figures. Galway West TD Pádraic McCormack was determined to secure decent odds, though Mulholland was slow to respond: "Ah, you're cagey like every bookie," complained McCormack.
Eventually, Mulholland offered odds of 15/1 if the TD names every seat right. McCormack, by now even more disgusted, offered to name a dozen correctly.
Outside Brown Thomas, the Fine Gael leader chatted with a farmer, who was embarrassed as the photographers pounced. "Stop and leave us alone," the farmer pleaded. Shaking hands as they parted, Kenny said: "Stop and leave us alone. You have it all there, alright."
Within the hour, the Fine Gael campaign had moved on to the mart in Tuam. In the mart yard, Galway East TD Paul Connaughton happily discussed the recent rise in the price of heifers as he waited for Kenny to arrive.
The battle around Tuam for Galway County Council seats is one of the fiercest anywhere: "There are 16 going for seven seats. There's skin and hair flying," said Connaughton.
His daughter, Sinéad, a local secondary school teacher, is one of the 16, who was co-opted six months ago when her father stood down.
In the town's Supervalu store, Sally Ann Flanagan, who at 20, is one of the youngest candidates in the country, introduced Kenny to one of her friends. Her sister got married at the weekend, though she postponed her honeymoon to help Sally Ann's campaign for Tuam Urban District Council.
Nearby, the Fine Gael leader entered into animated conversation with two elderly ladies, encouraging them to support him on Friday. Rejoining his canvassers, he says: "She said 'Sure, we might as well'." It may lack enthusiasm, but Kenny will not mind if it means a vote on Friday.