Come Out and Experience the Canvassing!
You don't have to be a warrior canvasser to help the campaign of those for election or re- election to Cork City Council.
To be honest, I'm more of a wimp, who likes to stop after a couple of hours for the cup of tea in the small corner shop, where I've been known to waylay customers in the interest of the upcoming elections on June 7th.
Tea-breaks or not, truly, it's an honour to serve the interests of the candidates, as they move from door to door, from street to street, district to district, slowly covering large electorate areas in Cork city.
Having been on the campaign trail for a number of months now, as a canvasser, I can see clearly how householders, flat dwellers and people in general love meeting the candidates.
What a difference it makes to the ordinary public to greet and chat with the candidates about problems or indeed successes in their area or household.
It's great to see the smile on the householder's face aa they thank the candidate for calling and making the effort to listen and show an interest in their concerns...from old crumbling footpaths and roadways, to the need for investment in the infrastructure of particular needs, like sport amenities and those with special needs.
It can be heart-breaking to listen to some of the stories and needs as the candidates pay attention with great interest, showing their willingness to help as much as is possible.
Some difficulties and needs can be addressed immediately, but there are the ones, which probably, are impossible to address, due the type of concern that may need a national forum.
Useful advice is given to non- nationals to help them realise they can vote in local and European elections... so many don't know.
It's nice to see the candidate being greeted warmly and being told that the Green Party are doing a good job or that their efforts to help throughout the last four years have been been deeply appreciated.
We may read or hear about the skepticism of people in general about politics and politicians, but I can attest to the warmth that candidates receive, mostly.
Realistically not everyone is positive in greeing the candidate. There are those, who for one reason or another are extremely dissatisfied or just wish to express hostility and resentment.
Those candidates I've been with, have shown such fortitude and resolve that's its inspiring to see and hear their attempts to resolve some of these negative issues. It's admirable how their presence at the door can impact positively and have a somewhat reluctant householder think differently.
What is also enjoyable and indeed gratifying is the increase in well- being and comfort distributed around the electorate areas of Cork. I'm impressed so many homes have availed of re-furbishment grants etc and seem to have more of the trappings of doing well economically nice gardens, ornamental furnishings, nice hallways and doorbells, though some video doorbells can be intimidating with an AI voice inviting to leave a message, if no one at home or the inevitably dog barking a warning.
It's not always about the apparent negativity of people's disinterest in politics or anger about unresolved difficulties, but about being listened to and having difficulties acknowledged, which are experienced by those in need... whether on a national level like the hospital trolley crisis or the housing crisis or the need for a smooth pavement outside the door.
Come and see for yourself and see the fine work being done by these candidates, your Green Party colleagues, as they make their way, now daily, around the local wards in search of votes for the Green Party.
UP THE GREEN PARTY ! !
Written by Celine Spengeman in tribute to the hard work of the candidates going forward for election and re-election to the Cork City Council on June 7th...coming soon!
