BarryODonovan.com

Let be be clear from the outset: I am not a Fianna Fail supporter.

That said, the European elections are about bigger things than giving Fianna Fail a kick in shins. If that’s your motivation in voting, then use the local elections. The European elections are about electing MEPs to represent us and Ireland in Europe. Our choice here is important, even more so since the rejection of Lisbon.

In the Dublin constituency, it’s fair to assume that Gay Mitchell (FG) and Proinsias De Rossa (Lab) will top the poll. The issue is then about the third and final seat. Dublin is being reduced from four to three seats and only one of the two remaining incumbents will take it: either pro-Europe and pro-Lisbon Eoin Ryan (FF) or anti-Europe and anti-Lisbon Mary Lou MacDonald (SF).

In the latest Irish Times / TNS mrbi poll, Ryan is polling at 11% and McDonald on 14% of first preference votes. Ryan will take transfers from his running mate, Eibhlin Byrne, but as a new comer she is unlikely to poll high. MacDonald will also pull transfers from the Libertas candidate, Caroline Simmons.

Polling tells us that the Dublin EU elections is a four horse race. An anti-Fianna Fail vote translates as a pro Sinn Fein, anti-Europe vote. Put you anger aside and look at the bigger picture.