THE HEALY-RAES are known for their attention-getting campaign stunts.
The late Jackie used to mount torch-lit processions in a bid to catch the eye of local photo-editors, for instance.
Michael Healy-Rae is now gearing up for his first Dáil re-election campaign in the coming months after taking over his father’s seat in 2011.
And his initial preparations are already generating attention around Kerry…
The three truck-trailers pictured here are parked on the outskirts of Kilgarvan.
You can’t miss them if you’re driving through.
If you’re not particularly familiar with south Kerry politics, the village is essentially Healy-Rae Central: two other family-branded vehicles are regularly parked in the town, and a promotional banner for father-and-son councillor pair Danny and Johnny – from last year’s local elections – remains propped above the door of the family pub.
Speaking to TheJournal.ie, the TD said he was planning a “strategic campaign”.
The independent deputy faces a tough battle in the next national vote – as his traditional stomping ground of Kerry South is merged into the new 5-seater of ‘Kerry’.
“Every election brings its own difficulties and troubles,” he noted.
Issues like the mishandling of Irish Water and the closure of rural garda stations are among the main subjects he’s been hearing about as he canvasses the county.
“People can’t really believe the mess that the government made of the handling of Irish Water.”
The changes to the election boundaries mean he has a “difficult job” over the next few months – but he’s working on more election “artillery” (like the truck-trailers) in order to get his message of ‘Experience and Common Sense’ out there.
“There’s a lot of organising to ensure that you have an effective machine.”
“I would be hoping we will be able to put forward a workmanlike election campaign that will show the people what we’re offering.”
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