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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…
Jerry O'Sullivan / TwitterThe Healy Rae's prepare for war in Kilgarvan. @radiokerrynews #ge16 #Kerry #groupofdeath pic.twitter.com/dA4trQG2Fg
— Jerry O'Sullivan (@jerosullivanRK) September 8, 2015
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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Such an eyesore, all that beautiful Kerry countryside blocked out by a gimp in a cap
Wonder did he get planning permission?
On trailers no PP required
Actually all advertising structures ( including trailers) require PP
First Skellig and now this – An Taisce, Fintan O’Toole and all the PC people from South Dublin will be appoplectic with rage and dancing on RTE for the next few days.
Planning permission for a cap??
He asked his brother, the councillor, who told him twas grand.
He and his family before him are a prime example of all that is wrong with parish politics in this country.
The biggest trick the Healy Raes ever pulled was to convince the majority of Ireland that they are thick eejits from the bog. Well able to make their money that family.
And just like that…he was gone..
Surely in this techno age of social media, all these ridiculous election posters that distract drivers and pollute the scenery should be banned! Anyone agree?
I have to say all those election posters doesn’t make a blind bit of difference into how I am going to vote . they are a total waste of space !
Not everyone is attached to screens all the time. Sure the internet connectivity is dire is most of the country anyway.
They absolutely should be banned. They are a stain on this country. Even the Green Party pollute our environment. At the last Bye election in Dublin the AAA filled almost every pole in SW Dublin. The place looked like a Dump for months. BAN Election posters…..
No….the people that vote for Jackie Healy-Rae get out! They are older people with lives and responsibility. They have no interest in social media. They have local issues to deal with…..hedge cutting, bog cutting, pothole filling, planning permission, the local school and staffing, the local school bus, the HSE waiting list for locals….get the picture
Green Party are the biggest hypocrites going. No interest in protecting our wildlife and they call themselves “green”.
The whole of Kerry will vote for him. But I can’t help but feel he’s just another spoofer in a peaky cap giving the impression he’s as Irish as can be
politics in Ireland the most lucrative family business and the clowns keep voting for them
He should have a picture of himself filling his ballot box at the parish pump as his logo.
I`m in knots at the “common sense” part
What a tosser
Just Nature Balancing the Books -
Beautiful County and Pig-Ugly Politicians
Would be nice if the people of Kerry saw sense and turfed these gombeens out on their arses
Can we call the north and see if they want Kerry? They can also have Donegal if they want.
Gombeenism at its very best, all an act!
Spotted some FF poster boards in the way to Bandon a few weeks ago. It’s not my area but if it was I sure as hell wouldn’t vote for that person be matter what party they were just because of the eyesore that they put out. It will be had enough when the election does come around but putting up posters now just gets peoples backs up.
Jaysus wouldn’t you think with all the money he’s getting he’d do something with the front of the pub. Bloody depressing though I doubt the atmosphere within is any different.
Why is he using the Indian flag as a back drop?
Because they are fighting for votes against Finna fail who are……….wait for it………..the Cowboys.
Is mattress mick running his campaign
Voting under the influence.
It says VOTE NO 1, So don’t vote for anyone then??? Bad idea?
have your say