Ask them why they’re so smug. Go on, ask them

Bradley Bytes – A sort of political column by Dara Bradley

Some of you already know there’s a local election looming.

For those of you who don’t, the country goes to the polls on Friday, May 23, to elect local councillors. Now you all know.

And those in the know will know that election time brings all sorts of wildlife to our doorsteps looking for votes.

You never thought ‘the woodwork’ was so rotten until election-time which brings such an odious sub-species out of it.

It’s tempting to pull the curtains and ignore them. After all, these creatures probably ignored you and your needs since the last time they came knocking for number ones.

Don’t give in to temptation. Instead, get something out of them. They probably won’t fulfil the promise anyway but sure if you don’t ask for the pothole to be filled, it won’t fill itself.

Vent your anger on them, too. There’s no point ranting and raving on Twitter about how useless politicians are if you can’t be bothered engaging with them on doorsteps.

Regardless of the party affiliation there is much to be angry about when politicians come a-calling. You should have a lot to get off your chest. Now is your chance.

This week we outline a few sample questions that might be directed at the different candidates.

We know this is a local election, and the questions might be more relevant to national politics, but all politics is local.

And when they get an ear-wigging, the party troops will convey that to the suits in Dublin, and policy may change. It may not. But at least you’ve got it off your chest.

We suggest you cut this out and keep it by your doorstep, at the ready for the canvassers.

When the Blueshirts call:

Ask them why Fine Gael keeps blaming the last shower of shysters for cuts that they’re gleefully implementing.

Ask them why they targeted the disabled and elderly in their barbaric health cuts; why they’re swiping medical cards from children with Down Syndrome.

Ask them why they raided pension funds.

Ask them why they don’t give a toss about suicide and depression so much so that they reneged on their commitment to ring-fence mental health funds.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.