Determined Devaney out to prove Tallyman wrong
Lahardane-based Fine Gael candidate John Devaney has hit back strongly at claims by Connaught Telegraph political columnist, Tallyman, that he won't be returned to office in the Castlebar Electoral Area. Mr. Devaney, who was co-opted to the council in 1993 following the death of his father, Frank, said he did not mind observers making statements about his prospects as long as they were qualified. "For somebody to write that I won't be elected, without explaining why, is a bit unfair. I know it is going to be tight, but I am convinced I will be elected." The popular farmer said he had set himself a target of 1,400 votes, the majority of which would be picked up in the Lahardane, Boffenaun and Pontoon areas. He hoped to pick up a further 300 votes in Castlebar town, and about another 20 to 30 votes in each booth in the constituency. There is a strongly held view within Fine Gael circles that Devaney's chances will be enhanced if he finishes above Fianna Fail's Gerry Rowland, who is based close to Devaney at Keenagh. Many Fine Gael people also believe that Fianna Fail did their party a favour by leaving Breaffy based, Iarla Duffy, out of the race. The move has been seen as improving Eoin Garavan's prospects of taking a third seat for Fine Gael. Said John Devaney:"I think we are in with a splendid chance now of winning three seats. I believe Senator Paddy Burke and Henry Kenny are going to poll well for us, and I'd confident the third seat is there for me, although it will be very tight." Tallyman stated he was standing over his view that Devaney would not make it. He said the change in the electoral boundaries had hit him hard and, when it came to the crunch, Devaney would not get enough of votes. "I wish him well. He has the type of determination that is needed, and I would be the first to shake his hand if he proves me wrong. But I still believe he is going to miss out, albeit narrowly," added Tallyman. It is the widely held view that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will win the first four seats in Castlebar with Labour's Johnny Mee taking the fifth. The last seat will the be a battle between John Devaney (F.G.), Eoin Garavan (F.G.) and Sean Bourke (F.F.). That situation could change if a number of independents declare, the most likely ones being Paddy McGuinness and Frank Durcan, both of whom would appear to be waiting for the other to make up his mind. |
