From the 1999 Local Election in Drogheda a Sorry I missed you card from Fianna Fail candidate Michael Coyle. On the reverse are the usual array of local emergency contact numbers as well as the pound euro conversion rate and the numbers of Seamus Kirk and Dermot Ahern.
Despite polling 535 votes Michael Coyle failed to get in.
From the 2009 Local elections for Kildare County Council in Naas. A leaflet from Fianna Fail candidate James Lawless. Despite polling a respectable 971 votes he failed to be elected.
On the last page there is a message former Fianna Fail Councillor Anthony Creevey and the candidate pictured with him.
Creevey was previously a Councillor for the Democratic Left (and Labour) and ran in the 1997 General Election in Dublin North East for The Democratic Left. Leaflet here.
On that theme former Councillor Mick Billane was a councillor for The Workers Party, Labour and later Fianna Fail.
From the 2009 Local Elections in the Donaghmede ward, Fianna Fail candidate Martin McGettigan. Martin McGettigan received 1112 votes but failed to win a seat. He had previously stood for The PDs in 1987.
His running mate, Tom Brabazon did get in.
Got sent this gem from the 1944 general election. A Fianna Fail Poster ‘Skipper for this Storm Too’ EAMON DE VALERA
The ship symbolises neutral Ireland withDev at the helm.
From the 2004 Local Elections Fianna Fail candidate Barry Conway running in Blackrock. Barry Conway won a seat.
He had run unsuccessfully in 1999 and was then co-opted onto the council to replace Barry Andrews.
He is a partner in the law firm William Fry.
From the 2004 Citizenship Referendum, Fianna Fail asking for a Yes vote for Common Sense Citizenship.
Up until 2004 if your child was born in Ireland, you were entitled to citizenship. It was felt that this provision was being abused.
The Referendum was passed by 79% Yes to 21% No
From 2009 and Bertie Ahern writes to voters in Dublin Central asking for a vote for the Brother Maurice Ahern in both the By Election and the local elections.
Bertie as ever in Dublin Central writes ‘Dear Neighbour’ as opposed to ‘Dear Voter’.
“I am writing to thank you for the kindness and encouragement that has been extended to me…”
The content is of course as personal as ever. The elections give Bertie ‘a great opportunity to meet local residents and to catch up with you news and views…”
He then goes on to ask for a vote for Maurice Ahern in both the Local Elections and the by-election.
Maurice Ahern finished fifth in the by-election on just 12.26% of the vote and also failed to win a seat in the Local Elections.
From the 2007 General Election a Sorry I missed you type card from Brian Cowen and his team of canvassers.
I’d hazard that many people now would be sorry to have missed him too.
On the reverse are listed key achievements. Amongst these are the number of houses being built. In the year prior to 2007 the incredible total of 93,149 houses were built.
Unemployment is now at higher than 1997 levels.
From the 2004 Local Elections in the Crumlin-Kimmage Ward, local Fianna Fail TDs Sean Ardagh and Michael Mulcahy make a plea with voters on behalf of Fianna Fail candidates Charlie Ardagh and David Gaynor. Charlie Ardagh is the son of Sean Ardagh. David Gaynor had been co opted to replace Michael Mulcahy on Dublin City Council.
Charlie Ardagh was elected.
Not a normal post, but thought it worthy of posting.
Poking about the RTE site I found this gem “Your Kind Of Country” sung by Colm C.T. Wilkinson released by Fianna Fáil for the 1977 Election Campaign.
It will open in realplayer or something akin to that
The song and then a critique from assorted politicians.
From the 1985 Local Elections in the Blackrock Ward, Fianna Fail candidate Michael Cotter. Michael Cotter failed to be elected and stood again in 1991 without success.
A plea about being the youngest candidate and asking young and first time voters to vote for him is a fairly common theme.
From the 2009 Local Elections in the Galway West ward Fianna Fail candidate Val Hanley. The ‘Straight Talking’ Val Hanley polled 499 votes and failed to win a seat. He is the proprietor of the Hanley Oaks Hotel and Murty Rabbits Bar on the West side of Galway.
From the 2009 local elections in Kilkenny, Fianna Fail candidate John Coonan. The long serving Councillor Coonan was elected to both Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny Borough Council. I like the way Kilkenny castle is in the background.
From the 2009 Local Elections, Fianna Fail candidate Michael D Lawlor running in Bray, co Wicklow.
A longstanding councillor and former general election candidate, Michael D Lawlor failed to win a seat.
From the 2007 General Election in Cork South Central, Fianna Fail candidate Michael McGrath. Despite being on the same ticket as Michael Martin, Michael McGrath was elected on the First Count.
A number of Cork issues are mentioned here including public Transport and Cork Airport.
and a little bonus from a 2010 newsletter thrown in where McGrath wants people to ‘fine me on facebook’…..
From the 1989 European Elections Campaign (the European Elections were held on the same day as a Genneral Election) outgoing Fianna Fail MEP Paddy Lalor. Paddy Lalor topped the poll.
A TD for over 20 years and a Minister 3 times, Paddy Lalor was also member of the last Laois team to win the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship in 1949. He Served from 1979 to 1994 in the European Parliament.
A letter from Dublin South West Fianna Fail TD Charlie O’Connor proclaiming that the “Children’s Hospital at Tallaght is Not Closing”. I think its from 2007. It was in relation to the proposed new National Childrens hospital.
Irish Election Literature 
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