Archive for 2009
Manifesto launch then back to Munster
Posted on May 14, 2009 by Alan Kelly
The rough and tumble of campaigning is very much underway. We are entering the time that all of us who are passionate about our politics love, the final furlong of a long campaign. Launching the European manifesto with my colleagues went extremely well and as always the party leader continues to impress.
The man just seems to always make sense. He doesn’t do waffle or spin. Every question he faces is dealt with in a practical and honest manner. It is no mystery why his name pops up on the doorsteps and the shopping centres all the time. People are crying out for clear thinkers and people who can communicate with empathy.
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Election Heating Up Now
Posted on May 04, 2009 by Alan Kelly
Another day, another two counties knocked out on the canvassing trail. The Fair in Kilmallock was busy today as was I and James Heffernan – a fantastic local election candidate. Every Labour candidate across the country now is full of energy, buoyed on by the amazing response on the doorstep and the natural momentum we have gained over the past year. The Labour team is hungry for success and James will deliver I have no doubt. He comes from a strong hurling family and he possesses the same hunger for success that has made the Heffernan name famous.
Permanent link | Categories: Arts Sport & Tourism • kilmallock • alan kelly • james heffernan • limerick • kilfinnane • stephen goulding • newcastlewest • abbeyfeale • athea
Can hurling be matched?
Posted on May 03, 2009 by Alan Kelly
Tipp just lost a whirlwind of a match but who can complain? They were taking on one of the greatest sides that ever played hurling and matched them for pace, intensity and a willingness to die for the cause. That’s all any fan can ask for.
Permanent link | Categories: Arts Sport & Tourism
Out Munstered by Leinster
Posted on May 02, 2009 by Alan Kelly
Thankfully I held back on booking the trip to Edinburgh. Going on form, Munster should have won this game easily but this was essentially a derby match and as the cliché goes, at a derby, form goes out the window.
The atmosphere at Croke Park was terrific though and credit to both sets of fans. I used the occasion of the match to pick the political brain of Proinsias De Rossa. As we walked about saying hello to friends and fans, I absorbed as much as I could from Labour’s only Irish MEP, a man of equal integrity and ability.
Permanent link | Categories: Arts Sport & Tourism • munster rugby • eamon gilmore • alan kelly • prionsias derossa • munster
Campaigning with Eamon in Cork
Posted on May 01, 2009 by Alan Kelly
Today and yesterday Eamon Gilmore was with us in Cork. We had a social evening in the Rochestown Park hotel on Thursday and there was a huge crowd present to here Eamon and myself speak. It was a great opportunity to rally the troops again for the final 5 weeks. it also gave me time to meet up with some of the new candidates that have come to the field in the last few weeks. I was really pleased to see so many new, young faces amongst them.
Permanent link | Categories: Cork • Kathleen Lynch • Ciaran Lynch • Sean Sherlock • Alan Kelly • Eamon Gilmore • Michael McCarthy • Denis O'Flynn • Michael Ahern • Catherine Clancy • Michael O'Connell • Paula Desmond • Lorraine Kingston • John Kelleher
Canvassing The Countryside - Tipp Tour Begins
Posted on April 28, 2009 by Alan Kelly
Canvassing the Countryside: Tipp Tour Begins Most European Candidates do not believe in doing too much canvassing in rural areas. The logic is that you don’t get to meet a sufficient volume of people to justify a visit to small village such as Cappawhite, Rear Cross or Portroe (my home village)
The Alan Kelly cavalcade of cars, jeeps, the ‘Tipp-mobile’ and the music out the speakers managed to cause a bit of a stir in each place. However there is a huge gain, I believe, in getting feedback from rural communities.
Permanent link | Categories: Arts Sport & Tourism • Communications • Tipperary • Jonathan Meaney
Rugby Rip Off: Disgraceful
Posted on April 28, 2009 by Alan Kelly
Just to get something off my chest. It is incredibly unfair to see the extent to which rugby fans are being ripped off by airline companies ahead of the Heineken Cup final in Edinburgh.
One of Munster and Leinster (The Southern Province hopefully) will be playing yet it will cost you €560 odd euro to fly from Dublin to Edinburgh return over Saturday on Sunday whereas on the Monday when there is no game on, it costs a mere €30.
Permanent link | Categories: Arts Sport & Tourism • Consumer Affairs • Munster • rugby • Limerick • gerry mcloughlin • alan kelly • heineken cup
Labour European Campaign Launch
Posted on April 23, 2009 by Alan Kelly
Today saw the launch of the Labour party's European campaign. I was delighted to join my fellow candidates, Prionsias De Rossa MEP, Nessa Childers and Susan O'Keefe in representing our party. We are a very strong team and united in our purpose of winning four seats.
Permanent link | Categories: Europe • Alan kelly • nessa childers • prionsias de ross • susan o'keefe • eamon gilmore • jobs
Sweet Victory for Munster
Posted on April 12, 2009 by Alan Kelly
Today Today was another sweet victory for my rugby team. It was one of the most ocmplete performances I have ever seen from the team. They were all fantastic, but I thought the backs were majestic - all of them. Mafi's pass for one of the try's was shere brillance, while Paul Warwick has really shown what he can do recently and is making long distance drop goals look simple!
I really enjoyed the match. I was outside meeting the people beforehand as usual and many were again thanking me for my fixture lists from the beginning of the season. It was amazing how many actually showed them to me in their wallets - good to know they came in useful.
Permanent link | Categories: Arts Sport & Tourism • Munster rugby •
Canvassing in Kerry
Posted on April 11, 2009 by Alan Kelly
I spent the day canvassing in Kerry today. Having worked in tourism for so many years with Bord Failte and Failte Ireland, I am well aware of many of the issues that the industries in these areas face. There is a huge dependency on tourism in this county and it is up to people like me who have worked in the industry to agitite and ensure it continues to get the investment that it requires
Permanent link | Categories: Kerry • Marie Moloney • alan kelly • arthur spring • tralee • killarney • killorglin
