Beware of poll results
The last MRBI poll, which had us dropping to 4%, appeared on the day of our 25th anniversary celebration. In my speech that evening I joked that the result was a ’statistical blip’. That seemed to cheer up the party members. If I had the opportunity to address party members again I’d say exactly the same thing. These poll results are for the birds. Yes, we’re doing okay and getting a positive response, but we have not doubled our vote. Realistically, I’d say we’re around 6% nationally, and if we can maintain that sort of percentage we’ll make gains.
Our good poll results have irritated the PDs. Michael Mc had a go at us on Pat Kenny this morning. He claimed on three occasions that we wished to increase corporation tax. Not true, as it happens, but then facts aren’t Michael’s strong point. Later, he issued another attack, to which I responded.
We had some good launches lately. Our primary health care launch last week in Drogheda was successful. On Tuesday I went to Eamon Ryan with an idea for a launch today on climate change. I recommended a slogan “It’s time to act”. Eamon immediately organised a banner and a post card. We launched today on the Millennium bridge to coincide with the IPCC report.