Last night’s public meeting at Rathmines Town Hall, the brainchild of the Rathmines Initiative saw 2oo people pack themselves into the hall to hear their local election candidates speak in person.

Morning Ireland’s Áine Lawlor was the chair, local resident that she is, and what followed was an interesting and entirely civil exchange of views.

Bite-sized summaries…

E. Murphy
– stuck to his line of “I’m new to this” and stayed very quietly in his corner. Would have welcomed his views on some of the specific questions raised.

J. Coyle
– came across as turbo-capitalist (paraphrased: “private sector work so that public sector can golf”)

L. Creighton
– spoke well; defended herself effectively regarding the unions. Needs to work on her facial expression when not in the conversation though – a smile would be nice.

R. Mac Aodháin
– not impressed. Could have polished himself up a bit.

Hugh Sheehy
– Mr. Google with shiny new google phone on table. Made great point, receiving loud applause, cutting down the xenophobic rantings of one audience member. Needs to focus on what he actually stands for.

D. Haskins
– Spoke well; would like to have seen him show a more complete grasp of some of the issues. Money quote: “when I get elected I won’t be fixing your potholes”

P. Sommerville
– Kept quiet most of the time, which was disappointing. The bailout should not be a single issue.

P. O’Ceallaigh
– Ranting angry man (apprentice)

M. Flynn
– Ranting angry man (master)

J. Gormley
– Spoke well but looked like a beaten man

A. Mooney
– Confused about what she actually stands for

K. Humphreys
– Did well, best point was that local issues should be sorted by co. councillors, not TDs.

Notable absentees were Ruairi Quinn and Chris Andrews, both of whom had sent apologies due to previous commitments.

This is the sort of event that should be more widespread. Well done to all candidates who attended, to Ms. Lawlor for her excellent work from the chair and to the Rathmines Initiative for organising it all.

More of this sort of thing, please.

(edited to confirm that Chris Andrews had indeed sent apologies).