Labour pleased with strong poll performance by Higgins

20 July 2011

by Cllr Joe Costello

The Ipsos/MRBI poll in today's Irish Times confirms that the 2011 Presidential election is a very open contest and that the final outcome will be determined by the campaign between now and polling day at the end of October.
Previous experience of Presidential election campaigns suggests that the candidate that is leading in the early polls rarely wins on election day.

Given that there are only two formally confirmed candidates in the field so far, it is not surprising that 28% of the electorate have yet to form an opinion and it is clear that this group will have a decisive impact on the result.

We are very pleased with the strong showing of the Labour Party nominated candidate Michael D Higgins who is drawing support right across the country. We are particularly encouraged by his strong showing in terms of second preferences. It is virtually certain that no candidate will be elected on the first count and the ability to attract transfers will be crucial to the outcome.

The Labour Party is in the final stages of planning a campaign that will mobilise the party in support of Michael D. We are also greatly encouraged by the offers of support we have had from individuals in the community and voluntary sector, NGOs and the arts community.

We believe that Michael D Higgins is the outstanding candidate in this election, who has the ability not just to represent our country with distinction, but who also has the experience vision and the leadership to help restore national morale.