Local SDLP activists are happy with the turnout of the SDLP vote for Alban Maguinnis yesterday. While the overall vote will likely hit around 45% in Foyle, areas such as Steelstown, Trench Road, the Northlands and Claudy have reportedly polled a bit higher.
If so, it seems to indicate that people are starting to question what the DUP/Sinn Fein partnership is delivering. Not much. The 11+ and Civil Service were apparently major issues on doorsteps in the last week around the North West.
As with the rest of the campaign, the Sinn Fein machine on the ground was less prominent than in the past. Presumably a lot of them are in Dublin helping Mary Lou. Not that too may were overwhelmed being asked for SF sample ballots!
The only certain placing is that de Brún will top the poll. After that all bets are off! Can’t wait til Monday..
Sadly, having spent about two hours this evening tallying Derry boxes, not how it turned out. Sinn Féin didn’t get the same turnout they’re used to in core areas, but I thought they made solid progress in better off working-class areas (most of which they won comfortably) and middle-class areas of Derry (most of which the SDLP won, but not with the margins they’re used to). Largely the same story down here in Belshaft as well.
By: Sammy Morse on June 5, 2009
at 11:29 pm