On one of my recent nights out on the campaign trail I discovered an alleyway leading off from the main road. My feet were sore, I was tired and hungry. But, it was one of those lovely, balmy evenings just before dusk. I know my constituency pretty well but I haven’t been down all the lanes and alleyways. 
My natural curiosity overpowered the tired feet and pangs for a bag of chips and a beer. I headed down and around and came across a house I’d never known existed, tucked away from sight and sounds of the bustle of suburban Dundrum. There were all these people sitting around having a natter and a beer. Too late to back away now. My heavy plodding turned the crowd to face me. I said my piece – I’m your Independent Candidate in the upcoming Dundrum elections. They were as surprised as I was by the home owner’s response. “In the 30 years I’ve lived here I’ve never been canvassed before”. “There are 6 votes here but my Aunt is from Co. Laois”.
To coin a cliché, sometimes it’s worth going the extra mile!
