Fine Gael / Labour transfer pact?

In other election news, it would seem that the Mullingar Accord is well and truly dead in the constituency of Meath East.

I was canvassed on Saturday by some of the people from Fine Gael's Regina Dohertys camp.

I was asked if I had any questions to ask on her policies or if I wanted anymore information. The guy doing the talking wanted me to give her my first preference.

Fair enough, and what about my second preference? Well according to the enthusiastic Fine Gaeler, that should go to Shane McEntee
Himself and Regina had apparently agreed a constituency split to maximise the vote.

I then said, so I assume you want my third preference to go to Labour's Dominic Hannigan

The reply - "No we don't want him in at all. So no preference please".

Now this left me a little bit shocked. I thought the whole point of Fine Gael/Labour alternative government option was that they had agreed on a vote transfer system?

Is Dominic Hannigan and his posse of canvassers asking people to give their second and third preferences to the Fine Gael candidates?

It's all a bit odd. Anyways, I've emailed Domininc Hannigan and Regina Doherty to get the official line, and will post the replies here if/when I get them.


EDIT - REPLY FROM DOMINIC HANNIGAN

Hi Michael

I am asking for number 1s for myself and for people to give their second and third preference for FG candidates McEntee and Doherty, in whatever order they like.

With best wishes

Dominic

EDIT - REPLY FROM REGINA DOHERTY

Hello Michael

I would very much value a no. 2 for my running mate, Shane McEntee and then we would ask for further preferences for Labour, and The Greens please.

Thanks for the vote of confidence and I will do my best to succeed

Regards

Regina

So it would seem the offical line is for the preferences to transfer, but it's a different story on the door-steps?


EDIT - REPLY FROM SHANE McENTEE TD

Dear Michael

Thanks for your E-mail.

I am advising voters to give their 2nd preference to my Fine Gael colleague Regina Doherty and their 3rd preference to Labour's Dominic Hannigan.

Best Wishes

Shane McEntee