Delegates at this weekend’s Fine Gael Ard Fheis have been given a 'Canvass Guide' for the impending general election, writes RTÉ's Conor McMorrow.
The small blue 15-page booklet contains details on why people should vote for Fine Gael. The main thrust of this is a series of points on how "Fine Gael has a plan to keep the recovery going."
Fine Gaelers have been told to make responsible and prudent decisions to "keep the economy strong and the recovery going."
A series of government achievements are listed for Fine Gael canvassers to mention at the doors.
Among them is the message that Ireland is the fastest growing economy in the EU for the second year running.
Another message party HQ is keen to get across is the message Fine Gael "have slashed the enormous deficit left behind by Fianna Fáil by three-quarters."
Then comes a section titled, 'Key Opposition Messages' where a few bullet points are given for Fine Gael canvassers to deliver about their political opponents.
So here are the key messages Fine Gaelers have been asked to deliver about rivals at the doors:
Fianna Fáil - It’s the same old Fianna Fáil - They’ve learned nothing.
Sinn Féin - High tax, anti-jobs party.
Independents - Recipe for chaos and crisis. A vote for an independent is a vote for the unknown. Independents are a hodgepodge of constantly changing groupings.
Renua Ireland - No substance. They would substantially increase taxation on those on lower incomes.
Social Democrats - They would hike your taxes.
Among the 'Canvassing Dos' listed are, "Knock on the door as opposed to ringing the bell" and "Stand back from the door & smile. Be interested, charming and engaged."
Another is to "Never leave a door where a first preference is clearly not yours without asking for a second or third preference vote."
Among the 'Canvassing Don'ts' listed are, "Don’t get involved in arguments on the doorstep" and "Don’t waffle."
