It looked like a chance encounter on a quiet Saturday afternoon on the tranquil streets of Killorglin but there are some that will insist that it was a carefully choreographed photo opportunity while, depending on who you listen to, it has also been branded an ambush to make political gain.
Whatever the true story behind the fleeting meeting of Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin, it certainly seemed a rather pleasant moment to neutral observers with the party leaders exchanging a firm handshake and their respective candidates, Cllr Michael Cahill and Billy O’Shea, doing likewise.
The impromptu meeting grabbed more headlines that the Taoiseach stepping it out on the streets of the town with a group of traditional Irish dancers while, just up the road in Peter Keane’s supermarket, the Tánaiate was tucking into a freshly whipped ice-cream with plenty of added food colourful food colourings to keep up his energy levels.
Earlier, Mr Martin mingled with Park Run participants when he accompanied candidate Linda Gordon Kelleher on a visit to Killarney House and Gardens and, later, he even took the time to take in a football match in the company of Cllr Cahill and Kerry GAA stalwart Christy O’Connell.
And later the Fianna Fáil leader moved on to Tralee where he conducted an extensive canvass with Minister Norma Foley.
Fresh from his exploits with a buffalo the previous, day, Mr Martin used a visit to Tralee Equestrian Centre to don his safety helmet and get on horseback for another photo opportunity.
They later moved on to Dingle where they met and chatted with farmers at the local mart.
Michael Healy-Rae, meanwhile, was having a match of his own and on this occasion he lost out to an opportunist canine who obviously doesn’t care too much for men with peaked caps.
The Independent TD later shared a snapshot on social media, showing four bloodied teeth marks on his calf, but he was taking it all in his stride.
“When you meet that many dogs you’re bound to meet one that doesn’t like you,” he commented before reassuring his supporters that it was only a small bite.
“I’m grand out,” he declared.
Danny Healy-Rae, meanwhile, was pressing the flesh in Killarney, meeting potential voters as he walked the town with his daughter and Mayor of Killarney, Maura, by his side.
Later in the evening he mingled with a huge attendance at a Rambling Hall fundraiser for popular Glenflesk man Jerry O’Leary where he enjoyed something he loves dearly – playing a tune on the accordion alongside Mayor Maura with son, Cllr Johnny Healy-Rae, contributing a song.
Much of the political focus was focused on Glenflesk that night as FF candidate Linda Gordon Kelleher and her husband, Cllr Niall Kelleher, were also at the Rambling House fundraiser.
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein TD Pa Daly will officially aunch his election campaign in the Rose Hotel, Tralee this Monday at 7.30pm.
MP Chris Hazzard will be in attendance for the launch.
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