'When they see a poster their faces light up' Laois election candidate Jason Phelan
Low votes so far for Abbeyleix widower star of So This Is Christmas movie
Initial tallies are not looking positive for Laois local election candidate Jason Phelan, but he is hopeful that when ballot boxes open from his town of Abbeyleix, things will look up.
The Sinn Féin candidate became a household name last December when he starred in the Ken Wardrop documentary film So This Is Christmas, sharing the first festive season after the death of his wife Roxy from cancer, with his two young sons.
The boys are proud that his dad chose to run as a candidate for the first time in the Laois Local Elections, in the competitive Portlaoise Municipal District.
"People do recognise me, and they've been very kind and positive towards me. The boys are very engaged as well, they are young but they take a keen interest, they're excited and ask how I got on when I get home from campaigning, and ask if people were kind. When they see the posters their faces light up, they are proud of me," he said.
"Ballyroan and Abbeyleix will be opened after lunch, that's more my area," a hopeful Jason said.
He chose to represent Sinn Féin.
"I always leaned towards them. I see it on a local level. If people asked me for advice I'd point them to Caroline Dwane Stanley or Brian Stanley, they'd always help and get the work done on the ground. They won't just turn up for a photo," he said.
"People are definitely crying out for change, but to bring it about they have to use their vote, it's their voice. I have seen spoiled votes today, it's a shame, people took the time to go out and vote, but then write things like no vote in the boxes. I saw ten spoiled votes in a box of 200, that could have been enough to make the change," he said.
"It was a positive campaign, it was nice to meet people. Health, housing, the cost of living are affecting people hugely but it's surprising the different needs and wants in every household.
"I've given it everything. I hope I'm still in there with a chance. If I take a seat I'll give it everything I've got," he said.