No Labour of love lost in Meath-East by-election

An election morning ‘get out the vote’ leaflet stunt by the Labour party comparing Enda Kenny with former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has led to widespread criticism, not least from the unusual source of Fianna Fail Senator Diarmuid Wilson, who leapt to the embattled leader's defence.
The leaflet, ahead of the hotly contested Meath-East constituency seat - vacated by the late Shane McEntee - includes photographs of Kenny alongside Ahern, Gerry Adams and Minister for Health James Reilly, with captions welcoming a by-election victory for the candidates of their respective parties with a 'grand so, no change in Government'.
When the Taoiseach however asks Phil Hogan what might happen in the event of a victory for Labour’s Eoin Holmes, Deputy Hogan says: “More power for Labour' to which Kenny replies: “DRAT!”.
“I rise this morning to defend the Taoiseach of our country”, Fianna Fáil Senator Wilson told the Seanad this morning.
Wilson described his disappointment to see coverage of the leaflet drop in newspapers.
“While most of us on this side of the House would disagree on most of the decisions that the Government have taken, the Taoiseach is merely the chairman of the cabinet, and that cabinet consists of Labour and Fine Gael ministers. They are responsible, as much as Fine Gael, for any decision that the government takes,” Wilson stated.
“I’m disappointed that the Labour Party have chosen to personally attack the Taoiseach, who’s chairman of the cabinet, in order to prevent themselves ending up fourth in the Meath East by-election.”
But Labour Senator Aideen Hayden dismissed the claims and jumped to her party's defence, saying: “Can I just reassure Senator Wilson - who I know is very concerned about the future of this government, that there is absolutely no discordant notes between the partners involved in this particular coalition.”

Candidates in the field
The candidates (as they appear on the ballot papers) are: Senator Thomas Byrne (FF), Ben Gilroy, Direct Democracy Ireland (DDI), Cllr Eoin Holmes (Lab), Charlie Keddy (Ind), Mick Martin (Ind), Seamus McDonagh (Workers’ Party), Helen McEntee (FG), Gerard O’Brien (Ind), Sean O Buachalla (Green Party), Darren O’Rourke (SF) and Jim Tallon (Ind).
The polls will open today (Wednesday) from 8am to 9pm.