On the canvass: six hours in Wicklow with an election hopeful

Jennifer Cuffe is hoping to be elected for Fianna Fáil.

THE OLD ADAGE goes that politicians wear the soles off their shoes during a campaign.

But how much of their day is really spent knocking on doors, kissing babies and arguing with local opponents?
RollingNews.ie photographer Leon Farrell has been spending hours with general election candidates to see exactly what they get up to.

Today, it was the turn of Fianna Fáil councillor and family barrister Jennifer Cuffe, who’s hoping to be elected to the Dáil in the Wicklow constituency.

The constituency includes the whole of Wicklow, ranging from the seaside towns of Bray, Greystones and Wicklow Town on the east coast, to Enniskerry in the Wicklow mountains, and Blessington on the borders with Kildare.

Leon spent the day with Jennifer, from the time she headed out from her Greystones apartment at 12pm, until she finished for the day at 6.30pm.

Farrell gave TheJournal.ie exclusive access to his photo diary, allowing us a glimpse into a day of campaigning and canvassing.

Jennifer finishes checking her emails in her apartment in Greystones before leaving for a day of canvassing.

12:50pm: Jennifer puts on her make up before leaving. Leon Farrell Leon Farrell

1pm: Jennifer grabs her wellies and hand bag leaves her apartment Leon Farrell Leon Farrell

1.35pm: Jennifer arrives at an egg farm just outside Greystones, starting her first bit of canvassing of the day.

1.50pm: Jennifer meets with egg farmer Pat on his property, where they discuss agriculture.

Jennifer speaks to three local ladies in Enniskerry village asking them to vote for her. They shout back "you seem like a lovely girl". Leon Farrell Leon Farrell

3.40pm: Jennifer walks back to her car after canvassing Enniskerry Village.

3.55pm: Jennifer back in the car again driving to the Wicklow way.

4pm: Jennifer puts back on the wellies.

4.25pm: Jennifer walks with her campaign team Harry Angulo and Jack Stapleton around the Wicklow way looking for walkers while canvassing. Leon Farrell Leon Farrell