James McBarron’s book stand at Bantry Market is a haven for not only high-quality literature, but also stimulating discussions about contemporary issues. His stand, deemed a ‘parliament’ by one of his regular customers, Con Traynor, is indeed a conversational hotspot every Friday, even though some of their usual companions were absent on this day. James, who hails from Mahon in Cork City, brings his collection of second-hand and vintage books to various markets, including Kenmare and Castletownbere.
With a general election drawing near in late November, James and his market colleagues are contemplating their political stances. Despite the adverse weather conditions that occasionally prompted him to shake off accumulated rainwater from the tarpaulin above, James confessed his lack of enthusiasm for the upcoming election. However, both he and Mr. Traynor had unambiguous perspectives on the political landscape.
Con Traynor believes that voters often revert to their traditional choice when actually casting their votes. On the other hand, James expressed that the political scene is in dire need of a shakeup, urging for new, visionary leaders.
Housing is viewed as a predominant issue by James. He shared stories of a property nearby his home in Mahon that remained abandoned for 17 years before acquiring a derelict status, and of a house accommodating three generations of the same family. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the fact that in Cork City, it takes about two years for a council property to be re-allocated once it becomes vacant. He fervently stated, this is ‘not acceptable’.
Just recently, and merely five minutes away from the local vicinity, Darragh O’Brien, the official responsible for Housing, was inaugurating new affordable rental properties at the An Cnocan project. The official took the opportunity to highlight the achievement of surpassing objectives related to the completion of housing units, delivery of social housing and more, marking 2020 as the turning point where statistics started showing positive trends.
Acknowledging that the ever-rising issue of homelessness is yet to be solved, he declared it “the topmost priority”. Throughout the event, he was accompanied by sitting and prospective TDs, repeatedly mentioning representatives from his own party, Fianna Fáil, and Fine Gael, suggesting a united government front for re-election.
Conversely, Con Traynor, encountered at the bookstall, doesn’t perceive the present coalition as effective. He expressed his sentiments that neither party can function independently, effectively neutralising each other’s actions. “Neither Sinn Féin nor the Greens have stepped up to the plate”, he opined. Traynor and his fellow market-goers expressed a notable admiration towards Social Democrat leader and local TD Holly Cairns. However, he mentioned her influence as being precarious, despite her being distinctively different from regular top-polling Michael Collins.
Another acquaintance of Ms Cairns from her pre-political days is Martin Hobbs, a stall owner who sells handmade soaps. From amidst his extensive collection, he wonders why the previous budget was regarded as a “freebie” when he believes it barely made an impact on self-employed individuals. “I wish they were more considerate towards those of us who are actively creating jobs”, he stated, pondering on the significant transition small businesses must undergo to upgrade from a town square to supermarket shelf, provided that is their aim.
He expressed his preference towards small-scale businesses stating, “My wife and I have a good thing going”. Having been a market trader for 18 years and living outside Inchigeelagh, Mr Hobbs confessed feeling somewhat disenchanted with the Government parties. However, he expressed his desire to witness an all-colour Coalition governing the next Dáil.
Hugh Rothwell, a vendor at Sycamore Grove, talks passionately about the infrastructural issues plaguing his business in Bantry – from recurrent floods impacting local establishments to irregular water supplies at his home in Drinagh. Meanwhile, Patricia Cadogan, a local from Dunmanway, uses her Friday fish shopping trip to express her worries about the challenges faced by the younger generation, particularly in relation to astronomical rents and scarce property availability in cities.
Graham and Glenda McFadden share their own struggles – noteworthy is their move from Staffordshire, England to near Ballingeary due to their son’s shift. Despite their unchanged accents, their disappointment remains clear: they criticise governments both in Ireland and the UK, using the recent Oireachtas bike shed incident as a prime case of public money mismanagement. They maintain scepticism towards the government who promises one thing when not in power, only to perform a volte-face once they step in.
There are also those like Conor Cooper from Bantry, who welcomes the politicians seeking votes, eager to hear their plans if elected. For him, improving the public commute systems is crucial, as well as addressing the housing crisis.
In the midst of this political turmoil, two Americans traveling with him voice that the situation could be worse – hinting at the upcoming election in their own country. One of them even expresses a desire to relocate, saying, “There’s a reason I want to move here and not live there.”
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