IF a week is a long time in politics then a decade must seem like an eternity and this snapshot, taken 10 years ago this week, shows just how much the political landscape can change.
In May 2004 Mary Harney was one of the most powerful and influential political figures in the country and her influence at the cabinet table was second to none.
She was leader of the Progressive Democrats and Tánaiste and she had just taken up the demanding role as Minister for Health and Children.
10 years on, her political career in over, the Progressive Democrats are consigned to history and the Department of Health and Children is still as troubled as it has ever been.
This picture, from the KillarneyToday.com Library, shows Ms Harney and PD candidate Kathleen O’Regan-Sheppard with students at Killarney Community College as she campaigned in Kerry for the local elections of that year. She took time out from pressing the flesh on the streets and meeting party stalwarts in dimly lit backrooms to call to all three secondary schools in the town to get the views of the Class of 2004 on the key issues of the day.
For what it’s worth, the visit proved fruitless as the PDs didn’t win a single seat in the county on that occasion.
Clearly, the voters of Killarney decided, there’s wasn’t something about Mary.
* Click on image to enlarge
