In pole position or left at the starting line?…Harris zones in on seat gains in Meath

Taoiseach Simon Harris kept his foot down during a lightning quick lap of Meath yesterday, hoping to drive his Royal county Fine Gael team over the line next Friday.

Harris visited The Zone in Mullaghboy Industrial estate - the leisure activity business of Meath West FG candidate, Linda Nelson Murray and husband Finbarr.

The Taoiseach, who has clocked up 35 constituency visits since the election was called, took a spin in one of the racing go karts, and just like the election campaign, tried to keep on the straight and narrow while anticipating the twists and turns.

After cruising past the chequered flag, Harris' entourage swapped the karts for the party battle bus and travelled the 20 minute trip to the Meath East constituency and a gathering at Skryne GFC.

The Taoiseach was welcomed by chairman, Oliver Harrington who presented him with a beautiful boxed edition of the club's history '100 Years of the GAA in Skyrne' and wished him and Meath East candidates, Minister Helen McEntee and Cllr Sharon Tolan well heading into the final week of canvassing.

Harris paid tribute to the three women hoping to land seats and strengthen the case for a Fine Gael-led Government.

"Be very clear, we're in it to win it and we're in it to win two seats," said an ebullient Harris to an audience that included Meath GAA legends, Sean Boylan and Trevor Giles.

He said that was the challenge over the next seven days and he urged everyone available to help to get out and support the candidates.

"Helen McEntee is an incredibe leader within out party within our Cabinet and in her community. she is someone who I'm proud to call a friend, someone who has tenacity and resilience and someone who gets the job done. I know how hard she works for people in Meath and how she stands up for Meath in the Dail but I also know how hard she was worked around the Cabinet table."

The Taoiseach also underlined his support for McEntee's running mate, Cllr Sharon Tolan.

"I've watched how hard she worked on the Fairer Fares campaign, I know how hard she's been working on her campaign, knocking on doors and the issues she's focused on including commuters and a better quality of life. We need Sharon Tolan in the Dail and if the ballot boxes are opened on count day and if we see two Fine Gael TDs being elected in Meath East it significantly increases the chances of Fine Gael being able to lead the next Government."

He said the party was working extremely hard in both constituencies with the hope that Linda Nelson Murray would claim the seat vacated by Damien English.

"We are working night and day and we are asking people respectfully to give their number one to Linda and if we can gain a seat in Meath West it will be a very significant day for Fine Gael."

LATER TODAY: Tanaiste Micheal Martin will be in Navan, camvassing with Cllr Aisling Dempsey. More to follow on that!