This is not a political blog

But it is about writers and poets.

Have you got a vote in the Seanad Éireann Election 2011? (I haven't)

You have to be an Irish citizen and a graduate of either TCD or an NUI university to vote for one of three senators. That is to say, TCD has three and NUI has another three.

(Also a separate voting school is newly elected TDs (166), outgoing senators (45) and city and county councillors (883). Total electorate of 1094.)

For the TCD senators there two of the three sitting candidates are up for election again and there are 18 other candidates on the ballots. Lots of people are thinking about not voting, mainly because they think the senate is a waste of money.

(Personally I believe a second house in some shape or form is a necessity to keep some kind of check on the first house, but I'm only allowed to vote for the first house)

This year though you have a choice. You can vote for a poet, a real published, really rather good poet. And you can vote for a scientist, a real science professor, all rolled into the one candidate. What more could you want? Science is a necessity to get the country out of the hole we've dug for ourselves. Arts and Literature are a necessity to get over ourselves.

Have a look at Prof. Iggy McGovern's website here before you decide whether or not to vote. He pleads his case more eloquently than I can. He's worth your consideration. Paddy Power are currently giving him odds of 50-1. Let's try and increase that.

Issue of Ballot Papers: 21 March 2011
Close of Poll: 27 April 2011 at 11:00am (votes must be returned by post)