He [Republican Vice-Presidential candidate Paul Ryan, above] doesn’t have the charisma, he hasn’t connected with the people,” said Pat Nolan as he strolled passed the 13th century stone church in the village of Graiguenamanagh [Co Kilkenny] (above) where Ryan’s great-great grandparents were married.
“It doesn’t matter what his name is, it’s Obama that has made the effort,” said Nolan, 62, a retired physiotherapist.
…Despite the Ryan connection, few locals are hoping for a Republican victory across the ocean.
“It would give a boost to a nice small town like this, but I would forgo it. I wouldn’t want to inflict him on the American people,” said Margaret, a 64-year-old cashier.
A straw poll of 20 people on a recent afternoon found 12 Obama supporters and none for Ryan and running mate Mitt Romney.
Paul Ryan’s Charms Fall flat In Irish Homeland (Reuters)
(Getty/Wikipedia)
Thanks Cathal O’Rourke