In just over three weeks,voters will be going to the polls. In terms of headline news, the European elections, the divorce referendum and various plebiscites on directly elected mayors will probably draw much of the coverage.

When it comes to the impact on our day-to-day lives, though, the local elections probably take precedent. Local government in Ireland is starved of much of the power and responsibility taken for granted in other countries but, even allowing for that, councillors still have important duties.

A good local council, with hard-working and forward-thinking councillors, can make a real difference to an area. The reverse is also true.

Picking the right candidate from a big field, many of them unfamiliar names, is more difficult than in a general election.