Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

None of this is meant personally. It is the reality, however, and it encapsulates, in a broader sense, the Government's arrogance and detachment from the feelings of people on the ground on issues such as education and jobs. This detachment has also been evident in the discussion on the spring economic statement over the past two days.

People have a choice in the forthcoming by-election. Mr. Bobby Aylward, the Fianna Fáil Party candidate, is a farming man who understands the needs of the community and small business, of which farming is one element. He is rooted in the community and had great success with Ballyhale Shamrocks when the team won the all-Ireland hurling club championship.

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