Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

I propose to share time with Deputy English.

It is an honour for me to open the debate on this motion because, as the House is aware, the voters of Meath entrusted their confidence in my brother, John, over a period of 35 years. That was a major vote of faith in Fine Gael and his service to the constituency.

It is appropriate that we have, in Shane McEntee, a candidate who carries on the great political traditions created in County Meath. Shane is steeped in the traditions of the county. His name is synonymous with Gaelic football in County Meath and both he and members of his family have trained teams throughout the county. His family is known for its commitment to many voluntary organisations for a long period and has built up a huge amount of what we term "social capital". There is no doubt that County Meath badly needs this because, despite the best efforts of Government over many years, major problems have been created in areas of the county such as Ratoath, Dunshaughlin, Dunboyne and Ashbourne. These places were just villages but have become major centres obliged to absorb huge numbers from Dublin. A similar position obtains in the traditional centres of Trim, Navan and Kells.

The challenge in the forthcoming by-election is for the people of County Meath to give voice to their frustration with the failure of the Government to address their needs. It is difficult to believe the Government spends three times more on health today than it did seven years ago but that the accident and emergency service is in crisis and that fewer people possess medical cards. In towns such as Ashbourne and Dunboyne there is a complete lack of community and school facilities to match the pace of growth. The pressures in County Kildare to which Deputies referred earlier are equally apparent in County Meath. Increasing numbers of those who live and vote in County Meath are obliged to rise early, become involved in unendurable commuting difficulties, cope without child care support and fund new schools that are not adequately developed and which lack facilities. The voices of the people to whom I refer need to be heard.

I was disappointed that there was a suggestion from the Government to the effect that the by-election might be delayed. Elections are a great leveller. Everyone is aware of the verdict the people passed on the Government's efforts last year when it was obliged to go before them in the local and European elections. People have not forgotten all that was promised, namely, the end of waiting lists and the fact that first-time buyers would be cherished. None of the promises has come to pass. One can see the extreme pressures caused in counties Meath and Kildare by a lack of proper planning and proper use of the resources given to the Government.

In Shane McEntee we have the sort of candidate who can give momentum to the need to express what is required throughout County Meath. This is a great opportunity for the people of the county to express their confidence in alternative strategies to address their needs. Many commentators refer to the need to offer an alternative Government and the creation of the basis on which one can be formed. It is to address the problems that counties Meath and Kildare, more than any other, have experienced that such an alternative Government must be forged. This is an opportunity for the parties in opposition to show their capacity to work together to deliver seats in counties Meath and Kildare. I will not spare my efforts in that regard.

Shane McEntee has already done great work in County Meath. We will deliver a message to the Government, namely, that this country needs change and that it can do so much better than it has done to date.

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