Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)

I had not realised the moving of a writ could be so exciting. It is a mixture of tributes and party political broadcasts. I pay tribute to the Deputies who have left the House and who were independent-minded individuals. I hope the by-election will throw up a genuine independent candidate rather than someone attached to a party. There are strong independent candidates in both constituencies. While I am pleased the Government has decided to go ahead and announce a date, I cannot understand what difference another two weeks would have made. A great deal of political capital was made out of something from which there was no need to make political capital. It is now done but it would have been a travesty of justice if County Meath had been left without a Deputy for a long period.

As Deputy English said, the population of County Meath increased by 22% between 1996 and 2000. It increased by 86% between 1971 and 2002. It increases daily. In villages like Ratoath where the population has increased by approximately 250% there are significant implications for services and people living in the area. The county shares a substantial border with my constituency and what happens within it has serious implications for County Cavan.

There has not been enough emphasis placed on the M3 project. I would like to know what positions people are taking on the development. Every candidate should be asked about the effect the M3 will have in County Meath as well as County Cavan. It will make County Cavan much more accessible to industry and big business. I will be examining what people have to say on this issue as it cannot be dodged. That it can take half a day to get through County Meath informs our perspective on the project. The issue must be addressed.

The issue of the hospital in Navan must be considered also. I read in the newspaper today that 11 hospitals had been told not to accept paediatric admissions. Every candidate must address this issue on the doorsteps.

I welcome the fact that polling stations will be open until 9 p.m. to facilitate workers and students. Many students who return to the constituency from Dublin will be tired or want to catch up with friends or play football and politics will not be at the top of their agenda. We should consider setting up polling stations in Dublin. There is no reason one station could not accommodate students from counties Kildare and Meath. Students should be allowed to exercise their voting rights from Dublin.

I want to know if electronic voting machines will be taken out of storage for the by-elections. It is costing a great deal of money to store them.

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