Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

Fine Gael did not do too badly either. The by-election in County Meath is caused by the departure of former Deputy John Bruton. While we were political rivals and at different points of the political spectrum for many years, I take the opportunity to acknowledge the contribution he made to politics, County Meath, Ireland and Europe. As I have done previously, I wish him a very successful tenure in Washington as EU ambassador.

John Bruton was first elected to the House in 1969 as a young man of 22 years. The by-election gives a great opportunity to the County Meath electorate to elect another young man of undoubted ability. Mr. Shane Cassells is an excellent candidate and, despite being relatively young, has a wealth of experience. He was the youngest councillor elected to Meath County Council in 1999 and in 2004 the youngest ever mayor of Navan where he was elected to the town council in 1999.

Mr. Cassells has served at various levels in the Fianna Fáil organisation during the years and his family has a long tradition in the party and a proud name. While people outside County Meath put the emphasis on the second syllable when pronouncing the family name, we place it on the first. Peter Cassells is Shane's uncle while another served Meath well on playing fields throughout Ireland. His family is very proud of his decision to put his name forward to serve the local community in Dáil Éireann.

Mr. Cassells belongs to a new generation in Irish politics. It is great to see someone in his mid-20s putting himself forward for election. As we have a young Deputy from the constituency on the other side of the House, it is important to ensure balance on this side.

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