Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

I testify to Mr. Cassells' capacity as a councillor. He has shown in the past five or six years immense aptitude for hard work and a great grasp of detail which are invaluable qualities in a modern and effective politician. He will work very hard on behalf of the organisation and the people of the county. He said today that the by-election offered the voters of County Meath a chance to support a new generation of strong representatives who could voice local concerns at national level. I have no doubt that he will help to capitalise on the unprecedented investment made in the county in the past ten years.

Opposition Deputies can see only that a glass is either half full or empty. Deputy Bruton spoke of an alternative to Fianna Fáil. He is looking for an alternative to the massive expenditure on water, sewerage, housing, roads and schools in the constituency since 1997. We have made a massive commitment to roads and motorways in the county as well as schools. I could name schools in every part of County Meath. Almost €10 million has been spent in County Meath in terms of grants from my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. We are fully committed to the hospital and have invested in it. It is difficult to listen to the truth.

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