Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is hard to see how this will not feature as a major issue, particularly in households which are up to their tonsils in debt and, because of recent large-scale development in Meath East, may have forked out huge sums in stamp duty which will not form part of the expected exemptions. The by-election will be seen as an opportunity to make a statement on the performance of the Government, as by-elections always are. This by-election will be about a clash of emotions, between the undoubted fondness and respect for the McEntee family on one side, and on the other, the anger, regret and hopelessness felt by so many about the direction the Government has taken. I wish all candidates well, but at the end of the day the people of Meath East are sovereign and they will decide on the replacement for Shane McEntee in the House.

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