Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Independent) | Oireachtas source

They are a very proud people. It is a historic constituency which elected the first Taoiseach of this country. It is important to realise also that there is diversity within the constituency. The proud people of Kilkenny have had outstanding sporting achievements. Kilkenny city is the jewel in the crown and it is important to acknowledge the role of the former county manager, Paddy Donnelly. He was one of the first creative county managers we had who developed the city.

Carlow has some good representatives in the Dáil. It is important that Carlow town gets industrial development because it has lost a lot of firms, including Braun, Läpple, and the sugar factory. It is important that such firms should be restored. There is a great tradition of light engineering works from Carlow to Bagnelstown, employing almost 2,000 people.

There is a challenge to the people of Carlow-Kilkenny to meet the historic proposal that we will put to them in running Councillor Patrick McKee in the by-election. From St. Mullin's to Gathabawn, Renua and Patrick McKee will bring the message. This election should not be about passing judgment on the Government, or giving Fianna Fáil a second chance, or about "No, no, no". Rather, it should be about electing the best candidate on the day. I have every confidence that in a few weeks we will be back here with a historic and surprise result when Patrick McKee walks down the steps of this Chamber.

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