Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I recognise the trust that the people in different areas have put in us as politicians. It was 65 miles from where I live to the Cavan area which I try to represent. I thank those people for the support they gave me, considering that I was in a very marginal seat and that there were 18 candidates on the ticket. I saw 13th, 14th and 15th preferences coming in as effective No. 1 votes. Without those people, I would not be here today, and I thank them for that.

I agree with previous speakers. When one considers Cavan, south Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim, we are talking about two provinces, never mind different counties, which is totally ridiculous and quite unfair, and it is very wrong that county boundaries are broken.

It has been the case for the past 30 or 40 years, or as long as I can remember in politics, that Sligo and Leitrim were combined into one constituency. That is acceptable because we are similar types of people living in adjoining counties. However, it is very wrong when portions of other counties are brought in or where a county is split. If Sligo-Leitrim must be a three-seat constituency, so be it. Let the best man fight the election and win. On this occasion, however, north Roscommon is to be brought into the constituency. I will do whatever I can to help those constituents. In fairness to colleagues on all sides, all Members in this House do the best they can for the people they represent. I will do my absolute best to help and support the people of north Roscommon. However, when boundaries are being drawn up in future, I hope county boundaries will be respected.

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