Fianna Fáil commits to re-establishing Kilkenny City Council
Published on: 18 May 2015
Fianna Fáil has committed to re-establishing Kilkenny City Council if returned to power. The commitment was made at a campaign rally for Bobby Aylward, the party’s candidate for the Carlow – Kilkenny bye-election.
The rally took place at the Langton House Hotel in Kilkenny City on Sunday evening and was addressed by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin TD, Spokesperson on Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen TD and Spokesperson on Small Business John McGuinness TD.
Mr Aylward commented, “With less than a week left in the campaign, it is becoming increasingly clear to me that people are angry with the direction that the Government is taking. They recognize that we don’t need another voiceless Government backbencher. People want someone who will stand up for all communities in Carlow and Kilkenny, and I am committed to doing just that.
Speaking at the rally Deputy Cowen said, “Kilkenny people are proud of their city and county. There is a fantastic sense of community in the area and it is evident that people value the many traditions associated with Kilkenny.
“From speaking with people on the doorsteps I have witnessed first-hand the growing sense of anger with Fine Gael for abolishing Kilkenny City borough council. That decision brought an end to hundreds of years of local Government in Kilkenny. It was a short-sighted decision that has undermined the important sense of community in Kilkenny.
“The removal of the borough council has made it difficult to devise and develop an overall strategic plan for the city. If returned to power Fianna Fáil will undo the damage caused by Phil Hogan. We will re-establish the government of Kilkenny city in a new Kilkenny city council.
Deputy Cowen called on supporters to work hard in the final week of the campaign to ensure Bobby Aylward is elected to Dáil Éireann.
“I am calling on people to send a clear message to the Government on May 22nd. That message must be that Carlow and Kilkenny have had enough of the unfair policies being introduced by Fine Gael and Labour.
“We do not need another silent Government backbencher in the Dáil. What we need is a community activist who will fight on behalf of all communities. Bobby has a proven track record for doing just that” said Deputy Cowen.