By Dan Walsh
Gorey-based Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne has become the first candidate to declare his intention to contest the next General Election in the newly created south Wicklow-north Wexford constituency with Arklow and Gorey as the biggest towns and three Dáil Éireann seats to be decided.
The new Wicklow-Wexford constituency announcement has been heavily criticised by locals in Wicklow and Wexford and by public representatives and some TD’s who argue that it is unfair due to the large area that will be represented by three TD’s and there is further anger that Co. Wexford will be divided into ‘north’ and ‘south’ and the effects it will have on Local Authority decisions in both counties and on those who will find themselves representing the electorate in different constituencies!
However, Senator Byrne feels “it can be a positive thing,” and speaking to BreakingNews.ie said; “I think it presents a new opportunity. There are lots of common issues between the people in both Wicklow and Wexford” and he believes “there was a logic to the decision of the Independent Electoral Commission.
“I certainly think for people in Arklow, Gorey, all the villages and rural communities right across the new constituency, there is a new opportunity there. It’s important that we elect representatives that can be effective at national level to raise issues of concern to our communities, and I hope to be one of them,” said Senator Byrne.
Swinging into election mode, Senator Byrne, said; “The reason I’m running is I’ve been involved in organisations in the community all my life and I believe that I understand both the urban and rural needs of the new constituency,” and he added; “My first step is to hopefully secure the nomination of my party to contest that, and if successful, to convince the people of south Wicklow and north Wexford to support me.”
Apparently, Senator Byrne has chosen to focus on the next General Election despite having being nominated by his Fianna Fáil colleagues for the European Elections in June. He wants to focus on the new constituency of Wicklow and Wexford!
“It’s a big area, and as people who live here know, after the last General Election there was no TD elected form the south Wicklow or north Wexford areas. Geography obviously matters, but I think what’s particularly important is that whoever we elect can perform at a national level, being able to enact legislation that makes a difference in the country but to also represent the area effectively.”
“In the case of Arklow, with the wastewater works currently being completed, there is huge potential for that town to grow rapidly now as well,” said Senator Byrne, who added; “Ensuring that we get the matching services for both Gorey and Arklow with that rapid growth is vital. We also must balance that with the needs of a lot of the rural communities and villages like Kilmuckridge, Bunclody, Ferns and Carnew, they will continue to need investment and sustainable rural communities.”
WexfordLocal.com 