MINISTER Kieran O’Donnell and Senator Maria Byrne were this week selected by Fine Gael to represent the party in the Limerick City constituency at the next general election.
Party members selected Minister O’Donnell and Senator Byrne in the Castletroy Park Hotel on Monday evening (September 9) at a convention, chaired by Senator Garret Ahearn.
Minister O’Donnell said he was honoured to have been selected to contest the upcoming general election for Fine Gael in the Limerick City Constituency.
“Since my first election to the Dáil in 2007, I have worked to provide the best possible representation for Limerick City constituency, both locally and nationally,” he said.
“I am seeking re-election to Dáil Éireann because I want to build on the progress of the past four years and work for more and improved services for Limerick City constituency.
“From my years as a public representative, and recently in my role as Minister of State, I believe that I am the candidate with the necessary drive, experience, and qualities to continue to deliver for Limerick.
“In my daily work as a TD locally, I am aware of the challenges facing the people of Limerick. I have worked consistently to provide services locally, and to secure investment in housing, public infrastructure and job creation here. These will continue to be my priorities”.
Senator Maria Byrne, who failed to secure a seat in the 33rd Dáil after the 2020 General Election, expressed her delight at being selected as Fine Gael’s candidate for the upcoming election bout.
“Throughout my time as a Senator, I have had the privilege of working hand-in-hand with the people, businesses, and community organisations that make our city and the wider Mid West region thrive,” she said.
“Whether it’s championing local issues or addressing national concerns, I’ve always focused on driving positive change. A recent success was my work to ensure the €14,000 Rent a Room Scheme income is excluded from the medical card means test, a win that directly benefits many households in Limerick, and across the country.”
However, she believes there is much more she wants to achieve and is confident she is the right person to lead this charge.
“My focus will be on revitalising Limerick city centre, crafting a sustainable plan for University Hospital Limerick, safeguarding our businesses, rethinking how we support cancer patients and family carers, and ensuring the continued delivery of affordable homes,” she said.
“I am eager to engage with the people of Limerick City in the coming campaign and humbly ask for their number one vote.”
Fine Gael has now chosen 47 general election candidates in 30 constituencies.
Earlier this week, Fine Gael councillor Daniel Butler, his party’s candidate for directly-elected mayor, announced that he would not be submitting his name for consideration at the Fine Gael selection convention for the Dáil race.
He cited the safety of his family and ensuring a gender-balanced ticket for the upcoming election among his reasons for not contesting a seat in Limerick City.
“This decision was not made lightly, but after careful consideration, I believe it is the right course of action,” Cllr Butler explained.
“Fine Gael has a sitting government minister in Limerick City and must ensure a gender-balanced ticket for the upcoming election. I cannot, in good conscience, stand in the way of this crucial objective, as increasing female representation in politics is vital for the health of our democracy.
“Moreover, given the current dynamics within the party at a local level, my chances of securing the nomination are uncertain, despite the substantial support I garnered in recent elections.”
He went on to say that he must consider the wellbeing of his young family.
“During the recent elections, our home was threatened, a matter that remains under investigation. Furthermore, the demands of national politics would inevitably take me away from my family even more. My wife has her own career that I must support, and I am fortunate to be working within the HSE during these challenging times for our health service.”
