Fine Gael in Offaly confident of gaining extra seat on county council in June's local elections

Speaking at the launch of the party's local and European elections campaign in Daingean Town Hall on Thursday evening last, Cllr Neil Feighery admitted the party had tried its utmost to field another candidate in the Tullamore electoral area.
Cllr Feighery, who is the sole Fine Gael candidate in Tullamore, said he and the other candidates were receiving a very positive message on the doorsteps while canvassing.
His views were echoed by the party's three other sitting county councillors – Noel Cribbin, John Clendennen and Liam Quinn – and by candidate in the Birr electoral area, Hughie Egan, who narrowly missed out on a seat in 2019
Also in attendance at the launch were Fine Gael candidate in the European elections in the Midlands North West constituency, retired National Hunt jockey, Nina Carberry, and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, from nearby Mullingar.
Speaking at the outset of formalities, Director of Elections, Kevin Wrafter, praised the party's sitting county councillors as outstanding while constituency chairperson, Molly Buckley said party members had four weeks to get the message across to the public.
Cllr Noel Cribbin said the condition of roads was the top concern on the doorsteps with “nothing about immigration”.
He said he was very impressed with the new Taoiseach, Simon Harris, and praised Leo Varadkar for “doing a brilliant job” in the role.
Cllr John Clendennen said the party was in a strong position to gain an extra seat in the Birr electoral area.
“We have a good story to tell and we have a good team here in Offaly,” stressed the Kinnitty man.
Speaking later during any other business, Cllr Clendennen warned of the implications for farmers if Sinn Fein entered Government and introduced a wealth tax. “If Sinn Fein come in they are going to bring in a one per cent wealth tax which will cripple farmers,” he warned.
Hughie Egan, the party's second candidate in the Birr area, said he was getting a good response on the doorsteps.
“I got a good first preference vote the last time and this time number two votes will be vital to me,” outlined the candidate who said the Cloghan and Banagher areas were of vital importance to him.
Clr Neil Feighery stressed Fine Gael is committed to rural Ireland, agriculture and the agri-food sector. “We have a good story to tell,” said Cllr Feighery who added he and his canvassers were receving a very positive response on the doorsteps.
The Fine Gael leader on Offaly County Council, Cllr Liam Quinn, said every town and village in the county had received major grant injections in the past number of years.
Euro candidate Nina Carberry, stressing her agricultural credentials, complained that farmers are “being drowned in red tape”.
She said it was important to ensure Fine Gael had two MEPs elected in the Midlands North West and appealed to voters in Offaly to give her their first preference.
Minister Peter Burke predicted a strong result for Fine Gael in the local elections in Offaly.
He said the party was currently going through “exciting times” and paid tribute to the former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar for his leadership, particularly through the Covid experience.
“Our economy has taken off again like a rocket,” added the Mullingar based Minister who stressed the importance of policies which supported farmers and small businesses.
He said broadband was the “lifeblood” of rural Ireland and added that Fine Gael was the only party which had championed the issue.
Minister Burke said rural areas had received huge financial support in recent from the Department of Rural and Community Development under Minister Heather Humphreys.
“We have steadied the ship now and we are focused on the time we have ahead in Government,” said Minster Burke who stressed Fine Gael was the party of law and order which had founded the institutions of the State.
Replying to a question from the floor, Minister Burke agreed abuse on social media was discouraging people from entering politics. He said some people were insulting online in a manner they would never approach someone face to face.
“Politics is robust but there are certain things which are off limits,” he added saying that people's views had to be respected even if disagreed with.
Minister Burke also hit out at those who demonstrated outside the homes of politicians in recent weeks.
Speaking from the floor, party member, Teresa Wrafter, from the Durrow area, said farmers, particularly dairy farmers, are strangled with red tape.
“We feel we are not being listened to,” she complained.