Fine Gael selects Cllrs Bridín Murphy and Cathal Byrne to contest Wexford constituency in General Election

Councillors Bridín Murphy and Cathal Byrne have been selected by Fine Gael to represent the party in the Wexford constituency in the General Election.

Party members selected Cllrs Murphy and Byrne last night in a convention held in The White Hotel, Wexford Town which was chaired by Deputy John Paul Phelan.

Fine Gael have now chosen 12 General Election candidates in eight constituencies.

Cllr Bridín Murphy said, “My vision includes specific plans to achieve the right balance between family life and work, between the needs of the young and the old.

“I have a proven track record of working with communities to make our villages and towns a great place to live and a place where small businesses and multinational companies thrive side by side.

“But what truly drives me is my passion for supporting our farmers, who are the backbone of our country. I want them to feel valued and supported in their crucial role”.

“I am also passionate about enhancing our educational systems, promoting quality education, and investing in schools and universities, particularly SETU, which will be a game changer for education in the South East”.

Cllr Cathal Byrne said, “I am honoured to have been nominated by the members of Fine Gael in the Wexford Constituency to contest the next General Election.

“As a local Councillor in Enniscorthy, I have brought a hardworking and common-sense approach to local politics as part of a new generation of public representatives. 

“I believe that politics needs more young people to get involved and play a part. I think it is worrying that so many young people see politics as pointless and I want to help change this perspective by bringing a new energy. 

“I intend to work tirelessly to ensure that Wexford reaches its untapped potential. I will be a voice for more investment for the entire Wexford Constituency in areas like housing, childcare, roads and infrastructure.

“My priorities include protecting the future of Wexford General Hospital and delivering the 97 bed extension, delivering the new Oylegate to Rosslare Bypass, the Enniscorthy Flood Defence Project and the planned South East Technological University and upgrading to Rosslare Europort so it can become the centre of offshore wind technology. I want to see the delivery of the IDA Advance Factories in Enniscorthy and New Ross to drive job creation.

“I will work hard to support our tourism industry, our farmers, fishermen and small businesses to increase the numbers of job opportunities for young people across the Wexford Constituency. As a father of two young children access to affordable and accessible childcare is a priority for me.

“There is a very strong tradition of a Fine Gael seat in the Wexford constituency and I am committed to working with Cllr Bridin Murphy to ensure that we retain our seat in the Wexford constituency.”

ENDS

Notes to the Editor

Cllr. Bridín Murphy lives in Clonroche with her husband and two daughters. A qualified social worker, Bridín, works on the Specialist Inquiry Team in Tusla. Bridín is the current Chairperson of the New Ross Municipal District.

Cllr. Cathal Byrne from Ballyhogue is part of a new generation of public representatives.

Eldest son of Peter, a beef farmer and Theresa, a primary school teacher, Cathal was first elected to Wexford County Council in May 2019 aged 27 as the youngest elected member of Wexford County Council. Cathal served as Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy District in 2021/2022. He was re-elected to Wexford County Council on the first count with 2,275 first preference votes topping the poll in the Enniscorthy District in June’s local elections. He is the proud father of two young children, Aoife and Eoin.

Educated at Kiltealy NS, Boolavogue NS and the FCJ Secondary School in Bunclody, he graduated from Trinity College Dublin with an Honours degree in Law and Business, and a Masters in Law. As a qualified Solicitor, he runs his own practice in Enniscorthy. As a volunteer, he currently serves as the Leinster Council Delegate on the Wexford GAA County Board and on the Board of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre.