Former Mayor of Kilkenny David Fitzgerald to represent FG in Carlow-Kilkenny Bye-Election

Former Mayor of Kilkenny, David Fitzgerald will represent Fine Gael in the Carlow-Kilkenny Bye-Election. He was selected by party members at a well-attended convention tonight (Thursday) in the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny, also attended by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD.

David Fitzgerald has been a councillor for Kilkenny since 2009 and was Mayor in 2012. David is involved in a wide range of local organisations and is committed to making Kilkenny a better place in which to live and to do business. David is a member of the Kilkenny Beautiful Initiative; St. Canices National School Parents’ Association; the IFA, Kilkenny GAA, and An Taisce. As a local business man he is also familiar with the issues affecting small business owners and employers in the Carlow/Kilkenny area.

Speaking at the event, David Fitzgerald said: “I am truly honoured to have been chosen by Fine Gael members tonight and I am hugely encouraged by the trust they have placed in me. I believe I can win the seat and will work hard to do so.

“Phil Hogan has done a fantastic job for this constituency, and if successful, I will have very big shoes to fill. However, I believe my experience as a leader and an active councillor will stand to me.

“The economy is starting to recover, thanks to the sacrifices and efforts of the Irish people, but that recovery is fragile and incomplete. I am delighted to get the chance to convince the people of Carlow/Kilkenny that I can play a significant role as a Fine Gael TD in ensuring our constituency feels the benefits.

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD said: “David Fitzgerald has all the qualities we want in our public representatives and his commitment to Carlow Kilkenny is unquestionable. David has the full support of the Fine Gael party and I wish him all the best for the campaign ahead.”