Future of young people central issue in Dublin Bay South bye-election – Geoghegan

Fine Gael bye-election candidate James Geoghegan says that youth and the future of young people are recurring themes that have come up on the doorsteps in Dublin Bay South.

James Geoghegan was speaking this afternoon as it was confirmed that voters will take to the polls on Thursday July 8^th after the writ was moved in the Dáil by Fine Gael TD and Deputy Government Chief Whip, Brendan Griffin.

James Geoghegan was joined in the constituency today by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Dublin MEP Frances Fitzgerald. The Fine Gael representatives are taking part in the party’s 80^th Ard Fheis, entitled ‘Fine Gael for the Future’, this week.

James Geoghegan said: “Over half of 25-34-year olds in Ireland have higher or further education qualifications, which is the highest level across the European Union, and prioritising investment in the future of young people is essential if we are going to keep our best and brightest here.

“It is also young people who have the most to lose if we fail to tackle the climate crisis. Sinn Féin’s carbon tax denialism is ignoring these concerns and undermining this Government’s ambition to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.

“We need to build sustainable communities to make Dublin an attractive city to live and grow a family in, and the 15-Minute City concept is the best way to do that.

“I am asking people to retain a Fine Gael voice for this constituency by giving me their number 1 vote and ensure their voices have real influence to affect change,” James Geoghegan concluded.

Director of Elections Simon Harris said: “This is a really important bye-election as we chart our future in a post-pandemic Ireland. Key challenges face us in the economy and society whether it be climate change, how we help get people back on their feet after Covid, how we work, how we care for our children or our loved ones. Dublin Bay South needs a Fine Gael voice to help deliver for businesses, workers, families and for the next generation.

“James has delivered for this constituency as a councillor and will deliver if elected a TD. We will continue to work day and night to ensure we have a strong Fine Gael voice that can deliver for the people of Dublin Bay South.”

This Friday, Cllr Geoghegan will host a key Ard Fheis panel session entitled ‘Re-Opening with Confidence – the future for workers and business.’  Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe will also take part.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said: “I know James Geoghegan well and I know he will be an exceptional TD and will serve his constituents with energy and enthusiasm in Dáil Eireann, if elected.

“Having campaigned with James in the last number of weeks, I can see that he connects well with the people of Dublin Bay South and understands the issues that matter to them, in particular younger people.

“I would like to take the opportunity to ask the people of Dublin Bay South to give James Geoghegan their number one vote on Polling Day.”

Dublin MEP Frances Fitzgerald said: “James is a passionate, thoughtful and diligent public representative who is committed to achieving real results for his community. I know he will bring those qualities to Dáil Éireann if elected and I would ask the people of Dublin Bay South to vote James Geoghegan Number One on Polling Day.”