"My time is now to deliver the Fine Gael seat in Laois" - Cllr Willie Aird

Fine Gael's selection of their General Election candidate in Laois without a contest did not prevent the man selected from being confident that he has momentum going into the upcoming Dáil race.

Cllr Willie Aird gave his immediate reaction to the Leinster Express / Laois Live in the Killeshin Hotel Portlaoise. The Laois County Councillor was selected after his two opponents withdrew. There was particular surprise when Cllr Conor Bergin pulled out after being proposed and seconded.

While rumours had spread in the hour before the event commenced that Clr Bergin would withdraw, Cllr Aird said he was surprised by the turn of events but looked forward to the contest ahead but he said "my time is now".

He told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that he was delighted with the turnout for the vote and felt that was a sign the campaign would be in his favour.

“You can see that there is momentum for me and I am looking forward to the challenge whenever they call the General Election,” he said.

He spoke to the membership after Cllr Bergin announced his withdrawal.

He thanked the Borris-in-Ossory native for withdrawing saying that he “did not know this was going to happen until a few minutes before it started”.

That drew a response from the floor from one member: “We didn't either”.

“I have served as a Fine Gael public representative since 1979 when I was elected to Portlaoise Town council,” he said.

Cllr Aird said he was passionate about Fine Gael. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

“I am a powerful voice and provide strong leadership for our party and the people I represent. I am committed to continuing my work for the people of Laois,” he said.

He outlined his priorities as including supporting job creation by advancing Laois as business and industrial base for the Midlands.

“The J17 National Enterprise Park in Portlaoise is a prime example. Without my intervention with the then CEO John Mulholland, this land would never have been purchased,” he said.

He also said he was involved in the purchase of land for the IDA to attract foreign investment.

“I ensured that the IDA bought land through the encouragement of Laois County Council,” he said.

He also said Fine Gael must promote measures for working families.

“We need a sliding scale for families to apply for support schemes. We need accessibility to funding to support first time housebuyers and we need additional childcare supports,” he said.

He highlighted farming.

“I will be a strong voice for agriculture and farm families to make sure it is viable for the next generation. Farmers need a safe pair of hands in Dáil Éireann...Farmers need respect,” he said.

Cllr Aird said enhancing services with children with special needs is an issue he has pursued since 1979.

“I started in 1979 and have seen horrific cases. As a councillor, I have always been of the belief that Government have ignored people with special needs. They are always pushing water up the hill for supports,” he said.

Cllr Aird said the elderly were also a priority and he said no old age pensioner should have to wait in A&E on trollies.
He summed up his reason for bidding to win a Dáil seat.

“My time is now to deliver the Fine Gael seat in Laois. I have a proven track record. I have committed to representing the interests of the people of Laois in Dáil Éireann. I want to use my extensive experience in the Dáil to lead change for a better Laois.

“I have a clear vision for the future of our party. It is one that is built on prosperity, sustainability and inclusiveness for all.
“My track record shows that I am the best place to deliver the seat for Fine Gael,” he said.

He said this record included topping the poll on five successive occasions in the Portlaoise area.

Most recently he said he topped the 2024 Portlaoise poll when 21 candidates were contesting.

“My record is second to none when topping the poll in Laois and by voting for me you will be voting for a proven vote-getter. I will win the seat for Fine Gael,” he said.

He said he is thankful for the support received.