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23 Sept 2025
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23 Sept 2025
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Cllr Willie Aird elected as a TD at the General Election count centre. Photo: Alf Harvey
Laois Fine Gael has chosen their replacement for the new Deputy Willie Aird's seat in Portlaoise Municipal District, and the new member is about to take their seat this Monday, December 16.
Paddy Buggy, a farmer from Kyletalesha had tried twice to become a county councillor, in 2024 local elections for the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District, and earlier in 2009 when he contested in the Portlaoise area.
He spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live ahead of the December meeting of Laois County Council where he will be proposed as Cllr Aird's replacement.
The newly elected TD Willie Aird being congratulated at the Laois count centre by Paddy Buggy.
"I'm delighted to have been nominated by the party at their convention. I look forward to being proposed today to be a county councillor after 20 years of trying," he said.
He joined Fine Gael in 1990 he said while living in Dublin.
"I am one of the rare few to have canvassed the Ballymun towers, on behalf of Mary Flaherty TD at the time," Mr Buggy said.
"I'll have four and half years now to work for the people of Laois," he said.
Asked if he hopes to also work for farmers and for Mountmellick as well where he is best known for his volunteer community and business roles, he said "I'll be helping anyone I can".
"There are all types of people in society, I'll be there to represent all of them to the best I can."
Paddy Buggy speaking at an event for the Valley Star Project in Mountmellick.
He thanked his wife Zita who is coming along to see his big moment in council chambers.
"She has been very supportive and helpful and encouraging all the time," Mr Buggy said.
Deputy Aird had held his seat for an incredible 45 years, since 1979.
"It's a daunting task to follow in the footsteps of the legend that is Willie Aird. I know he'll be in the background to support me. I'm delighted for him to top the poll, the seventh highest in Ireland, and I wish him the best of luck," Paddy Buggy said.
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