'Massive, massive, massive' - Laois Fine Gael farmer delighted with Aird victory
IFA member part of second big election success in a year involving Aird clan
A leading member of Laois IFA in Portlaoise and supporter of incoming Fine Gael TD Willie Aird is delighted with the success of his dairy farming colleague in the General Election.
Liam Delaney was on tally duty for Fine Gael at the General Election Count in Portlaoise where he spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live about Cllr Aird's success at the polls.
"Willie is after putting in a massive campaign with massive energy with a massive team and backup especially from his wife Anne Maria - she's a powerhouse.
"99% of people across all parties are genuinely happy for Willie Aird because he is a genuine character and hard worker. What you see is what you get. If he can do something for you or advise you any way he will and if not he will work for you. He want fob you off or tell you lies. He won't say he'll do it and do nothing. He's a worker," he said.
Mr Delaney agreed that Cllr Aird has bucked the trend in Fine Gael by taking a quarter of first preference votes.
"Maybe we haven't enough farmers in politics," he said.
He added that Cllr Aird has being support in rural and urban areas. He also believes Cllr Aird shares a trait with the other candidates set to be elected from Laois - Seán Fleming and Brian Stanley.
"If you want to get something done you ask a busy person that's about the size of," he said.
It's the second successful election campaign for Mr Delaney in a year. He helped get Francie Gorman elected to the Presidency of the IFA. Wille Aird's wife Anne Maria was a key part of this campaign also.
Cllr Aird, a sitting Laois County Councillor for Portlaoise, topped the poll