Statement by Michael Mulcahy T.D.

I want to thank the members of the Fianna Fáil organisation in Dublin South Central who have nominated me as the party’s candidate in the constituency for the forthcoming General Election.
 
It has been a privilege and an honour to serve the people of Dublin South Central in the Dáil since 2002.  I am extremely grateful to the party members in the constituency who have once again placed their trust in me for the forthcoming campaign and I look forward to working with them over the coming weeks.
 
I want to pay tribute to my constituency colleague Seán Ardagh T.D. who is retiring from the Dáil.  Seán has been an extremely hard working member of Dáil Éireann and has contributed in a substantive and thoughtful way to national policy over the years, particularly in his role as Chairperson of Oireachtas Committees.  He has also worked extremely hard in the constituency and it has been a privilege to serve with him in the Dáil.
 
The General Election will be extremely important for our country.  The economic policies enacted by the Government are working and there are clear trends in the economy which demonstrate this.  The recovery that is underway cannot be put in jeopardy by an election campaign rooted in party politics as usual.  The public have a right to expect a considered and policy-driven campaign from those seeking elected office, regardless of party.
 
I begin my campaign today with a pledge to stand by that commitment in Dublin South Central.  I will engage with the voters on the key issues of job creation, continued economic growth and development of community services.  The policies that will be put forward in the campaign must be focussed on ensuring we have sustainable job creation, competitiveness in the economy and improved public services through reform.
 
The people of my constituency and across Ireland continue to face the difficulties in the economy with great determination and a strong sense of belief in our ability to recover and grow our country again.  I take heart from their determination and I ask for their support to continue to work on their behalf.
 
I would also like to sincerely thank my Dáil colleague of many years, Deputy Seán Haughey, Minister of State, for chairing this Convention.