Fianna Fáil TD Seamus Kirk has thanked the people of Louth and East Meath for their support over the last 34 years. Deputy Kirk made the comments after making his final speech in Dáil Éireann. It is widely anticipated that the Government will dissolve the Dáil within days, paving the way for the formal beginning of the General Election campaign.

During his career Deputy Kirk served as Minister for State in the Department of Agriculture, was Chairman of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party and served as Ceann Comhairle.

Deputy Kirk commented, “I’ve been honoured to represent the people of Louth and East Meath for 34 years in Dáil Éireann and on Louth County Council for over ten years before that. The county has changed remarkably in those years but one thing that has remained consistent is the good natured spirit and kindness of the people of Louth.

“There has been huge social and economic development in Louth over the last three decades. The upgrade of the M1 motorway has opened up enormous opportunities for the county and has bridged the divide between Dublin and Belfast. The presence of Dundalk Institute of Technology has created new opportunities for future generations of people growing up in Louth.

“I’ve done my best to work hard and represent the people of Louth and East Meath to the best of my ability over the last four decades. However this would not have been possible without the support of the electorate, my staff members, the Fianna Fáil organisation in Louth and most importantly my family who have been a constant source of encouragement.

“It will be an emotional time leaving Leinster House when the election is called. However I am confident that the Fianna Fáil team will pull out all the stops to ensure the party returns at least one TD to Dáil Éireann. We have two excellent candidates in Cllr Declan Breathnach and Emma Coffey. I’m certain that they will do the people of Louth proud in the years ahead,” said Deputy Kirk.