"The real work of delivering for Offaly begins now" says new TD Clendennen
John Clendennen, newly elected Fine Gael TD for Offaly, has thanked the voters, the Returning Officer, and his staff in Birr, together with his family and supporters, following his success in the general election last weekend.
The Kinnitty man took one of the three seats in the new Offaly constituency along with poll-topping Independent Carol Nolan and Fianna Fáil's Tony McCormack.
"It is an absolute honour to be elected as a TD for Offaly, but it also brings significant challenges and responsibilities," said the Kinnitty man.
"The trust that the people of Offaly placed in me will be repaid by my absolute commitment to work tirelessly to improve all areas of life in the county.
"The messages received on the doorsteps were clear and, in many ways, mirrored the priorities and platform I had set out early in the campaign – get more money back into people's pockets, support small businesses and farming to ensure they can thrive in today’s challenging environment, and invest in towns and villages to create jobs and viable communities," he added.
"The priority now is to deliver on these issues. I intend to be a TD for all of Offaly and all of the individuals, households, businesses and farmers within the county.
"I will be accessible to all, proactive in generating and delivering solutions and responsive to issues as they arise.
"I want to thank those who supported me in the ballot box and the many people who were instrumental in all aspects of our successful campaign.
"I thank my wife Elaine and son Percy, for their help, sacrifice and incredible support, as well as my family and the work my father, Percy, did as a Councillor, was of great assistance and a solid foundation built over several decades.
"I also want to thank the Returning Officers, Rory Hannify and Sean Ryan, and all the staff at the count centre in Birr. They were professional, diligent and courteous at all times over a very long day on Saturday.
"I also want to commend all those who put their name on the ballot paper, thereby taking the courageous step and helping to sustain the strong democratic process we have in Ireland.
"Finally, the real work of delivering for Offaly now begins. I look forward to the challenge with humility but also with optimism and urgency," Clendennen concluded.