'Honour' for Aidan Farrelly to fill Murphy's shoes in Kildare North
Aidan Farrelly of the Social Democrats with Catherine Murphy and supporters Photo: Aisling Hyland
“It was only 2019 when I first got elected (to Kildare County Council), so this was such an incredible campaign,” said newly elected TD, cllr Aidan Farrelly of the Social Democrats.
“We were trying to share a message from the Social Democrats and Kildare North equally, but you look to Catherine (Murphy, outgoing leader) for her service to the county and in the Dáil”.
The asked him how it felt having to step into such big shoes.
“I never felt it as pressure, but a great honour to keep that seat as a final step in her career,” he said but the politicking began.
“Our issues don’t stop on polling day, and I’m so excited about getting to work whether in government or in opposition,” he said.
“I think we’ve shown a picture of how a fairer Ireland can look,” he said.
And as to the immediate future?
“It looks like we’ve had a very good day, and double figures for us is monumental, but before we decide what to do, the parliamentary party will have to meet first.
“We have a very open structure, and some very experienced parliamentarians there.
“Our red lines are not soundbites. Having a Minister for Disability is non-negotiable. SlainteCare is a non-negotiable,” he declared.
And so the horse-trading begins.
