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Taoiseach aims to ‘build on FG vote' in Cork South West in next election

September 20th, 2019 11:33 AM

By Siobhan Cronin

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has complimented Jim Daly for his his 'unique way of doing things'. (Photo: Anne Minihane)

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TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has issued a statement today, following Cork South West TD Jim Daly's decision to stand down at the next election.

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has issued a statement today, following Cork South West TD Jim Daly’s decision to stand down at the next election.

‘Jim Daly met me earlier this week to inform me of his decision not to contest the next General Election,’ said the Taoiseach.

‘Jim is a close colleague and has done a stellar job as Minister of State for Mental Health & Older People. I have always admired his directness, his capacity for independent thought and his unique way of doing things,’ he added.  

‘He has secured massive resources for mental health, with the Budget for that area now approaching €1bn per annum. He is also pressing on with plans to make the Fair Deal scheme fairer for farmers and business people, and a new transformative statutory scheme for home care. Fine Gael was the strongest party in Cork South West in the last general election, with 32% of the vote.’  

The Taoiseach then added: ‘We have an excellent candidate already selected in Senator Tim Lombard, and we will build on our last performance in the next election.’  

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