Deputy Troy ‘honoured’ to contest fourth general election for Fianna Fáil

Contesting a fourth consecutive general election for Fianna Fáil is an “honour”, says Deputy Robert Troy.

The Ballynacargy native was selected unopposed to run in the Longford-Westmeath constituency for the 34th Dáil, following a convention at Bloomfield House Hotel on Tuesday July 23.

The convention was attended by around 150 local party members and was chaired by the incoming Minister of State in the Department of Transport, James Lawless.

Deputy Troy said each election comes with “its own challenges”.

“This is my fourth general election, and obviously I have two local elections behind me as well, so this will be my sixth altogether,” he said.

“I’m going into this election based on my track record of hard work and being a strong voice for the constituency at a national level, now coming up to 14 years.

“With national and local representation combined, this is my 20th year being a public representative.”

The 42-year-old TD said he was delighted with the turnout at the convention.

“It was very well attended, north of 150 people, on a night where there was no contest,” he said.

“It shows a party that is vibrant, energised, and looking forward to the upcoming campaign.”

Fianna Fáil returned nine of 20 seats on Westmeath County Council after the local elections in June to become the county’s largest party once again.

While acknowledging the strong performance, Deputy Troy said he won’t take the Fianna Fáil vote for granted.

“For me, it’s about getting out there and meeting as many people as I can, mounting an effective campaign, and reminding the electorate of the work I’ve done in the constituency over the years.

“I will also outline my intention of what I’d like to see delivered in the constituency over the next five years.”

The former minister of state said Mullingar has benefited greatly from Fianna Fáil’s actions in government during this term.

“We can see significant progress in health; waiting lists are down at Mullingar hospital, there’s a new outpatients department, and the MRI building has been delivered,” he said.

“You can also look to the grounds of St Finian’s College where there is a new school being built at the moment.

“There is also work ongoing at Mullingar Community College, Tyrrellspass NS, and Ballynacargy NS, to name a few.

“We have also made significant inroads in housing, so there’s a lot of good things happening under the government in this constituency.”

Deputy Troy would like to see the election take place before Christmas.

“It’s above my pay grade but I still maintain myself that it will be before Christmas, that’s when I’d like to see it, at least,” he said.

“We have four and a half years done, we’ll have brought in a fifth budget, and I think the weather might be a little bit better then for canvassing than in the new year.”

Cllr Aengus O’Rourke had initially thrown his hat in the ring to contest a seat for Fianna Fáil but pulled out after party HQ requested that only one candidate from each of Longford and Westmeath be put forward.

Deputy Joe Flaherty has been confirmed as the party’s pick in County Longford.