“He has been the outstandingrepresentative from this constituency.”
John Halligan’s Dáil re-election campaign got an unexpected bonus this week when the TD’s candidacy was endorsed by the Tramore – Waterford City West poll-topper, Councillor Joe Conway. The Tramore-based representative, who unsuccessfully contested the General Election himself in 2011, has confirmed that he will be working “resolutely” to ensure that Waterford retains its Independent voice in the next Dáil.
“I have to admit that I had a degree of scepticism about Deputy Halligan back in 2011 when he went into the Dáil to represent Waterford, but – having watched his commitment, his diligence and his compassion over the last five years – I am bound to say that, for me, he has been the outstanding representative from this constituency. I really believe that his performance over the last five years has burnished the Independent brand in national and Waterford politics.”
Cllr Conway continued: “This is attested to by the figures – with the number of people voting ‘Independent’ in the local elections of last year showing an increase of nearly 50% since 2011. The fact that close to one in every three voted for Independents then is due in no small measure to Deputy Halligan’s work for everyday yet critical issues for ordinary people.
“Less and less now do I hear the refrain, ‘but sure what can Independents do?’ This is not just because so many people are so switched-off by the political parties, but has much more to do with good, hard-working and impartial representation by Independent deputies, senators and councillors spread throughout the State.”
The Tramore-based Councillor added: “I would have some issues where I would not see eye-to-eye with Deputy Halligan, but – as in all political decisions – you must appeal to the evidence. And the evidence I see is of a hard-working, approachable, compassionate and Independent public representative here among us – and I intend to do everything I can to ensure that Waterford retains this valuable resource in Dáil Éireann in the 32nd Dáil.”
Cllr Joe Conway
Deputy John Halligan
