Minister Simon Harris was in attendance at Dick Dunne’s Lounge, Stradbally, on Saturday last, to launch the election campaign of Vivienne Phelan.
Phelan is a Local Election candidate for Fine Gael in the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Local Electoral Area.
Speaking to a packed audience, Minister Harris spoke with a glowing reference for his party colleague.
Minister Harris said: “I travel all around the country, we have almost 350 local election candidates running for Fine Gael right across Ireland and I can tell you, hand on heart, the calibre of Vivienne Phelan is amongst the very best we have in the country.
“We are all here tonight because we are friends of, or colleagues of, or neighbours of, Vivienne Phelan.
“We all know her to a long time, we know her to be a tireless worker for her community, we know her to be an extremely determined, passionate and committed person.
“Vivienne cares about her community, she wants to serve her community, she loves this area and she wants to make a difference.
Deputy Charlie Flanagan spoke by video link while visiting Ukraine on the 2nd Anniversary of the Russian Invasion.
He said: “I have known Vivienne Phelan for many years and I know her commitment, I know her dedication, I know her energy and I know that Vivienne will be an excellent member of Laois County Council.”
The event was also addressed by former MEP Charles McDonald, former Minister Andrew Doyle, Dr. Ahmad Jamal Member of Fine Gael Executive Council and Cllr John King.
Laois Fine Gael Constituency Chairperson, Victor Hendy, was also in attendance, as were a large number of Young Fine Gael members and Fine Gael members from the constituency of Laois.
Vivienne Phelan then addressed the meeting and spoke about her experience of growing up in a family business.
She said: “Growing up in a family business, I learned the meaning of hard work and commitment, of long hours, of sacrifice, of self-belief and the importance of working well with others, I learned the importance of helping people, of being available and serving others.
“This is the approach I intend to take every day as a member of Laois County Council.
“I love my community, While many young people, my friends included, have decided to build lives for themselves abroad, I am firmly embedded here, in this community, balancing working and living. I want to see this area maximising its potential.
“I want this area to be the best it can be. Rural life brings with it many challenges, but also a range of opportunities, yet to be explored.”
Phelan outlined some of her priorities. She said: “My priorities include provision of quality social and affordable housing locally, support for our many local voluntary organisations and sports clubs, improved community facilities especially for young people, for families and for people with disabilities.
“In addition, I want to be a much needed voice for the local business community.”
Following the speeches, Minister Harris was presented with a hamper, by Candidate Vivienne Phelan, of local Laois Taste products, including porridge oats from The Merry Mill Vicarstown, beer from Ballykilcavan Brewery Stradbally, and gourmet chilli sauce from O’ Mimo’s, Portarlington.
SEE ALSO – Check out all our coverage of the LaoisToday Schools QuizCast here
