Fianna Fáil had 'a stunning performance' in Kilkenny in local elections

Housing and the cost of living are two of the biggest issues facing voters according to Tanáiste, Micheál Martin.

The Fianna Fáil leader is in Kilkenny today to give a keynote speech at a pre-budget gala lunch at the Newpark Hotel.

“People will want to discuss the needs of Kilkenny and the future of Kilkenny in terms of housing, health, business, enterprise, agriculture and food production,” he said adding that food production is important in Kilkenny due to its strong farming and agricultural background.

The Tanáiste also said that the upcoming Budget will ‘help people to get through’ the cost of living crisis.

“Prices are at an elevated level due to the inflation of the past three years,” he said.

“We hope to reduce tax and the Universal Social Charge and also bring in a cost of living package.”

The Tanáiste is also confident that Kilkenny will poll well in the upcoming election

“We got 37% of the vote in the last general election. We had a very good local election result.”

“We had a stunning performance with 11 councillors elected. We are in a robust position,” he said adding that Councillor Peter Chap Cleere is ‘a strong candidate’ and that Deputy John McGuinness is ‘an outstanding TD’.