Pictures: Here are the candidates seeking your vote in Kilkenny Local Electoral Area

Andrew McGuinness
Councillor Andrew McGuinness is an experienced public representative. He has served two terms as mayor and one as Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council. 

Cllr McGuinness is known for championing animal welfare issues, fighting for better facilities for young people and for not being afraid to stand up and speak out for communities, families and individuals that need support.

Cllr McGuinness was a driving force behind animal welfare by laws that have been introduced in Kilkenny in recent years and helped establish Kilkenny's Animal Welfare Committee, the first of its kind in the country.

As Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Andrew officially opened Kilkenny's Skate Park, a project he campaigned for since he was first elected. Having spent 10 years organising underage music events for teenagers, Andrew continues to pursue better facilities for young people and a thriving music scene for young people to be part of.

Housing, improved and increased bus routes, the upgrade of footpaths and the provision of speed control measures in our housing schemes and crime prevention are all high on Andrews agenda. He also feels strongly about the lack of public consultation regarding the housing of asylum seekers and has stated that Minister Roderic O’Gorman has ‘shown no regard for local communities that simply cannot accommodated such vast numbers of asylum seekers’.

He is the only election candidate with a constituency office open to the public six days a week that he operates with his father John McGuinness TD. 

“As anyone who has visited our office at O'Loughlin Road will know, I take my responsibilities as a public representative very seriously. I hold clinics every week and my mobile phone number is public property. I am there for anyone who needs advice or assistance,” he said.

“My promise to you is a simple and honest one - I will do my best for you, your family and Kilkenny. But to enable me to do that work, I do need your support on election day, so I am asking that you vote Number 1 Andrew McGuinness on June 7.