PD Leader backs general election candidates

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Written by Emma Power

Wednesday, 07 February 2007

Progressive Democrats Leader Michael McDowell has given his backing to both of Galway's PD General Election candidates, saying he believes they will be elected to Dáil Éireann.

On his first visit to Galway as party leader, the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform was given a rapturous reception as the PDs celebrated the inception of the party 21 years ago at the newly opened Clayton Hotel in Ballybrit.

Sharing the stage with Galway West TD Noel Grealish, Galway East candidate Ciaran Cannon and former Minister for State and Galway West TD Bobby Malloy, the Tanáiste gave an impassioned speech praising the work of both candidates.

"Deputy Noel Grealish is a decent, honest and truthful deputy who sees a vision for Ireland and who knows what it means to service the community and the people of Galway West and I believe he will be returned to Dáil Eireann," he said.

He also praised the work Ciaran Cannon has done in the constituency of Galway East.

"Ciaran Cannon is a man motivated by all that is good in politics. Galway County needs two public representatives in government, who are motivated by the public's best interests and clear idealism for what is needed in this country," he said.

The Tánaiste said the PDs need to put forward a challenging agenda to make their presence felt in the upcoming election and have to confront the issues, which still cause concern within the electorate. He also said that despite opinion polls showing a lack of support for the PDs, walking down the streets of Galway City he was hugely encouraged by the men and women who patted him on the back and told him he was doing a good job as Minister.

On a night where the history of the PDs was celebrated, a lot was said about the very first meeting of the party 21 years ago in Leisureland. The work of Bobby Malloy, who was one of the founding members of the party at its inception, was also celebrated. Addressing the crowd Mr Malloy spoke of how much the PDs had achieved in his lifetime and how he hoped there are many more successful years to come.

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