‘No place in Wexford’ for racist language – Byrne’s victory speech carries final swipe
AS he took to the podium to deliver his victory speech, having secured the Dáil seat on offer in the Wexford by-election, Fianna Fáil’s Malcolm Byrne referenced the level of controversy that surrounded the Wexford constituency.
Controversial comments made by Fine Gael’s Verona Murphy on asylum seekers resulted in the eyes of the country falling on the Wexford race and the absence of Ms Murphy from TV and radio debates in the wake of her apology seemed to dominate discussion for the rest of the candidates.
Having beaten second-placed George Lawlor by some 4,000 votes, with Murphy slipping to third place, Malcolm used his victory speech to have the final word on the Fine Gael candidate’s controversial remarks.
‘There was some controversy during the course of this election,’ he said.
‘Our campaign was always going to be a constructive and positive campaign that was focused on the real issues in county Wexford. The one comment that I will make is that racism and the language of hate and division has no place in Wexford politics. Wexford is better than that and Ireland is better than that.’
This received a massive round of applause from the crowd that had stayed the distance in the count centre, which ironically coincided with Ms Murphy’s arrival to the side of the stage.
The newly elected TD also commented on the low turnout this time out, just 35.1% of voters attending the polling stations in Wexford, which was the highest percentage of all four by-elections taking place nationwide.
‘Democracy is a very fragile and important thing,’ he said. ‘To those who did not vote yesterday, I’d encourage you in future elections to please consider turning out.’
The Gorey man was quick to thank his family and all those who had supported him in the local elections, European elections and the by-election in recent months. He also paid tribute to his fellow candidates, saying ‘it takes courage to put your name on a ballot paper’.
‘I’m very happy to be standing her alongside my good friend and colleague George Lawlor,’ he said turning to the side of the stage. ‘You had me worried for quite a while, but that’s what democracy is about. It’s about a healthy exchange of ideas.’
The Gorey man noted that he would be taking his seat for ‘six months at most’ but said ‘I’m quite confident that I will continue to work, as I have done with my county council colleagues, to try to deliver for this county.’
Malcolm used the platform to pay tribute to the late Noel Whelan. ‘I can imagine that Noel is up tallying in the sky even as we speak and commenting on the results here in Wexford tonight,’ he said. He also paid tribute to the late teacher Kevin Swords who played a big role in encouraging him.
Runner up George Lawlor seemed optimistic in his words, stating that the ‘Labour Party flag is well and truly alive here in the constituency of Wexford’, and paying tribute to his hard-working team.
Meanwhile Verona Murphy made a brief speech as third past the post, saying: ‘I’ve learned a lot through the campaign and I’ ll be putting it to good use for the next general election in May.’ She thanked the ‘Fine Gael family’ for their support throughout the campaign and said she will continue to take up the issues that she’s heard on the doorsteps until the general election is called.