New Fine Gael candidate (32) says he will ‘work tirelessly’ for Wexford if elected this summer
ROBBIE Staples has been confirmed as a Fine Gael candidate in the Wexford Borough District for this summer’s local election, replacing outgoing councillor John Hegarty. Robbie (32) was officially selected to run for the party at its selection convention in the Talbot Hotel last week having been proposed by Frank Staples Jnr and seconded by former MEP and TD Avril Doyle.
The Curracloe native told delegates that if successful he would “work tirelessly to support infrastructural improvements and community developments in rural areas of the district while working to improve the main street in Wexford town”. Robbie also spoke passionately about “championing plans to make Wexford a more attractive place to live, work and do business”.
His proposer, and seconder highlighted his involvement in community and sporting organisations and Avril Doyle said she was “particularly pleased to see a young person going forward for election in the area”.
Deputy Paul Kehoe also addressed the convention and promised his full support to Staples who he said was an excellent candidate. “At a time when it’s difficult to attract people to politics, I’m delighted to see a young person of Robbie’s calibre putting himself forward,” said Deputy Kehoe.
There were words of support and praise for Robbie from three sitting councillors who were in attendance, Cathal Byrne, Bridin Murphy and Frank Staples with each of them pledging to support Robbie’s campaign, while Fine Gael county chairman Aaron Reville said he was “delighted to have such an excellent candidate standing for the party in Wexford and said the county executive would provide every support for Robbie’s campaign”.
John Hegarty, the outgoing councillor, could not attend the convention due to prior commitments with the Wexford senior football team. Nevertheless, Cllr Hegarty said he eagerly anticipates Robbie’s introduction, and hopes he will bring a “dynamic perspective and approach to local politics in Wexford”.