People of Kilkenny - 'Níl siad sásta'

The debate surrounding the Boundary Commission’s recommendation to subsume parts of North-West Kilkenny into a new three-seater Tipperary North constituency shows no signs of abating with Kilkenny and Tipperary TDs having their say in the Dáil.

Klkenny TD and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcom Noonan, defended the proposed changes despite much local disapproval.

"For a hurling county like ours it is very difficult; I am sure it is difficult for the people of Urlingford and Freshford to deal with," he said, before claiming that the recommendations struck a 'good balance', stating, the changes will offer 'broader representation' that is 'more reflective of Irish society'.

Tipperary Independent TD Mattie McGrath labelled the change 'unusual', adding: "No one expected this or saw it coming.

"I can tell the House that regarding the people of Cill Chainnigh, níl siad sásta."

Kilkenny Fianna Fail TD, John McGuinness, called on politicians to 'challenge' and 'amend' the Boundary Commission’s report.

Deputy McGuinness said: "We should look at the commission’s report, and any report that comes before us, and not be afraid to amend it if it is in the interests of the people that we represent and in this case, if it is in the interests of democracy, because that is all we have."

The local representative went on to voice his disapproval of North-West Kilkenny being amalgamated into the new Tipperary North constituency. 

"I believe in the integrity of the county. It should be protected at all costs. It was a ridiculous decision and one that the House should not feel obliged to adopt," Mr McGuinness said.