Daly urges everyone to vote

Regardless of how we complain about our politicians both nationally and locally it is important to remember that they are the people who were chosen by the people for those positions according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael
“The Government of the country is the choice of the people and democracy ensures that people get what they vote for.
To those of us who put our names forward for public office it is quite daunting to know that the government of this country is totally in the hands of the people and despite our personal wish to serve, the electorate decide.” Said Cllr Daly
“Not bothering to vote does not register as a protest but instead allows others to speak on your behalf. A most basic right which people have is the right to elect their own government and it is a right for which nations throughout the world have fought to achieve.
At this stage everyone should check to see if they have a vote in the coming election by logging on to www.checktheregister.ie of calling to any local Garda Station of post office where a Register of Electors is available to view. If you are not registered or have moved home you can still register to be put on the Supplementary register up until 18th May by filling out the appropriate form.
The local and national government of this country is your choice, Use it”. Concluded Cllr Daly

RAPID Chairperson welcomes new Primary Care Team in Athy

Chairperson of Athy RAPID, Cllr Richard Daly described “as a major step forward in local health care for the region” the launch of the Athy Primary Health Care Team in Athy this week.

“The new strategy does not rely on any extra resources but uses the existing resources in a more efficient and localised way. It combines the expertise of the local GPs, nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists working in partnership to provide a high standard of excellence to the Athy hinterland

Athy is lucky to be one of the first areas to have this service rolled and as a RAPID town I am delighted that we have been selected and I congratulate all the health professionals who have cooperated together to better meet the needs of the local population.

Developing Primary Care means that some of the pressure can be taken away from our acute hospitals with patients accessing the services of Physiotherapists and Occupational therapists in their local communities.

In many areas of service good communication and cooperation can provide a better service to the end user without developing a new layer of administration. Perhaps this strategy used in the health service could be mirrored in some of our other services.”

“This is a good day for Athy” concluded Cllr Daly

Savage Budget will hit Kildare people hard

Instead of stimulating economic activity Minister Lenihan used his latest budget to extort more money from the ordinary worker according to Fine Gael’s Cllr. Richard Daly.

“This budget was heralded as the delivery of a plan for economic recovery but instead Minister Lenihan looked around for any opportunity to increase tax, reduce welfare and destroy the quality of life of the middle income earner.

Once more the Kildare taxpayer is paying for the mistakes of government. The banks bailed out the builders. The government bailed out the banks and now the taxpayer is left to bail out the government.

The Minister claimed that this budget would above all else be fair. It is not fair that the same people are once more the main target of this budget with the majority of the money being again extorted from the PAYE sector with the average family paying in excess of €2,500 extra in taxes.

There is no incentive for the worker and no confidence restored in our ability to weather this storm. Kildare taxpayers are instead left angry at the repeated assault on the same group of people.

So many of our retailers looked to this budget as an opportunity to correct the VAT imbalance which sent our shoppers flocking over the border for reduced prices. This redress was not made.

To prevent dissention among the ranks Taoiseach Cowan called for Junior Minister resignations before the Budget announcement. This meant that all who wished to be considered for reappointment would have to express their support for this attack on the worker.”

“Minister Lenihan even stooped so low as to remove the social welfare Chrismas bonus making sure that the most vulnerable in our society are treated with the same contempt as the rest of society.” Concluded Cllr Daly

Daly launches his Council Campaign

At a crowded function in the Clanard Court hotel, Athy Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael launched his campaign for a County Council seat in the forthcoming local elections.
Officially launching Richard, Deputy Phil Hogan, spokesperson on Environment, Heritage and Local Government paid tribute to Cllr Daly’s contribution to politics and his community to date. He recalled how he and Richard had served on the Young Fine Gael executive together in the 80’s and how well Cllr Daly had represented the party in the General Election in 2007.
Guests at the function included MEP Mairead McGuinness and Senator John Paul Phelan who also addressed the gathering of friends and supporters.
“Athy can be very proud of the calibre of a candidate like Richard” said Mairead who also thanked him for his assistance in her last successful campaign for Europe.
Sen John Paul Phelan paid tribute to the community aspect of the launch which broke from the familiar tradition and showcased local artists particularly The Sullivan Brothers and the Ath-Í dancing group.
Cllr Daly addressed the audience by telling them that despite the economic downturn the Athy district had enviable potential waiting to be unleashed. He outlined some of the issues which he had strongly campaigned for and vowed to continue campaigning on behalf of the community.
“ We have resources, we have talent and we must not be afraid of the future if we work together” was the message which he delivered to the assembled. “We need local leadership to tackle the issues which can develop our community. We have road and infrastructural issues and we have immense untapped potential with a river and a canal meeting in the town. Athy can lead the way in its own economic recovery if we have good local representation and leadership. One way or another I will be working for my community over the coming years and how loud a voice I have depends on the support of the electorate”
Messages of support from many political colleagues were read by MC for the afternoon Gerry Fogarty and included one from Party Leader Enda Kenny.
Sun 5th April is exactly two months from election day of 5th June and over these two months Cllr Daly will be canvassing his constituency which stretches from Kilcullen to Athy and includes Castledermot, Ballymore Eustace, Kilberry, Moone, Ballyshannon, Nurney and many more area.
Cllr Daly is joined on the ticket by Cllr Billy Hillis and Martin Heydon who were also at the function in the Clanard Court.
Other Guests at Cllr Daly’s launch included Cllr Sean Cunnane and Cllr Mary O’Sullivan from Athy Town Council former councillor Reg Lalor and Cllr James Daly from Laois County Council
Richard Daly can be contacted on 087 6248886 or info@rdaly.net