Homeless man and business woman question Taoiseach in Athlone

Taoiseach Enda Kenny paid a last-minute visit to Athlone this lunchtime in what’s believed to be his final canvas ahead of Friday’s general election vote.

Kenny, accompanied by Fine Gael candidate Gabrielle McFadden, made a whistle-stop tour through the centre of the town before lunching in a local restaurant.

For the national broadcast media, who were in attendance, it was the final election event prior to the moratorium on broadcast coverage which kicked in at 2pm.

During his walkabout through Church Street, Kenny and the entourage were approached by a homeless man who outlined his personal circumstances to the Taoiseach.

The local man, David Murphy, later told the Westmeath Independent, that he was homeless for over six years and spent most of that time sleeping rough in and around Athlone town centre.

He said he had not received a single night’s help or accommodation from Westmeath County Council. “I feel left out and pushed aside,” he said.

When asked about the Taoiseach’s response to his questions, the man said he was advised to contact Gabrielle McFadden’s office.

Mr Murphy also said he advised the Taoiseach that the country should work to local after their own homeless before they deal with other country’s problems. He stressed that he welcomed refugees to the country.

A local business woman Joan Higgins from Jezebelle Boutique asked the Taoiseach to address the issue of 23% VAT on clothing.

The Taoiseach indicated that it was not an easy issue, but stressed that Fine Gael wanted to eliminate the USC and put more money back into people’s pockets.

The Taoiseach also visited Dunnes Stores, Athlone Crystal, the 3 store at Athlone Town Centre, Andrea Duncan Photography, the Office Centre and The Fatted Calf, among other businesses, during his visit.