Ryanair boss to launch Westmeath Minister's re-election campaign

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary will officially launch the general election campaign of Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke at an event in Clarke’s Bar, Mullingar on Saturday, November 9.

Minister Burke is aiming for a third consecutive term in the Dáil, where he has represented the Longford Westmeath constituency for Fine Gael since 2016.

“I’m looking forward to launching my third general election campaign, and I hope to see as many of you there as possible to help prepare for what will certainly be a busy number of weeks ahead,” he said.

“It’s been the honour of my life to serve the people of Longford Westmeath in the Dáil for the last nine years, especially since representing my community at cabinet since April. I am eager to build on the work I have done through another term in government.”

The Mullingar man said he would be knocking on as many doors as possible across the constituency in the run-up to the election, would listen to people’s concerns and ask for their first preference votes.

“I’ll also be highlighting my work via social media. I’ve always been an extremely proud Westmeath man; I think we have a lot to offer in this part of the world and I’m ambitious for our future.”

Minister Burke said his priorities include housing provision, quality jobs in Westmeath, supports for small businesses, resourcing for the local hospital and staff, cost of living, including childcare, education and supports for those with additional needs, “as well as advocating on behalf of the farming community”.

“There are many more issues I have been working on, and I am looking forward to engaging with people on the door, as well highlighting some ideas I have in the Fine Gael manifesto,” he said.