Will Fianna Fáil by-election candidate accept challenge by Sinn Féin rival?

FIANNA FÁIL'S candidate for the Meath East by-election, Senator Thomas Byrne, has been challenged to a head to head public debate on issues affecting the people of the constituency by Sinn Féin candidate Darren O'Rourke.

O'Rourke pointed out that Senator Byrne was part of the Fianna Fáil government that left a legacy of economic disaster for the people of the state. He also said that despite claims by Fianna Fáil that they have an 'alternative vision' for the economy, people have yet to see it.

“If Thomas Byrne wants to represent the people of Meath East he should not be running away from these issues,” Darren O'Rourke said.

“Thomas Byrne was a TD when Fianna Fáil was in government. That party now claims to be against the very austerity measures they championed while in government.

"This constituency needs alternative representation with a vision for the future. The tired ideals of the Fianna Fáil old guard just won’t cut it.

"I am challenging Senator Byrne to a head to head debate on these issues and the future of this constituency.”

A date for the by-election has yet to be set by the Government but it must take place by June.