Wicklow election candidate launches campaign as Fine Gael torch passed on
Peter Stapleton with his parents, Richard and Naomi Stapleton, at the launch of his local election campaign in the Courthouse Art Centre, Tinahely. Photo: Joe Byrne
Naomi Stapleton, Sean Kelly, Georgina Radic, Peter Stapleton and Richard Stapleton. Photo: Joe Byrne
Matthew and Diana Duffy with Peter Stapleton. Photo: Joe Byrne
Baltinglass Local Electoral Area candidate for Fine Gael, Peter Stapleton, recently launched his campaign to a packed house in the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely.
A Tinahely local, Mr Stapleton has strong ties to south and west Wicklow through his great grandfather John ‘The Boss’ Duffy, founder of Duffy’s of Hacketstown.
Treasurer of Tinahely GAA club and a midfielder for their Junior D, Junior B, and most recently Senior side, after a period working abroad, Mr Stapleton returned to run his family’s landscaping business, ‘Greenscene’.
The 27-year-old was joined on his campaign launch night by MEP Seán Kelly, retiring Councillor Vincent Blake and Béibhinn Byrne, who acted as master of ceremonies for the event.
Speaking at the campaign launch, Cllr Blake said: “I have been so impressed by Peter’s determination and efforts to meet people and really listen to them.
“As one chapter closes, another opens, and I am delighted to support Peter knowing the positive contribution he can make for all if elected.”
“Peter will represent rural Ireland, its farmers, its business, its community organisations, its people – vote Peter Stapleton No.1,” MEP Kelly added.
Reflecting on his campaign launch, Mr Stapleton said: “My promise to fight for vibrant main streets, support small businesses and agriculture and back common sense solutions to improve our area is resonating with the public.
“Many thanks to Cllr Vincent Blake and Seán Kelly MEP for their kind words. Both representatives have long supported stronger and more vibrant rural communities, and I’m honoured that they are supporting my campaign.
“There are so many thanks out there for the work you have done, and I think it is important that you and all of your family here tonight know that.”
Mr Stapleton has recently called out the Minister for the Environment, Eamon Ryan, for his “hypocrisy in granting exploration licences for lithium mining in Wicklow”, while making a “song and dance” on the banning of oil and gas exploration, while also calling for action to be taken on establishment of a community centre in the old bank building in Carnew on the back of direct feedback from constituents.
Concluding his address at his campaign launch, Mr Stapleton thanked his grandparents, Matt and Diana, for being there on the night and for everything his family did for the community through Duffy’s of Hacketstown – a business that stood at the heart of the area’s agri-business throughout the 20th century.
“I would be so proud to represent an area in which my family have deep roots and a historic legacy, bringing new energy and commitment to the future of south-west Wicklow,” Mr Stapleton said. “I am not in the business of making promises. But if elected, I will work tirelessly for our communities.
“I will never be afraid to speak loudly to represent our best interest, to get stuck in straight away and always have my constituent’s back. I’m not making promises. But I promise you that.”
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