Buggy replaces Aird on Laois County Council

NEWLY elected Fine Gael TD Willie Aird has been replaced on Laois County Council by prominent farmer and community man Paddy Buggy, who was formally co-opted to the council this morning.

Having contested his first local election in 2004 and narrowly losing out on the last seat in 2024, Cllr Buggy has finally taken a well-earned place on the council “after 20 years of trying”.

His wife Zita, family members and supporters proudly gathered in the council chamber as the Kyletalesha resident was warmly welcomed by fellow councillors, who described his co-option as both well-deserved and well-earned.

In his maiden speech following a long political apprenticeship, Cllr Buggy said: “I am not Willie Aird. I have my own style, but hopefully I can achieve as much in my own way.” 

Manager of Mountmellick Development Association (MDA), Cllr Buggy is chairperson of Laois Public Participation Network (PPN) and has played a key role in local enterprise and many community organisations for decades, including the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).

Originally from the Shaen area, he is a past-pupil of The Heath NS and Portlaoise CBS and graduated with an electronics degree from the former Carlow RTC.

A past Fine Gael constituency chairman, he was selected unopposed at the party’s convention in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise on Sunday night and was proposed for co-option by Cllr Barry Walsh (FG), seconded by Cllr John King (FG), at the council’s final meeting of the year on Monday 16 December.

Cllr King pointed out that the MDA manager was no stranger to the local authority, as he had served on a variety of council committees and had worked tirelessly for Mountmellick. He said: “We are very lucky to have someone of the calibre of Paddy Buggy here. It is a proud day for you, your family and for the Mountmellick area.” 

The Rathdowney councillor’s comments were echoed by councillors from all parties and none, as Cllr Buggy took his seat in the chamber to sustained applause.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Pádraig Fleming (FF) said: “You are more than welcome and you have been around a long time knocking on the door. You are a very good community man and no doubt you will shine in your new role.” 

Cllr Fleming and fellow councillors also paid tribute to long-serving councillor and new TD Willie Aird, who was first elected to Portlaoise Town Commission on his 19th birthday in 1979 and topped the poll this year on his first general election outing.

During a brief but eloquent speech, Cllr Buggy joked: “I’d like to thank Willie Aird for getting elected and moving on! My family has put up with me losing elections for 20 years, so it is nice to have them here with me this morning.” 

On behalf of council management and staff, chief executive Michael Rainey congratulated the new councillor and assured him of their full support.

Cllr Buggy was famously defeated by just 11 votes in the 2009 local election by Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald (FF), after a marathon recount that lasted almost a week.

There was laughter in the council chamber following his co-option, when Cllr Fitzgerald said: “I would like to welcome Zita. Her family would always have supported me, but perhaps that will change now!”