A dairy farmer in Portlaoise, Willie Aird is a veteran elected representative of 45 years, having been first elected to the old Portlaoise Town Commission in 1979 and then to the Council itself in 1985.

This is his first attempt on a national level and he is looking to hold the seat vacated by Charlie Flanagan.

All candidates were asked to address the same three items: how they came to be a candidate, what they would like to see achieved in the lifetime of the next Government and why someone should vote for them.