In the 2016 General Election, we saw Tipperary reunited as a single constituency. While criticized by many, the move was part of a government decision to reduce the number of TD’s in Dáil Eireann. However, in reuniting Tipperary, a large section of North Tipperary was lost of Offaly.
Over 10,000 people from north Tipperary were forced to vote in the Offaly constituency at the election, a decision that they were not consulted on and which flies in the face of common sense. One must also remember, these people from north Tipperary are represented by county councillors from Tipperary County Council. The bizarre and perplexing scenario has caused unrest and upset.
So what areas should be back in Tipperary. Those locals in Redwood, Rathcabban, Lorrha West, Lorrha East, Riverstown, Carrig, Clohaskin, Aglishcloghane, Terryglass, Uskane, Ballingarry, Finnoe, Kilbarron, Mertonhall, Ballylusky, Cloghprior, Ardcrony, Knigh, Monsea, Ballygibbon, Ballymackey, Borrisokane, Cloughjordan and Graigue are part of a petition calling to be part of the Tipperary Constituency.
A local who signed the petition said; “We are calling on the Constituency Commission to reassign the areas of north Tipperary from the Offaly constituency back into Tipperary before the next General Election”.
Others stated:
“We know nobody from Offaly and they don’t care about Tipperary”
“It’s a disgrace that this ever happened. It should be changed back.”
“We now have same problem in Clonmel up to last election we could vote for Tipperary candidates now have to vote for Waterford I don’t know them or ever see them”
“Bring the people in Tipp back from Offaly – I know a lot of people who did not vote last time and won’t until they are returned.”
Speaking to Tipperary Times, Labour TD for Tipperary stated: “I launched the petition to get the county reunited. It’s crazy the way it is now. People in Ballycommon and Dromineer etc have to pass my office in Nenagh in order to meet a TD from their constituency. Nevertheless I do all the work for them and treat them the same as everyone else. However, is ridiculous that we have a United county council but yet there is a large part of Tipperary outside for Dail elections.”
You can sign the petition by clicking the link: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/calling-for-tipperary-to-be-reunited
