I have no doubt that he would have been elected as TD if he’d originally run as an Independent. He has genuine integrity, and I admire his honesty in saying that for the past year or so, he has, due to party loyalty, ‘defended the indefensible’. He can’t act according to his conscience while adhering to the policies of Fianna Fáil at the moment. Therefore he was left with no alternative.

Wicklow needs a Dáil representative who will act in a way which is in the country’s interests. I honestly believe that Joe Behan can fulfill that role, now that he is has become independent.