The seat had been long-held by Charlie Flanagan.
The Taoiseach is confident Fine Gael can retain its seat in Laois in the upcoming General Election.
The party's seat in the county had been held by former Justice Minister, Charlie Flanagan, for more than three decades, but he's announced the decision to step away from politics after this Dáil term.
Councillor Willie Aird was selected to contest the General Election for Fine Gael earlier this month.
And Taoiseach, Simon Harris, says he has full confidence in Mr. Aird's ability to retain that seat for the party:
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