‘An honour’: Kilkenny politician appointed to prestigious new role

Deputy Cleere was first elected to the Dáil in 2024

Published 10th Mar 2026, 16:30 BST Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Peter 'Chap' Cleere TD Deputy Cleere was first elected to the Dáil in 2024 Sign up to our Kilkenny Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kilkenny Live within your account.

The Taoiseach has appointed Carlow- Kilkenny TD Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere as Fianna Fáil spokesperson for Rural Affairs, in addition to his current role as the party’s spokesperson for agriculture.

Deputy Cleere thanked the Taoiseach for the opportunity, adding that he looks forward to playing his part in working towards delivering the Programme for Government commitments to revitalise rural Ireland.

“Coming from rural Skeoughvosteen in Kilkenny, the issues facing rural communities are very close to me, so it is an honour to take on the role of Fianna Fáil spokesperson for Rural Affairs,” he said.

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“Rural Ireland is the heart of our country, from our farms and small businesses to the communities that keep our towns and villages alive. My focus will be on supporting farmers, strengthening rural services and ensuring people can live and work in the communities they grew up in.”

“When rural Ireland does well the whole country does well. It is essential that rural Ireland remains at the forefront of national policy. My job will be to make sure rural voices are heard loudly in Dublin and that decisions taken in Leinster House work people on the ground,” Deputy Cleere concluded.

Related topics: Peter ’Chap’ Cleere Micheal Martin Fianna Fáil Kilkenny Skeoughvosteen Sign up to our Kilkenny Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kilkenny Live within your account.