Cleere has been a councillor for ten years on Kilkenny County Council. He was the senior camogie manager for Carlow for a number of years, and is the current chairperson of Borris College.

I believe our communities deserve more. Having served as a councillor on Kilkenny Co for 10 years, I understand the issues and concerns of our communities, our families and our businesses. I have experience working with and for communities, families and businesses to deliver real and meaningful results. I believe our constituency deserves strong political representation at national level.

Housing is the biggest issue facing our country right now. Whilst progress has been made, more needs to be done. We need to increase the number of new private, affordable and social homes for people, young couples and families.

I would like my first speaking time in relation to rural and community. I want to talk about how our towns and villages need support with investment to enhance these areas as places to live. Also, to support farmers to produce good quality food and earn a worthwhile living into the future.