Ivor Callely, a former pharmaceutical salesman and TD for Dublin North Central since 1989, has proved an effective performer for Fianna Fail in a competitive constituency.
A former Charles Haughey supporter, he maintains a high profile, particularly with advertising on taxis during elections. In the 1997 election he topped the poll with 11,190 first preferences, more than 2,500 votes over the quota.
A councillor since 1985, in this year's local elections he garnered one of the highest personal votes in the State.
Seen as a friend of taxi drivers, Mr Callely led opposition to the introduction of 200 extra taxi plates for Dublin last year. But his views on asylum-seekers have brought the most attention:
"Rogue" asylum-seekers should be "kicked out". November 1997
"We must ensure that genuine refugees obtain appropriate support. However, it is unfair that large numbers of asylum-seekers - over 3,000 - who may not be genuine, and who are probably attracted to Ireland because of its welfare state, are enjoying its welfare provisions, including supplementary welfare benefits and medical cards." November 1997
They are "carrying on a culture that is not akin to Irish culture", such as the "bleeding of lambs in the back garden". On asylum- seekers, November 1997
"We should not be expected to finance non-deserving applicants who have no prospect or indeed right to be admitted to this country while genuine applicants experience unacceptable delays." July 1998.
There should be a review of procedures for "asylum-seekers and illegal immigrants who avail of supplementary welfare allowance scheme, rent allowance, B&B and hotel accommodation, exceptional needs payments, clothing and footwear allowances and other such payments". Callely motion to EHB, July 1998
"I am concerned about the block of people coming to Ireland to cash in on the benefits asylum-seekers are able to claim . . . Millions of pounds have been spent on asylum-seekers this year. To be misspending money on people who have no right to come and claim asylum in Ireland is wrong." Mr Callely last Thursday.