Long-standing Fianna Fáil deputy John McGuinness was first elected to Dáil Éireann in the Carlow Kilkenny constituency in 1997 and has been successful in all subsequent elections.

Outspoken and forthright, deputy McGuinness is never found wanting when to comes to calling out the establishment both within and outside his party.

The 69-year-old Kilkenny native, served as chair of the Public Accounts Committee from 2011 to 2016 and was a Minister of State from 2007 to 2009.

He first entered local politics in 1979 and was a subsequent mayor of the city from 1996 to 1997, becoming the third generation of his family to serve on this council.

He is married to Margaret and they have three sons and one daughter. John’s eldest son Andrew is a Fianna Fáil councillor on Kilkenny County Council and is the current mayor of Kilkenny City.

John’s brother Eugene, an Independent, is also a member of Kilkenny County Council and unsuccessfully contested this general election as an Independent.