Byelection: Big Phil still casts a shadow

Throughout the Carlow-Kilkenny byelection right now, there is a large shadow hanging over the race. So big it comes all the way from the Office of the EU Agriculture Commissioner in Brussels.

He may be gone, but Big Phil Hogan is still a major talking point in a constituency the former Fine Gael environment minister represented until his move to Europe last year.

Most candidates readily accept his Irish Water legacy will be a factor in Friday’s byelection, with five contenders in the 13-person race pledging to scrap the utility.