Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty this week lent his support to Damien Switzer and Caroline Kenneally, both first-time candidates in the local elections on June 7.

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The party’s Deputy Leader and spokesperson on Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform was in Killarney today

The candidates led Pearse on a whistle-stop tour of the town citing the issues facing Killarney.

The entourage's first port of call was the famous sports pub, Jimmy O'Brien's where the pub’s owner Alan Breen highlighted the various issues affecting the town's tourism offering.

Damien Switzer said; “A little football and a little politics were discussed with patrons. While there we weren't interested in photo opportunities or meeting with business leaders but instead opted to bring Pearse to meet real people with real issues. Small businesses are struggling and visitor numbers aren't what they once were.”

Though it was a day for politics, along the way Switzer mentioned the historical significance of some of the town’s older buildings.

However the main focus was on issues facing the people of Killarney.

“Killarney is resilient and will fight its way back to the top again,” said Switzer.

“We spoke to everyone, the postman, hoteliers, restaurant staff, barbers to our council workers. This is the only way to get a read on the local issues. Before Pearse departed the Kingdom, I insisted on getting commitments to change the VAT rates and other supports. We met plenty of well-wishers along the way, things are changing and we feel very optimistic about Killarney's future.”