Councillor loses out in hotly contested FG Limerick convention
FINE GAEL have been fast out the blocks by holding three selection conventions in Limerick for the 2024 local elections.
The most recent and hotly contested was Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal District on Monday night in Bulgaden Castle.
A crowd of around 250 attended to select three candidates from the five who put their names forward - sitting councillors Mayor Gerald Mitchell and John Egan - Noreen Stokes, Pallasgreen, Greg Conway, Kilmallock and Tommy O’Sullivan, Kilfinane. Ms Stokes and Mr Conway narrowly missed out in the 2019 local elections.
Ms Stokes topped the poll on Monday night, followed by Mr Conway, Mr O’Sullivan, Mayor Mitchell and Cllr Egan. However, Mayor Mitchell later overtook Mr O’Sullivan on transfers and joined Ms Stokes and Mr Conway on the Fine Gael ticket in Cappamore-Kilmallock for 2024.
However, Fine Gael ran four councillors in the municipal district in 2019 and the Leader understands it is likely that John Egan, as a sitting councillor, will be added in time.
Mr O'Sullivan thanked his supporters and wished those chosen the best of luck.
The picture was much clearer in west Limerick as there were no contests in Newcastle West or Adare-Rathkeale. The three sitting councillors in Newcastle West - John Sheahan, Tom Ruddle and Liam Galvin - will all run again.
Fine Gael did run four in 2019 but as Jerome Scanlan has left the party and is now an Independent it is unlikely they will add four as Cllr Scanlan will likely hoover up some FG votes.
Cllr Adam Teskey and Cllr Stephen Keary will run again in Adare-Rathkeale but they will have a new running mate in Cllr Michael Sheahan. The Askeaton native has switched from the city to his homeplace.
Fine Gael party leader in the council, Cllr John Sheahan said their councillors are working hard on the ground and “we hope they will be returned”.
“The issue that I have is we are losing the communication battle in relation to the good that this government is doing. While everything is not perfect a lot of good is being done and we need to change the narrative out there and especially between 18 and 35-year-olds,” said Cllr Sheahan.
Other parties' conventions will be held in the coming months.