Ireland's newest political party announces first Laois candidate
Timahoe man to run in Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District
Timahoe shopkeeper and farmer Patsy Fennell is Independent Ireland's first political candidate in Laois where he aims to win a seat on Laois County Council in June's local elections.
A statement announcing his candidature in the Graiguecullen / Portarlington Municipal District said Mr Fennell is a dedicated member of the Timahoe community and a passionate smallholding farmer.
It said that he aims to bring a fresh perspective and effective leadership to his local council with a commitment to preserving the vitality of rural communities and advocating for their fair representation.
It said Mr Fennell successfully ran a pest control business for 20 years before selling his business to acquire a local shop in the village of Timahoe.
The statement said that he was motivated to keep it open for the benefit of Timahoe and the surrounding areas because he understood the pivotal role of the shop as a community hub.
"The shop is more than just a business; it's the heart of our community," said the candidate.
"Myself and my wife Eileen are passionate about maintaining its role as a gathering place for locals, where friendships are formed, and community bonds are strengthened," he said
The statement said Mr Fennell is deeply involved in agriculture, operating a smallholding farm in the area with his wife Eileen. Concerned about the lack of resources and representation for rural communities in Timahoe and surrounding areas, the statement said Mr Fennell is determined to stand up for his fellow residents and secure the funding needed to support local initiatives and infrastructure projects.
"I believe that rural communities deserve a fairer deal and stronger representation in local and national government," affirms. "Independent Ireland offers real common-sense solutions that prioritize the needs of our people and our communities. I am proud to stand with them in this election," he said.
Pictured: Michael Fitzmaurice TD.
Dep Fitzmaurice gave his full backing to Mr Fennell, who will be aiming to win one of six seats in the district which borders Offaly, Kildare, Carlow and Kilkenny.
"Patsy epitomises what it means to be a dedicated member of a small rural community in Ireland," stated TD Fitzmaurice.
"His shop serves as a vital hub for community activities, and his experience as a farmer gives him unique insight into the challenges facing our agricultural sector. I am delighted that Patsy has chosen to run for Independent Ireland, and I urge the people of Timahoe and the surrounding areas to rally behind him and give him their full support."
Independent Ireland says its goal is to deliver real change for the people of Ireland.
The sitting councillors in the district are Cllr Paschal McEvoy, FF, Cllr Padraig Fleming, FF, Cllr Aidan Mullins, SF, Cllr PJ Kelly, Ind, Cllr Aisling Moran, non-party, Cllr Ben Brennan, non-party.