Former Longford Fianna Fáil activist Niall Dowler to run as an Independent in local elections
' I am 100% committed to running as an Independent candidate and I do believe I am best placed to serve the people of Ballymahon and surrounding areas'
As the race for seats on Longford County Council heats up, it has emerged that voters in the Ballymahon electoral area will have another independent candidate to choose from come June 7.
Former Fianna Fáil member, Niall Dowler, said “the trajectory the party is on nationally is certainly not conducive or representative of my core values.”
Late last year it was speculated that outgoing councillors, Pat O’Toole and Mick Cahill, could be joined on the FF ticket by a third running mate in the guise of the secondary school teacher. However the party opted for former Longford footballer and well known Lanesboro businessman, Sean Mimnagh.
“It is true that I went before the convention and was unsuccessful, but the events that then followed with the selection of other candidates that were not (previously) even members of the party did strike me as strange to say the least,” claimed Mr Dowler.
Having signalled his intentions to put himself forward as an Independent candidate he said he hopes for a chance to represent the town of Ballymahon and surrounding areas. “Ballymahon needs a number of key issues addressed, most notably the current streetscape as it is in terrible condition.”
Identifying public lighting along canal walkways, and the relocation of the existing playground as priorities, the election hopeful says he has a strong grasp of what the local electorate want.
“I have been approached over and over again in recent weeks in relation to this election and repeatedly asked if I were going to run,” he said in the statement, “I did not really give a definitive answer but today I can wholeheartedly say that I am 100% committed to running as an Independent candidate and I do believe I am best placed to serve the people of Ballymahon and surrounding areas.”
He believes his familiarity with local government is important: “I have a healthy working relationship with Longford County Council both professionally as a Building Surveyor and in tandem with different voluntary organisations most notably Ballymahon Town Team.”
Mr Dowler said he occupies a position that should make him a good candidate: “With my background as a secondary school teacher and building surveyor I am acutely aware of the problems that people face on a daily basis and I have my finger on the pulse in relation to the needs of our community and young people.”
He feels the party missed out by not selecting him as a candidate. “Being the youngest local member at 32 years of age says it all really about lack of future proofing or vision for down the line.”
Mr Dowler said he will be on the hustings right up to the date of the election on Friday, June 7. “I am passionate about community development and I think my track record will speak for itself with my involvement in various voluntary community organisations to date.”