Longford Independent councillor Gerry Warnock announces intention to contest general election
'Having served the people of Longford at local level for the past thirteen years, I do feel that it would be a natural progression for me should I wish to remain in politics'
Sitting Longford County Council member Gerry Warnock has announced his intention to contest the next general election as an Independent candidate.
Just two months after revealing that he wouldn't be contesting the June 7 local election, 46-year-old Cllr Warnock took to social media today (Friday, April 26) to announce he is preparing for a bid to win a Dáil seat in the Longford / Westmeath constituency.
The four TDs in the constituency are Fine Gael Minister Peter Burke, Sinn Féin's Sorca Clarke, and Fianna Fáil duo Joe Flaherty and Robert Troy.
Both Cllr Warnock and Deputy Flaherty are based in Longford town and with Senator Micheál Carrigy also in the mix, there will be a considerable Longford interest in the general election battle.
Cllr Warnock posted on his Facebook page;
"After quite a bit of considered thinking, discussion and soul searching I can confirm that I intend to put myself forward as an Independent candidate in the next General Election.
"Since announcing earlier in the year that I will not be contesting the Local Elections in June, I have been absolutely humbled by the support and well wishes that I have received from the wider community and the encouragement that I have been getting from so many people to perhaps consider a tilt at the Dáil.
"Having served the people of Longford at local level for the past thirteen years, I do feel that it would be a natural progression for me should I wish to remain in politics.
"I feel that with my experience, my capacity for work and proven record to deliver for normal people and communities gives me the credibility to advance to the next level of politics.
"The political landscape is shifting like sand, and I do have legitimate concerns that because of government’s failure to listen to the people and represent their needs, that there is a lean towards a polarisation in Irish politics when we really need to be pulling towards the centre ground.
"My motivation during my political life has always been to conduct myself in a respectful and honourable manner and to strive to the absolute best of my ability to make things better for the people who have trusted me to represent them. I do not plan to change that.
"I believe that I do have the ability to represent my community at national level and I have the drive and intimate support of my family and friends to succeed.
"I will be dropping a series of posts over the next number of weeks and months, setting out my stall on a wide range of issues so you can get to know me and what I stand for.
"For now, I want to thank each and everyone of you for your support over the years, and I hope that I have earned that valued trust and that you might consider lending it again."