Alan Kelly announces plans to contest Tipperary election

Tipperary Labour TD, Deputy Alan Kelly, has confirmed he intends to put his name forward for the fourth time and attempt to keep his seat in the next General Election.

The Portroe native and former Leader of the Labour Party has seen his party enjoy a good result in the local elections earlier this year and said he is ‘"delighted" to put his name forward as the Labour candidate in the forthcoming general election.

Against the backdrop of ongoing speculation about the date of the election, the Tipperary TD said he does so with the support of family, friends, Labour colleagues, local supporters and neighbours.

"I believe I have always delivered a good service to my constituents, representing them well and fighting for their needs. I also have fought at national level all my career for progressive societal changes. 

"I aim to continue to do this work if I’m honoured to be chosen again by the people of North Tipperary. I can assure everyone that I will campaign in this election harder than I have ever campaigned before", he said on Tuesday announcing his candidacy.

The 49 year old former party leader said his party "is a party of government" and that he has "always believed that". 

"We should aim to go into government whenever we can. I believe that after the next election we will have enough seats to do just that and I aim to be part of that government. 

"We always took our place in governments when the country needed to be rescued economically. Now when the coffers are full it is time for us to ensure it is spent wisely and where it is needed. There is so much work to be done and projects to be supported across North Tipperary", he said.

"I believe I am best placed of any candidate to get to the cabinet table and deliver again for the people of North Tipperary and that’s why I would ask for the support of the people when it comes to casting their votes.

Politics is an intense occupation and as many know my parents have been quite unwell over the last few years so it is only with the support of my wonderful wife Regina, my children, Aoibhe and Senan, and my wider family that I can continuously do this job and put my name forward again this time so I thank them from the bottom of my heart", Deputy Kelly said.