Cranford’s Aaron Sweeney gets the Fine Gael nod in Milford area

The Fine Gael party in the Milford area held their selection convention for this year's local election on Monday night in Logue's of Cranford with a very energetic and enthusiastic crowd in attendance on the night.

Cranford man and school teacher Aaron Sweeney was nominated by the party faithful on the night with the convention being uncontested. The party is hopeful that their approach with a single-candidate strategy will see them regain a seat in the Milford area after June’s election.

The event was chaired by Sligo-South Donegal TD, Frank Feighan who told members in attendance that it was great to see such a youthful and enthusiastic candidate selected.

Proposing Aaron Sweeney was former candidate Eimer Friel who in her address told the crowd that: ‘’Aaron is young and energetic, enthusiastic and passionate; passionate about what he believes in, what can help make people's lives easier and better and how to make this possible. And he's not afraid to tackle hard-hitting issues.’’

Seconding the nomination Milford-based local businessman Shane Mc Bride said:‘’As a young person in business, it is getting more and more obvious why we need a person such as Aaron in our local council to ensure businesses like our own family business can grow and thrive. Aaron can be described as dogmatic as he holds himself to a certain set of standards which is a great characteristic to have in the post he is looking to take up.’’

Following this, Aaron Sweeney took to the floor and began by thanking Shane and Eimer for their kind and encouraging words before going on to thank his family, friends and the Fine Gael family in attendance.

Addressing his supporters, Sweeney addressed the audience, expressing his backing for complete Mica Redress.

‘It’s essential to intensify our efforts for full Redress within Fine Gael here in Donegal, to ensure the top leaders in Dublin hear our message.’’ Sweeney also told the crowd about some of his ambitions for the area such as pushing for rate decreases for local businesses at budget time and pushing for funding increases for local sports teams.

In particular, he told the crowd how he wanted to see more funding made available to youth and ladies teams as well as more funding for smaller groups such as local walking and running clubs and golf societies as these groups help to improve the well-being of both young and old and create a sense of pride in the community.

“Folks the journey, my journey, our journey, to delivering a Fine Gael Councillor in the Milford area begins tonight,” he added. “Let me be the voice for the community, the voice for our young people, the voice for the back roads, our main roads and our local business and sports clubs. A voice for you. Enough of the same old names. Give Sweeney a chance.’’