Paul Hogan bidding to win Dáil seat for Independent Ireland in Longford/Westmeath constituency

Cllr Paul Hogan is to contest the Longford/Westmeath constituency for Independent Ireland in the upcoming General Election.

Hogan previously contested three General Elections (2007, 2011 & 2016) and a By Election (2014) as a Sinn Féin candidate but was unsuccessful.

He subsequently quit Sinn Féin in 2018 citing "an unrelenting bullying campaign" as one of the main factors behind his decision.

In the 2016 General Election, Hogan polled an impressive 5,270 first preferences or 9.54% of the vote and he narrowly missed out on the winning the 4th seat on offer, losing out 7,824 to 8,505 on the 15th and final count to Labour's Willie Penrose. Robert Troy (Fianna Fáil), Kevin 'Boxer' Moran (Independent) and Peter Burke (Fine Gael) were also elected eight years ago. 

Also read: Longford misses out on chance to elect two TDs as surge in Sinn Féin support takes 3,500 votes from county

Independent Ireland’s Leader Michael Collins TD endorsed Hogan’s candidacy, stating: “Paul Hogan has been a powerful voice for the Midlands for nearly two decades. His deep understanding of the issues facing Longford and Westmeath, combined with his proven leadership, makes him an excellent choice to represent the people in the Dáil. Paul is exactly the kind of representative Independent Ireland is proud to support. 

Also read: Fianna Fáil opt for two sitting Longford / Westmeath TD’s to contest general election

"I would urge the people of Longford Westmeath to support Paul's campaign, he is as dedicated and hardworking councillor and has been a huge asset to Independent Ireland in helping us to build our party, a vote for Paul is a vote for community first, common sense politics.”

First elected as a Sinn Féin councillor to Athlone Town Council in 2004 at just 21 years of age, Paul Hogan had the distinction of being the youngest Mayor of Athlone. 

Also read: Fine Gael determined to win two seats in Longford-Westmeath constituency

He holds a Master’s in Child and Youth Care, a First Class Honours Degree in Social Care, and a First Class Diploma in Community Development Practice from NUIG. In addition to his public service, Paul is also a Social Care lecturer at the Technological University of the Shannon.

“I am delighted to be selected by Independent Ireland to contest the constituency of Longford/Westmeath,” said Hogan.

Also read: Sinn Féin's Barry Campion says party can win two Dáil seats in Longford-Westmeath

He added, “Independent Ireland’s common-sense approach to politics is resonating with people. We offer a real alternative to the Government’s failed policies and their inability to listen to the people.”

Also read: Longford Independent councillor Gerry Warnock sets sights on winning Dáil seat

Hogan narrowly missed out on a Dáil seat in 2016, and he says he is more determined than ever to deliver real results for the people of Longford and Westmeath.

Hogan highlighted the lack of accountability and transparency in today’s government as key issues driving his candidacy. “There is a complete lack of accountability in the Dáil. Government decisions are having a detrimental impact on local communities, from housing crises to the rising cost of living. It’s time for change, and I am ready to lead that change.”

Also read: Louise Heavin to run as an independent in Longford Westmeath area

Hogan stressed the need for urgent action in healthcare, education, and public services. “Our health service is in chaos, waiting lists continue to grow, and vital services like CAMHS are woefully underfunded. We must do more for our nurses, doctors, teachers, and public servants."  

Longford Westmeath (five seats); Candidates (declared to-date)

Burke, Peter (Fine Gael)

Campion, Barry (Sinn Féin)

Carrigy, Micheál (Fine Gael)

Clarke, Sorca (Sinn Féin)

Flaherty, Joe (Fianna Fáil)

Heavin, Louise (Independent)

Hogan, Paul (Independent Ireland)

Moran, Kevin 'Boxer' (Independent) 

O'Neill, Laura (Aontú)

Troy, Robert (Fianna Fáil) 

Warnock, Gerry (Independent)

There were fifteen General Election candidates in Longford / Westmeath in 2020.