As was expected, Fianna Fáil have confirmed they will run two candidates in the Athlone Municipal District in next year’s local elections following the party’s convention, held in the Hodson Bay Hotel on Monday evening.
Athleague native, James Murray, will join outgoing councillor John Keogh as the party’s candidates.
Monday’s convention was chaired by Senator Eugene Murphy and attended by Senator Lisa Chambers, Constituency Chairperson Padraig Burke and south Roscommon Chairperson Malachy Hand.
Senator Murphy described Cllr. Keogh as a “trusted and able representative, who has built a rock-solid base in south Roscommon”.
He added that James Murray was “a young man with a bright political future” and that he was “steeped in Fianna Fáil politics”.
The Fianna Fáil Senator described Mr Murray’s late father and former councillor Anthony, as “an astute and principled man” and reserved a special welcome to the convention for his mother, Evelyn.
Later, Senator Murphy told delegates that they could “be very proud of Fianna Fáil’s policies” when it came to County Roscommon while Cllr. Keogh also echoed these sentiments.
Senator Chambers congratulated both candidates on their nominations and told delegates that she had no interest in seeking the nomination to run for European Parliament.
Padraig Burke complimented both candidates and said a “team effort would almost certainly gain a seat” for the party in south Roscommon.
Malachy Hand also wished both candidates well and said he was confident the party “could take two from two”.
A number of speakers wished Malachy Hand well and indicated they were regretful that he decided not to stand on this occasion, having opted against running earlier this month.
