More candidates join race in new Tipperary North/ Kilkenny Northwest area
Jackie Cahill’s decision not to seek re-election has shaken things up, with a sense that there may be an opportunity for a new face
At least eight candidates have now announced their intention to stand in the General Election in the new Tipperary North/Kilkenny Northwest area.
It’s a significant chunk of Kilkenny in this new area — encompassing the electoral divisions of Ballybeagh, Freshford, Rathealy, Tullaroan in the Rural District of Kilkenny and Baleen, Baunmore, Clomantagh, Galmoy, Glashare, Johnstown, Lisdowney, Tubbridbrittain, Urlingford in the Rural District of Urlingford.
There are a number of Kilkenny politicians within these areas but as of yet none have stated an intention to run in the General Election.
At the weekend, Fianna Fáil revealed it will run two candidates in the area. Both councillors Ryan O’Meara and Michael Smith were selected by the party following Deputy Jackie Cahill’s decision not to seek re-election. Cahill’s decision has shaken things up somewhat, with a sense that there may now be an opportunity for a new face.
Phyll Bugler has been declared for Fine Gael, Dan Harty will run for Sinn Fein, and Iva Pococke is the Green Party candidate.
Alan Kelly of the Labour Party will be aiming to hold on to his seat, as will Independent TD Michael Lowry (pictured left) who officially launched his campaign this week, while another Independent, Jim Ryan, is also on the campaign trail.