Patrick McKee confirms he will not run in Kilkenny in 2019 Local Elections

Local councillor Patrick McKee has confirmed he has not sought the Fianna Fail Party nomination and will not be seeking re-election to Kilkenny County Council in the 2019 Local Elections.

The 30-year-old told the Kilkenny People that it was a personal decision. He says while he will remain involved in the Party, he now intends to focus on his career in law, having qualified as an apprentice solicitor. He arrived at the decision following discussions with his family, supporters and colleagues.

"With the election coming up and nominations closing, I've had to make a decision," he said.

"An opportunity arose with a firm in Dublin, and I will be taking it up. I've recently turned 30 and have to make a personal decision on where I want to be in the coming years."

Cllr McKee was first elected to the Kilkenny City West area in the 2014 Local Elections. In his term, he served variously as Leas-Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council and Chairman of the Kilkenny Joint Policing Committee.

He left the Party in March 2015 to run as a candidate for Renua Ireland in the Carlow-Kilkenny By-Election. However, he was unsuccessful in this and the subsequent General Election. He applied to rejoin Fianna Fail in 2016.

Cllr McKee said he wished to thank the public and everyone who has given him support over the past few years, and wish all candidates well in the 2019 Local Elections.