Connell pulls out of by-election race and urges voters to back Morgan bid

Independent Longford Councillor Paul Connell has signalled his intention to pull out of the Longford-Westmeath by-election.

The dual mandate holder announced his decision to longfordleader.ie this lunchtime, citing work commitments as the main reason behind the move.

“With everything that is going on, I don’t feel I can give it the 100 per cent it deserves,” he said.

Earlier this week, the Leader was the first to reveal how both Cllr Connell and Longford businessman James Morgan were considering entering the race to fill the late Nicky McFadden’s seat on May 23.

While the latter has since confirmed his decision to run, Cllr Connell was said to be still weighing up the idea as late as Tuesday evening.

Now the Longford town Mayor has made his intentions known, he urged those who had been supporting his candidacy to row in behind Mr Morgan’s own campaign.

“There is never a better time than now,” said Cllr Connell in respect of the county’s chances in electing a locally based candidate.

“What I am asking for now is for people to back James Morgan and for all Independents (representatives and voting public) to do the same.”