Browne to step down as Fine Gael selects Nolan and Hagan to run in Longford in 2024 local election

The Longford Arms provided the setting as sitting councillors Peggy Nolan and Gerry Hagan were chosen as the party’s two candidates to stand when voters go to the polls next June.

But it was the departure of one of the party’s chief vote getters which was undeniably the chief talking point following last night’s selection convention.

Cllr Browne, who was co-opted onto the local authority in 2012, admitted he had been mulling over the idea of stepping down for some time.

“I got elected in 2014 when I topped the poll and got re-elected in 2019 comfortably,” he said.

“But there comes a time when you have to call a halt to things and that time is now.

“The canvass especially, you are talking about four hard months of work, maybe with a day off here and there, but it’s tough going.”

The former publican and accountant was, however, forthright in his desire to remain involved with the party going forward, most notably in the lead up to next June’s local elections.

Both Cllrs Nolan and Hagan paid tribute to their party colleague, with the former describing the experienced local politician as a “gentleman” and a “man of action”.

Party bosses are now expected to focus their efforts on seeking out a third candidate to replace the outgoing Cllr Browne on its Longford Municipal District ticket over the coming weeks.