Longford local election race hots up as Fine Gael stalwart gets set to bow out

The experienced and deeply respected local politician confirmed what many inside the party had already known in announcing he would not be standing for election at Monday night’s Longford selection convention.

In an uncontested political process inside the Longford Arms Hotel that saw councillors Peggy Nolan and Gerry Hagan endorsed before party delegates, all eyes were on arguably Fine Gael’s chief political strategist in the wake of his decision.

The wily former publican and accountant 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.”

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”.

Like her outgoing colleague, whom she described as a “personal friend” as well as trusted running mate, Cllr Nolan said she had thought long and hard about extending her 25 year long career in local politics.

“I was absolutely delighted to get on the ticket and continue to support the needs and wants of the people of Longford,” she said.

The sitting Longford Municipal District elected member told of how the one lingering concern which had given her pause for thought was the gruelling nature of a canvassing area that goes as far as the Leitrim border.

“The people of Longford will decide if I get re-elected or not,” she said.

“This is not about soundbites or anything like that, but I really consider the people of this town and county part of my extended family.

“When someone rings you with a need, like for a walk in shower, a home for a family who are over the €30,000 threshold, or a medical need, I take each of those very, very personally.”

Cllr Hagan was just as bullish, saying he was relishing the chance to stand in what will be his second election since being co-opted to replace former councillor John Duffy in 2018.

“I am looking forward with great enthusiasm to the local elections,” he added.

“I enjoy representing the people of the Longford Municipal Area and doing what all I can to make a better life for the people of county Longford.