Longford candidates Flaherty and Brady optimistic about their Seanad election chances

Two county Longford politicians have been nominated to contest the upcoming Seanad elections and they are both hopeful of being successful.

Fianna Fáil Senator Joe Flaherty and Fine Gael Councillor Paraic Brady are canvassing and travelling the country as they seek support from local authority members and TDs.

In December, Senator Flaherty was one of Taoiseach Simon Harris' nominees to the Seanad until the Seanad election takes place at the end of this month.

The Seanad has 60 senators, 11 are nominated by the Taoiseach, while six are elected by university graduates from Trinity College and National University of Ireland (NUI) and 43 are elected from across five ‘vocational panels’.

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The five vocational panels consist of Agricultural Panel (11 senators), Labour Panel (11 senators), Industrial and Commercial Panel (nine senators), Administrative Panel (seven senators) and Cultural and Educational Panel (five senators).

Senator Flaherty is seeking a seat on what he describes as the 'competitive' Cultural and Educational panel and he insists it is very important for Longford to have strong Oireachtas representation.

"I'm very conscious there is a challenge, notwithstanding the successes and achievements of the last government, and it's critical that we use the momentum that we have established," he said. "The only difference with the Seanad and the Dáil really is in the title, you have the same access in terms of ministers and Government leaders and that is why I'm eager to continue to press the case for Longford."

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The former TD said he is 'heartened' by the response he is getting.

Meanwhile, long-serving Drumlish based Councillor Paraic Brady was nomination by the National Regional Games Council of Ireland.

The farmer and married father of three is chairperson of Drumlish Gun Club.

"I put my name forward and I was privileged I was picked in a process that was very competitive," he said. "I'm honoured to get the nomination.”

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The Fine Gael politician said he is the only active farmer seeking a Seanad seat and he is getting a positive response.

Cllr Brady said he understands the challenges he can be a strong voice for farmers in the west, Midlands and three Ulster counties when it comes to the Mercosur trade deal and other pressing issues.

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"I've been a member of the executive of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association and I've lobbied on behalf of farming groups," he added.

He has also been involved with AILG - Association of Irish Local Government -for 10 years.