Colin Dalton wins Fine Gael vote and is co-opted to Longford County Council to replace Senator Paraic Brady

Colin Dalton been selected by Fine Gael and co-opted to Longford County Council to replace Paraic Brady, who was elected as a senator to Seanad Éireann.

He secured the highest number of votes to defeat his two rivals Cian Brady and Kathleen McGahern at the party's packed selection convention in Colmcille Community Centre in Aughnacliffe tonight (Thursday).

About 220 Fine Gael members in the Granard Local Electoral Area were eligible to vote for the three candidates and the selection convention was chaired by Senator Gareth Scahill.

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Mr Dalton was proposed by Sean McKeon and seconded by Enda Dalton as he was confirmed as a candidate.

Mr Dalton was co-opted to Longford County Council in May, 2020 to replace Micheál Carrigy who was elected to the Seanad and he has over four years experience of being a public representative.

Cian Brady was proposed by Senator Paraic Brady and seconded by Councillor Gerry Hagan as his candidacy was officially confirmed.

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The 40 year-old, a younger brother of Senator Brady, is employed as an energy consultant and has his own business said there has been a positive reaction to his candidacy.

Kathleen McGahern was proposed by John McGuire and seconded by Mary Gettings as she was officially confirmed as a candidate.

She was a member of the Longford-Westmeath Education and Training Board, and former Secretary of the Community Employment scheme.

She has lived in Granard for 27 years and she works in the transport sector.

Local Fine Gael members warmly congratulated Mr Dalton following the announcement of the result.