Burke added to Fine Gael ticket in Longford-Westmeath

Fine Gael have added Westmeath County Councillor Peter Burke to the party ticket in the Longford-Westmeath constituency for the upcoming General Election.

Cllr Burke, who secured 6,629 first preferences at the last General Election, narrowly lost out to Deputy James Bannon at the party’s convention for the constituency, which was held at the Mullingar Park Hotel in June. The meeting also saw Deputy Gabrielle McFadden being automatically selected to comply with gender quota requirements.

“Firstly, I’d like to thank the party organisation who put in a huge effort; members in Longford, along with Longford councillors, sent unanimous correspondences of support to the party secretary to secure my nomination,” Cllr Burke told the Longford Leader.

“The campaign starts immediately; it’s a huge constituency with a lot of challenges.”

Cllr Burke added that he hopes his professional experience will stand to him if he is successfully elected. “I’ve been a chartered accountant for 11 years and I have a clear insight into the problems businesses are facing in the constituency,” he said.

The newly-selected candidate also emphasised the importance his party is placing on returning two TDs in Longford-Westmeath: “A very clear benchmark has been set. Fine Gael have to deliver two TDs in Longford-Westmeath if we want to lead the next Government.”