Kelly chosen as Fine Gael candidate in South Roscommon

Ballyforan"s Dermot Kelly has been selected as the third Fine Gael candidate to contest the local authority elections in South Roscommon next year. A farmer who is married to Anne Marie and has five children, Mr Kelly defeated Kiltoom"s Philip O"Brien at last Sunday"s Fine Gael selection convention in Dysart. He joins sitting county councillors John Naughten from Drum and Ollie Moore from Taughmaconnell on the party"s ticket, after the selection of both councillors was also ratified at last weekend"s convention. In accordance with Fine Gael policy, the vote tallies from the convention were not made public. Speaking to the Westmeath Independent in the aftermath of the convention, Mr Kelly stated that he felt he had done the necessary groundwork in advance of Sunday"s vote but that 'it"s always an anxious moment before it"s announced officially.' He said he is now 'confident without being cocky' that he can pick up a third seat for Fine Gael in the newly-expanded six-seat constituency, which has gained a seat since the last local authority election in 2004. Mr Kelly comes from a strong Fine Gael background, with involvement in the party on both his father and his mother"s side of the family. He always had an interest in politics but started to become a more active party member after Deputy Denis Naughten was elected to the Dail in 1997. Discussing the issues he will campaign on next year, he stated, 'I will be there to represent the people on all local issues. I have been involved with Macra Na Feirme and I will be representing the people on the ground, helping them if they have dealings with the council or applications for planning permission. 'Also, I"m married with a young family and I understand the concerns that people have in relation to issues such as class sizes in schools. While a councillor doesn"t make those decisions, they can lobby for change and work to make sure that people"s voices are heard,' he said. Pointing out that Fine Gael lost its campaign for a third seat by 10 votes in 2004, he feels the party is in a good position going into next year"s election. 'I"m in it to win, but I know I will have a monstrous task ahead. I have been involved with the party"s organisation and I know what it takes to win elections. So I"m hopeful, but I know the task that"s ahead of me,' he concluded.