Monksland's Ernie Draper to contest Roscommon County Council vacancy

Monksland resident Ernie Draper will contest the vacant seat on Roscommon County Council, a decision on which will be made at a plenary meeting of the local authority on Monday, May 26.

Draper is one of four candidates seeking to be co-opted on to the council following the untimely passing of Ballintubber Councillor Anthony Waldron in February.

Ballintubber's Michael Holland Senior and Gail Murray, as well as Donamon's Mairead Kenny will also contest for the seat, representing the Roscommon Electoral Area, with the 17 sitting councillors picking the successful candidate.

Having resided in Monksland since 2007, this is the Independent candidate's first tilt at local politics.

"I originally considered putting my name forward as an Independent candidate in the May 2024 local elections but unfortunately the timing was not right. However, when I saw that there was a vacancy on Roscommon County Council I could not let the opportunity pass me by on this occasion and have put my name forward," Draper said.

Draper hopes that with two candidates from Ballintubber contesting for the seat it may cause a divide in his favour.

"This is about serving the people of Roscommon, not just Ballintubber. I'm of the view that you can do so much good for your community when you are part of a council. I have a great work ethic and I want to show the community what I can achieve on their behalf if I am elected," Draper said.

Draper penned a letter to the sitting councillors following his decision to contest the vacant seat, the Dublin native stating that he had moved to Monksland 18 years previously and "built a life" for his wife Jessica and two children, Matthew and Jodie.

Draper, who works in the security and investigations industry, called on the sitting councillors for their support emphasising his willingness to "work constructively" with all members "regardless of party affiliation" for the "good people of Roscommon".