John Dolan wins Fine Gael convention

John Dolan has been selected by the South Westmeath branch of Fine Gael to replace Joe Whelan on Westmeath County Council. The selection convention was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone tonight and Cllr Dolan was selected over fellow candiates Michael Dolan and Lorcan Allen. Minister Fergus O'Dowd chaired the meeting, which was closed to Fine Gael members. Cllr Dolan previously sat on the council for almost two years after being selected at a co-option convention following Deputy Nicky McFadden's election to the Seanad, but he lost out at the last local elections despite polling well. However, at the last local election the number of seats in the Athlone Area of Westmeath County Council had been reduced from seven seats to six. The popular councillor was particularly active on community issues and is involved in a number of community organisations. Cllr Dolan's first formal engagement will be Westmeath County Council's September meeting on Monday.