Westmeath and Roscommon politicians share views on next Dáil election
We asked some current and former elected representatives in the existing Longford/Westmeath and Roscommon/Galway constituencies whether or not they intend to run in the next general election. Here's what they told us.
LONGFORD -WESTMEATH
* Sorca Clarke, TD (SF): "Yes, it is my intention to run for re-election. The number of candidates Sinn Féin will run will be confirmed with consideration of the boundary review."
* Peter Burke, TD (FG): "I will run to retain my seat. I consider my role as a public representative a huge privilege which I do not take for granted.I also intend to make a submission to the Electoral Commission which will call for the re-unification of all of Westmeath into one constituency, ending the current situation where elements of Westmeath are included in Meath West."
* Robert Troy, TD (FF): "It's my full intention to seek re-election."
* Cllr Louise Heavin (Green Party): "I want to see a strong TD in Athlone and I would be putting my name forward, more than likely, on that basis. I think there's too much of a concentration of public representatives in the Mullingar area."
* Cllr Tom Farrell (FG): "The constituency revision report is due out in late 2023. That will decide the shape and numbers to represent Longford/Westmeath. If a vacancy arises, and if the party want me to put my name forward, then of course I will give it serious consideration."
* Cllr John Dolan (FG): "I am definitely running for the local elections, anyway. I won't rule out (a Dáil bid), but I wouldn't be putting money on me running!"
* Cllr Frankie Keena (FF): "I feel I deserve an opportunity to contest for a seat in the Dáil. As an elected public representative since 1996, I bring wide experience, honesty, and reliability to the table as strong attributes for such an honour. In saying that, I am a realist and fully understand that under the present constituency structure it would be very difficult for me to get on the Fianna Fáil ticket."
* Kevin 'Boxer' Moran (Ind): "I was involved in politics for the best part of 22 years, and if the election comes I'll let my name go forward."
* Cllr Vinny McCormack (FF): "I have no intention of putting my name forward for the general election. As Parliamentary Assistant to Deputy Robert Troy I am fully committed to this role, and to my duties as county councillor."
* Senator Micheàl Carrigy (FG): "Yes I will be putting my name forward for the general election."
* Gabrielle McFadden (FG): "I have no intention of seeking a nomination to run in the next general election."
ROSCOMMON - GALWAY
* Michael Fitzmaurice, TD (Ind): "I am talking to people at the moment about putting a rural party together. If that works out then I'll be running. If it doesn't, I won't be running."
* Claire Kerrane, TD (SF): "Yes, I intend to run in the next general election."
* Cllr John Naughten (FG): "There is a boundary review underway, and the constituency is unlikely to remain the same. I am focused on my work as a councillor in the Athlone Municipal District, and it is my intention to seek a nomination to contest the 2024 council election."
* Cllr Laurence Fallon (Ind): "Social media has made life difficult for many TDs and Senators. Whoever decides to run, it will be a brave decision on their part. It's not something that's on my radar at the minute."
* Cllr Tony Ward (Ind): "I won't be running in the general election. I'll continue my work as a councillor and will try to represent the people of South Roscommon to the best of my ability."
* Cllr John Keogh (FF): "My focus remains on performing my duties as a county councillor. The geographical composition of the constituency has yet to be determined. It would therefore be premature for me to be making any such decisions (about whether to seek a candidate nomination)."
* Cllr Emer Kelly (Ind): "I will be contesting the next local election in 2024. I have yet to make a decision as to whether I will be contesting the general election when it is called, but I am not ruling anything out yet."
* Cllr Orla Leyden (FF): "I have made no definitive decision yet."
* Senator Aisling Dolan (FG): "I intend to contest the next election."