Flashback to the Fine Gael convention in Athlone before Christmas. Pictured from left to right is Cllr Tom Farrell, Senator Aisling Dolan, Alan Shaw, Minister Peter Burke, Cllr John Dolan, Ruairi Keyes and Senator Michéal Carrigy.

Fine Gael set to add another candidate in Athlone area

Deirdre Verney

Published: Mon 29 Jan 2024, 3:42 PM

Last updated: Mon 29 Jan 2024, 5:51 PM

Fine Gael looks set to add a second candidate to fight out the local elections in the Athlone area as early as tomorrow (Tuesday).

Before Christmas, Cllr John Dolan, the sitting Fine Gael Councillor in the Athlone Electoral Area, was selected to run again in the elections, likely to be held in June.

Ruairi Keyes from Athlone town also considered running at convention, but pulled out on the night.

When contacted by the Westmeath Independent about the prospect of another candidate being added in Athlone, a Fine Gael spokesperson confirmed on Monday that “the party will be adding a second candidate” in the town, “pending approval by the Executive Council tomorrow evening”.

The party said there are “no plans currently” to add a candidate in Moate, where sitting Cllr Tom Farrell is the standard-bearer.