Boxer's brother going toe-to-toe with his nephew in Athlone election

A brother of Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran is to contest next month's local elections as a candidate for Renua. 

Tony Moran will be standing in his first election and will be coming up against candidates that include Boxer's son Jamie (20), as he bids for a seat on the Athlone Municipal District. 

The leader of Renua, Offaly councillor John Leahy, told the Westmeath Independent that he met Mr Moran a number of weeks ago after the Athlone man expressed an interest in standing for election. 

"We had a conversation about it and he's very much in line with our views in Renua," said Cllr Leahy. 

"We have been outspoken on things like the excessive drink driving laws that Minister Shane Ross has been bringing in. We are a taxpayer-first party, focused on things like law and order, and (Mr Moran) would be in agreement with all of that."

He also confirmed that Mr Moran had also expressed an interest in standing in the next general election, in which case both he and his high-profile brother would be competing for a Dáil seat in the Longford/Westmeath constituency.

"We will be doing a review in June, after the local elections, in order to prepare for the next general election but at this point in time I certainly wouldn't discourage anyone from expressing an interest in standing for Renua at the next general election," said Cllr Leahy. 

The local elections take place on Friday, May 24.