Tullamore councillor to seek Fine Gael general election nomination

Tullamore Fine Gael councillor Neil Feighery has his sights on a Dáil bid, and will be seeking a nomination from his party to run in the upcoming general election.

Cllr Feighery put in an impressive performance at the recent local elections, securing election on the first count by topping the poll in the Tullamore area with 1,962 first preferences.

In a statement this week, he announced he was now hopeful of securing a nomination to run for the Dáil when the next general election is held sometime between now and March.

Fine Gael's selection convention in Tullamore will take place on August 29. The next general election will see the current five-seat Laois/Offaly constituency being split into two three-seaters, with Offaly becoming a standalone constituency that will also include an electoral district from Kildare South.

Commenting on his general election hopes, Cllr Feighery said: "Since my successful re-election to Offaly County Council, I have been overwhelmed with encouragement from my constituents and from Fine Gael members across the county to contest the Fine Gael selection convention for the nomination in the new three-seat Offaly constituency.

"I have consulted with my family and supporters, and after serious consideration, I have decided to allow my name to go forward to contest the upcoming selection convention," he said.

Cllr Feighery served for four years as a parliamentary assistant to former TD and Minister of State, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, and he said this would position him well to secure the party's nomination and serve effectively if elected.

He added that he had worked closely with the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, in Young Fine Gael, and he praised the "dynamic leadership" of Mr Harris.

Cllr Feighery said his priority issues for the Offaly constituency would include housing, the cost of living, improving public services, supporting small and medium-sized businesses, supporting the agri food sector and "ensuring fair policies and support for middle-income earners".

He also said he would be "working to make Offaly a better place to live by enhancing its economic opportunities, community services, and overall quality of life".

Fine Gael's executive council has mandated that all constituency selection conventions must be held by September 22 next.