Social Democrats leader meets Offaly candidates during Tullamore visit

In her first regional visit as the leader of the Social Democrats, Holly Cairns came to Tullamore last week to meet with the party's two confirmed Offaly candidates to date for next year's local elections.

Banagher's Cllr Clare Claffey, who was elected to the local authority in 2019, will be seeking re-election, while John McNamee is planning to run for the party in the Edenderry Electoral Area.

Holly Cairns is a 33-year-old Cork native who became leader of the Social Democrats in March. On Friday, she met with the two Offaly candidates in the Bridge House Hotel before meeting members of the public in the Bridge Centre.

In a social media post, she said she "had the best time" during her visit to Offaly.

"Cllr Clare Claffey and I were both elected as first-time councillors in 2019. Clare is a mum of seven and is currently the only woman on Offaly County Council.

"She is a brilliant councillor and proof that rural Ireland will vote for a more progressive alternative if given the option. I am very happy to announce that Clare is running to retain her seat in the Birr Local Electoral Area."

She also officially announced that John McNamee would be running for the party in Edenderry. "He works in event management and is the current chairman of his local soccer club, Derry Rovers.

"I am really excited about his chances next May. I think he will make an excellent local representative," said Ms Cairns, who added that her party was "ambitious" about growing in the Midlands.

Speaking to the Offaly Independent, Cllr Claffey confirmed that, in addition to running in the local elections, she was "seriously considering" a bid for the Dáil at the next general election.

She described Ms Cairns as "a friend", saying their stories were "quite similar" in terms of how they had gotten involved in politics in recent years.

"Holly has done wonders for the Social Democrats," Cllr Claffey commented. "Since she became leader our membership has increased, but I'd still like to see more people come forward for election."

She said that, while the party didn't yet have a Tullamore candidate for the local elections, she was "hopeful" a candidate in the area would be in place before voters go to the polls in May or June of next year.

When asked about how she had found the experience of serving as a councillor over the last four years, she replied: "It's been interesting. It can be hard to get a grip on everything. Every day is different, and you are learning something new every day.

"One thing I didn't really realise before I became a councillor is how long it can take for things to happen, and how much red tape there can be. But it is enjoyable, especially when you're able to help somebody navigate through the system.

"I can't wait, actually, to run again and I'm hoping I'll be able to retain my seat," she said.