Fine Gael selects Clendennen to contest Offaly constituency in general election

Councillor John Clendennen has been selected by Fine Gael to represent the party in the Offaly constituency at the next general election.

Party members selected Councillor Clendennen on Thursday night in a convention in the Tullamore Court Hotel, which was chaired by Damien English, TD.

Cllr Neil Feighery had been the only other candidate who went forward to the convention, but the Tullamore man was unsuccessful on the night.

Fine Gael have now chosen 33 general election candidates in 21 constituencies.

Commenting on his nomination, Cllr Clendennen said: “It is a goal I have worked towards for many years, and it is the privilege of a lifetime to be selected. This is a proud evening for me and my family.

“Our views, our hopes, our ambitions, our future and our party deserve to be represented as a county in Dáil Éireann.

“I want to express my gratitude for the support of the party here not just this evening, but over many years and I look forward to working with everyone to ensure we have a strong, effective, and successful campaign.

“It will take hard work and a mammoth team effort involving early mornings and late nights, and I am more than prepared and ready for the challenge.

“The new Offaly three-seater constituency reflects the increased population living in the county following the Boundary Commission Review and presents a unique opportunity to elect a Fine Gael TD to represent the county.

“We had a strong performance locally in the June elections, and I firmly believe my work as a County Councillor, my work as business owner and my work in my own community makes me a strong candidate with the potential to win a seat.

“I am business-focused, progress-focused, innovation-focused and have a proven track record. I now look forward to concentrating my energies on working for Offaly and getting elected to Dáil Éireann,” he concluded.