Fiona O'Loughlin added to FF ticket
The ratification of her candidacy was unanimous at a meeting on Monday night, six months after sitting TD Sean O Fearghaill was selected.
A long-serving local representative and former Mayor of Kildare, Cllr O'Loughlin says she is 'delighted' with the decision, though noting that the delay in her selection had left many Kildare Fianna Fail supporters feeling 'slighted' that the party was not respecting their wishes.
Cllr O'Loughlin says Kildare people 'need stronger representation in Leinster House'. "The Government is not popular right now — and for fair reasons," she says in a statement. "Having taken strong corrective economic action, our leaders lack the vision of what a society should be. My vision is for a society where people live in a safe and secure home in an empowered community with emphasis on business, education and positive mental health."
Acknowledging that that the election will be 'a tough and gruelling campaign', the new candidate says she is 'ready, energised and able'. "I can think of no greater honour than wearing the Lilywhite jersey in Leinster House."
Eight candidates have now been selected to contest the 3-seat Kildare South constituency — Deputy Martin Heydon and Cllr Fiona O'Loughlin Healy for Fine Gael, Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaill and Cllr Fiona O'Loughlin for Fianna Fail, Cllr Mark Wall for Labour, Patricia Ryan for Sinn Fein, Lorraine Hayden for the National Citizens Movement, and Willie Crowley as an Independent.
