Final line-up for election takes shape
FINE GAEL PICK CANDIDATES IN SOUTH KERRY AS FIANNA FÁIL MULLS OPTIONS
SITTING councillor Patrick O’Connor Scarteen will be joined on the ticket for the forthcoming local elections by a new candidate from Valentia – Pat Lyne.
The two candidates were chosen on Sunday night to run for the Kenmare Electoral Area, which incorporates the Iveragh Peninsula.
Mr Lyne is an inseminator and builder, and this is his first time running in a local election, but he has strong links with the party.
Former councillor PJ Donovan was also to run but withdrew his name at the convention on Sunday night.
Fine Gael has also chosen its candidate for the Killarney Electoral area, with Cllr John Sheahan the only name on the ticket.
It is expected that another candidate will be run in this area. Fine Gael had approached Colm ‘ The Gooch’ Cooper to run, as well as Kieran Donaghy, but both decided against this.
Fine Gael will choose its Tralee candidates this Friday night, when Cllr Jim Finucane is expected to be put on the ticket.
The party is seeking a second candidate for this area as well.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil is continuing its search for candidates in the county this week.
The party hopes to add to add futher candidates its local election candidate list alongside already-chosen party members. Two names have been mooted for the Tralee area with Cllr Norma Foley.
These include Mikey Sheehy, the son of legendary Kerry footballer Mikey Sheehy; and Johnnie Wall, who previously represented Fianna Fáil on Tralee Town Council.
Mr Wall is due to meet Fianna Fáil officials this week.
Another candidate is also being sought for the party in the Killarney Electoral Area, and Killarney auctioneer, Ken O’Sullivan, who is also secretary of Fitzgerald Stadium has been interviewed for Fianna Fail. Neily O’Connor is the other name on that list.
Sinn Féin has also selected candidates for all six electoral areas.
To date, 49 candidates have declared for the 33 seats in the council.