Leonard confirmed as Labour's candidate in by-election

The North Westmeath councillor Denis Leonard was officially selected as Labour's candidate for the upcoming Dail by-election in the Longford/Westmeath constituency.

Cllr Leonard was officially announced as Labour's entrant in the race yesterday (Thursday) evening.

To date, seven other candidates have said they will be contesting the by-election. They are: Cllr Gabrielle McFadden (Fine Gael), Cllr Aengus O'Rourke (Fianna Fail), Cllr Paul Hogan (Sinn Fein), Donal Jackson (Ind), John McNamara (Ind), Brian Fagan (Ind) and James Morgan (Ind).

The deadlines for candidate nominations is noon tomorrow (Saturday).

Cllr Leonard said he was 'standing in this election on my record for delivering for my local community.'

He said: 'As a parent and teacher, I understand the struggles faced by families in our area and the challenges that local businesses must overcome.

'I have been involved in many organisations such as the GAA for twenty five years as a schools underage coach, Trocaire, Chernobyl Children’s Project, Irish Wheelchair Association, Westmeath Heritage Forum, and countless local community and environment groups.

'I have also been a leading campaigner both in Longford / Westmeath communities and on the council in relation to industrialised wind farms or indeed any developments that puts profit before people.'

He added that the Labour party's 'values of solidarity and fairness are needed now more than ever.'