'Boxer' announces his independent election team

Cllr Paul Hogan and Jamie Moran, son of Deputy Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, will contest the local elections late next month as independent candidates aligned with the Independent Alliance minister.

They will join existing independent councillor Michael O'Brien in a three-pronged ticket for the Athlone municipal district of Westmeath County Council, dubbed at the election launch last night in Athlone as 'Boxer's independent team'.

Cllr Hogan has served as a Sinn Fein councillor from 2004 up to his resignation from the party in July last, saying he and his team were “ostracised and isolated” from the party for almost three years.

Jamie Moran (20), the son of Deputy 'Boxer' Moran is also contesting the Athlone election.

Cllr Michael O'Brien, who has been closely aligned with Deputy Moran in recent years, had previously announced he was contesting the local election in both Athlone and Moate municipal districts.

He has now confirmed that he too will be part of Boxer's team.