Former councillor who quit FG set to run again for party

A former councillor who left Fine Gael more than a decade ago following the downgrading of Roscommon hospital is set to run for the party again in this year's local elections.

Domnick Connolly was selected alongside longstanding Cllr John Naughten at the Fine Gael convention in the Athlone Springs Hotel on Friday night, to contest the upcoming local elections in the Athlone Municipal District.

Mr Connolly, who quit Fine Gael with Laurence Fallon in 2011 in protest at the closure of the A&E at Roscommon hospital, subsequently served as an Independent Cllr before losing his seat.

It's unclear when Mr Connolly, who is originally from Fuerty, rejoined the Fine Gael party.

In a post on social media over the weekend, Drum Cllr John Naughten said he was “delighted” to be selected at the Fine Gael convention, alongside Domnick Connolly.

Senator Ashling Dolan, who also attended the convention, said on on Facebook that both candidates have a wealth of experience as councillors in Roscommon County Council.

She added that John has worked with so many community groups in Drum and Athlone to fight for funding. Domnick is very well known for his work with clubs and community groups in Athleague and surrounding areas.

The guest chair at the convention was Senator Micheál Carrigy.

Last week, sitting Cllr Laurence Fallon indicated he will also be running again in the Athlone Municipal District.

The sitting councillors in the six-seater are the current Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, FF Cllr John Keogh, Chairperson of Athlone Municipal District Cllr Emer Kelly from Ballyforan, Cllr Laurence Fallon, Cllr Donal Kilduff and Cllr Tony Ward, all of whom are Independents, and Fine Gael Cllr John Naughten.