Roscommon council poll-topper Emer Kelly rules out general election bid

South Roscommon councillor Emer Kelly, who received the highest number of first preferences in the county at this year's local elections, has said she won't be running in the upcoming general election.

At the age of 24, the Ballyforan woman became the first woman ever elected to the council in the Athlone area of South Roscommon in June.

And the Independent local representative achieved this distinction in some style - receiving a whopping 1,946 first preferences.

However, she told Shannonside Radio that, after giving the matter plenty of consideration, she would not be embarking on a Dáil bid at this stage.

"It was a very tough decision for me," she said.

"Due to personal and professional commitments, as well as the financial demands that come with being an Independent candidate in a general election, I felt that putting my name forward to contest the general election would not put me in an optimal position to best represent my constituency.

"I'm not ruling out any further contesting of the election (in future years) and I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me and encouraged me to run.

"However the decision was made based on how I feel I can best represent the communities of South Roscommon, balanced with other demands.

"I am not ruling out any ambitions to further progress politically."

In addition to her role as a county councillor, Ms Kelly works as an occupational therapist at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.