Three FG candidates to fight out Kilbeggan area

Fine Gael headquarters has opted to run three candidates in the newly revamped Kilbeggan Electoral Area in June"s Local Elections, it emerged in the wake of last weekend"s convention. Large crowds of Fine Gael members descended on Streamstown Community Centre last Friday night but just before voting was due to commence, it was announced that the party would run all three candidates nominated in Kilbeggan, so no vote was deemed necessary. Afterwards, the successful trio, made up of outgoing councillors Joe Flanagan and Michael Newman along with newcomer Colm Arthur from Rochfortbridge addressed the gathering. The meeting was chaired by North West MEP Jim Higgins and Senator Nicky McFadden was also in attendance. Speaking to the Westmeath Independent this week, Moyvoughley-based Cllr Joe Flanagan said he was delighted to be selected once again to contest the Kilbeggan Electoral Area, stating that the party was aiming to retain the two current seats and to have a right go at gaining a third this time out. He added that his campaign began five years ago after the last election count and with over 30 years experience under his belt, he hopes to secure a mandate to make it to 35 in the new four-seater. Acknowledging the challenge ahead with the changes to the area which now includes the Auburn and Muckinagh areas of Glasson, Mr Flanagan said there are around 700 votes at stake there and he will begin canvassing the area shortly to provide a new voice for the people in both areas. Meanwhile, a date is expected to be set shortly for the Fine Gael Selection Convention for candidates to fight out the Athlone Area of Westmeath County Council in mid-February. Nominations are expected to close shortly with strong speculation among the party faithful that Gabrielle McFadden, sister of Senator Nicky McFadden will be among the nominees. It"s unclear as of yet whether the party will run three candidates in the Athlone area as they did in 2002 or opt for four this time around, although some see this as unlikely because of the loss of seat after the local constituency shake-up making it a six-seater this time around. Sitting party councillors include Cllr Mark Cooney, Chairman, Joe Whelan and Cllr John Dolan who was co-opted on to the local authority after Nicky McFadden was elevated to the Seanad. All three are expected to receive nominations to go before the convention in mid-February.