Paddy Meade is step closer to the Seanad
EAST Meath councillor Paddy Meade has become a favourite to clinch a nomination from Fine Gael to go forward for election to Seanad Éireann. COUNCILLOR Paddy Meade has obtained two endorsements, one from his own constituency association and another from the party’s youth wing, Young Fine Gael.
After the Meath East Seanad Selection Convention on Wednesday night in Slane, Cllr. Meade came out victorious, over challengers Cllr. Sharon Tolan and Cllr. Gerry O’Connor in the contest.
Then on Thursday, following a tight vote in Dublin, Cllr Meade topped a six-way national contest within the Young Fine
Gael National Executive to take the Seanad nomination.
With the Fine Gael Party Executive due to meet during the week, it looks highly likely that the local councillor is set to be on the ballot papers for the Agricultural Panel in the Seanad Éireann election.
The sometimes outspoken Meade, who has had at times a somewhat strained relationship with some elements within Fine Gael said, “I would be the first to admit that my style of politics is not to everyone’s taste. Telling people what they want to hear has never been my way.
‘I tell the truth whether they like it or not and I hope never to change. I am incredibly proud to have been selected by both my fellow members in Meath East and by the Executive of Young Fine Gael, with their support and the support of our party leadership.’
He is currently representing County Meath on the Eastern Midlands Regional Assembly (EMRA) and is Vice- Chairperson of the East Border Region.
‘ I am eager to ensure proper representation in the Seanad, a markedly different approach than many seeking nomination for this election who will be using it merely as a platform to attempt to gain a seat in the next Dáil Election,’ he stated.