Two new Greystones local election candidates as Cllr Mitchell drops out
FINE Gael has selected Louise Fenelon Gaskin and Aileen Lennon to run as candidates for the upcoming local elections in the Greystones Electoral Area, following a selection convention at the Horse & Hound Hotel, in Delgany, on Thursday, February 22. Their nominations to run comes as Councillor Derek Mitchell has made the decision not to seek re-election.
At the convention was Wicklow Minister Simon Harris, who commented on the hopes for both candidates in the running for Greystones, Delgany, Kilcoole, Newcastle and Killadreenan.
“I know them both well and I am delighted to support their candidacy and would ask residents to lend them their vote in June in the local elections,” he said
“They bring experience, energy, local knowledge and a can-do attitude to the campaign and I know our community would benefit hugely from their election as councillors.
“I would also be really delighted in my own work to get to work alongside Louise and Aileen and I believe we would make a great team locally and nationally in trying to get projects delivered and issues addressed in the area. Aileen and Louise, both have a passion for our community and have strong track records of voluntary work and activism, business experience and community involvement.”
Aileen has worked with and supported locally-run charities in both homelessness and domestic violence.
As a Scout Leader in Delgany since 1999 she has delivered many programmes that have benefitted the lives of young people and is committed to making local communities stronger.
Louise is a native of Greystones with strong connections from across the county and has worked in a wide range of local organisations and community groups, and has invested time into delivering positive change and reform for schools in the area.
Minister Harris added: “I know Louise and Aileen will address pressing issues faced by Greystones and will work tirelessly for our community. I really look forward to canvassing with them both and supporting their campaigns.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank Cllr Derek Mitchell for all his diligent service as a county councillor. Derek is a gentleman, a very committed and hardworking councillor and someone who has served our community with distinction.
“I fully respect his decision, after such a long period of public service, to decide not to seek re-election and to pass the baton to Louise and Aileen.
“Our community has benefitted in so many ways from his work, particularly when it comes to his work on our Dart service and public transport and transport more generally. I am proud to call him a colleague and a friend and I wish him every continued success and thank him for his support for Louise and Aileen.”