Colette Nolan hopes to win Sinn Fein seat
A NEW candidate has emerged seeking to stake a claim for one of the four seats in the Kilmuckridge electoral area in next year’s local elections. Colette Nolan from Ferns got the nod for Sinn Féin at their selection convention on Thursday night and is hopeful that she can force her way into an area where her four competitors are all sitting councillors.
Having done considerable work as a mental health advocate and having served as County Secretary for Sinn Féin for the past eight years, Colette is no stranger to the political scene and she was delighted to get the endorsement of her colleagues last week.
‘It’s something that I’ve thought about doing for a long time,’ she said. ‘With family circumstances and that, the moment never felt right; but now I’m confident that the timing is right and I’m looking forward to it.
‘The Kilmuckridge area is a big one and stretches out a long way, but I’m looking forward to meeting with and hearing from the constituents.’
There are four seats up for grabs in the Kilmuckridge, with four sitting councillors seeking to capture them - Willie Kavanagh, Oliver Walsh, Pip Breen and Mary Farrell. However, Colette is hopeful that she can force her way into the area and win a seat for Sinn Féin.
‘I’ve said for a long time there needs to be change,’ she said. ‘I think some fresh blood will change things up a small bit and I’d hope to do my very best for the constituents.
‘I wouldn’t say there’s anyone’s seat in particular I’m focused on winning, but at the same time, I’m not in this just to rattle cages. I’m in it to win a seat and represent the constituents of Kilmuckridge.’
Colette, who works in a nursing home in Camolin and is also working on her honours degree in Applied Social Studies, has vowed to hit the ground running in the New Year and begin her campaign with a vengeance. Among the areas she hopes to bring some change to are the housing crisis and mental health, an area she has worked in extensively in the past.