Local councillor Paul Hogan has this week confirmed his intention to contest the local elections on June 7 as an Independent Ireland candidate in both the Athlone and Moate areas.
Cllr Hogan, who lost his local authority seat in 2019, but was co-opted onto Westmeath County Council in 2022 following the resignation of Cllr Jamie Moran, confirmed his Independent Ireland candidacy during a weekend election fundraising occasion.
“I will be contesting both wards of the Athlone Municipal District under the umbrella of Independent Ireland. I was born and raised in Athlone and although I am married and living outside the town for many years, I love my home town and have enjoyed representing the people since 2004.
“The recent referenda on family and care have proved that there is a disconnect between the main political parties and with the people and running in both wards of the Municipal District it is my aim to maximise the independent vote at the June election.
“I was first elected in 2004 and have had the huge honour of serving as Mayor and Deputy Mayor on two occasions, but we as a community, more than ever, are now at a political crossroads,” Cllr Hogan said.
Detailing numerous issues on which he intends to focus should he be re-elected, Cllr Hogan referenced the housing and current cost of living crises, as just two issues which continue to have a detrimental impact within local communities.
The provision of enhanced services within rural communities, traffic management and escalating energy prices are further issues which Cllr Hogan wishes to see addressed as he undertakes his canvass campaign prior to the casting of votes on Friday, June 7.
“I will be hosting an official launch of my local election campaign in due course and in the coming weeks, I will be calling to as many doors as possible. I look forward to talking to as many of the electorate as possible and have already received an overwhelming level of support.
“I am encouraging those who can cast a vote to do so in this milestone election. I am running in this election on my record of a high work ethic, experience and record of delivery for the people of this Municipal District,” Cllr Hogan concluded.
The new Independent Ireland party also includes Roscommon-Galway Depty Michael Fitzmaurice and Midlands-North-West MEP candidate, Ciaran Mullooly.
