Fianna Fáil councillor Ivan Connaughton has been selected as the party’s candidate for the upcoming Roscommon-South Leitrim by-election. Some 400 delegates met in Roscommon on Wednesday night this week to select the Fianna Fáil candidate.
Cllr Connaughton is a native of Athleague village and currently serves as leas cathoirleach of Roscommon County Council following his successful election earlier this year.
Speaking following his selection, Cllr Connaughton said: “I am really pleased to be given this opportunity to represent the hopes and concerns of the people of this constituency. All across the region, we have families and communities who are really hurting. We listen to Government Ministers telling us that we should be grateful because a recovery is underway. But the recovery they are talking about is in Dublin city and proves only the extent to which this Government has abandoned and simply given up on rural Ireland.
“People in Roscommon and South Leitrim were misled by the Government parties. They were given a rock solid guarantee on the future of A&E at Roscommon Hospital by Fine Gael. They were given a rock solid guarantee on Child Benefit by Labour. These, like many other promises were broken the second these new Ministers got their feet under the desk.
“As a community we need a fresh approach to politics, which I believe I can bring.”
His candidacy was welcomed by party leader Micheál Martin, who attended the convention.
“In Ivan Connaughton, the Fianna Fáil organisation in Roscommon and South Leitrim have selected a candidate who can make a real and positive difference in politics. Ivan is a leader in his community and has been vocal in the fight for proper investment and resources in this part of the country. He has been an energetic advocate for health services, education investment, and job creation in this region and I believe he can be an excellent addition to my team in Dáil Éireann,” said Deputy Martin.
