Fine Gael’s Executive Council has announced the addition of Councillor Peter Burke (Mullingar ) to the Party ticket for the 2016 General Election in the Longford-Westmeath Constituency.
He joins Deputies James Bannon and Gabrielle McFadden on the Fine Gael ticket. In a statement on the appointment, the Fine Gael press office said: “Peter Burke (33 ) represents a new generation of public representatives eager to work for their community and country, and to ensure honesty and integrity in politics. Born in Mullingar, and having lived there all his life, Peter knows the challenges and opportunities facing people in Westmeath.
“Educated at St Mary’s CBS primary and secondary school in Mullingar, Peter graduated with a degree in Commerce from NUI Galway in 2004. Subsequently, he joined Stephens Cooke and Co Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors in Mullingar and qualified as a Chartered Accountant. He is 10 years in practice. Peter joined Fine Gael and was elected to Westmeath County Council and Mullingar Town Council in June 2009.
“He stood for the party in the 2011 General Election. These roles have provided him with a knowledge and understanding of issues affecting families and communities. He is a hardworking and dedicated public representative.”
Councillor Burke said: “I am proud to represent a party which encourages change, equality and empowerment of those who genuinely want to make a difference within their local communities. I believe I can advance the causes that are important to me, and to people like me in my constituency, particularly unemployment, inequality, and social deprivation. Jobs are central to this cause. More jobs mean less tax for working people and more revenue to provide better services.
“Fine Gael is doing its best to spread the benefits of recovery to as many homes as possible and I am proud to be a Party General Election candidate in Longford-Westmeath.”
Deputy Gabrielle McFadden said of the announcement: “I am delighted to welcome the addition of Councillor Peter Buke. I have lobbied hard to have him added to the ticket and believe Fine Gael now has the strongest possible team for the General Election in Longford-Westmeath.”
Deputy James Bannon said: “Cllr Peter Burke is a superb politician with excellent credentials. He will strongly boost the party’s hopes of success in the Longford-Westmeath constituency, and I warmly welcome his addition.”
