Athlone councillor Paul Hogan went uncontested at last week’s General Election candidate selection by Longford-Westmeath Sinn Féin.
Speaking to the Advertiser, Cllr Hogan said that everyone in the room was welcome to put themselves forward, as no one else did, he will now run on a single ticket for the upcoming General Election.
Cllr Hogan is a seasoned politician, and at 32 has already run in two General Elections (2007, 2011 ), as well as last summer’s by election.
“I am humbled and overwhelmed to have received the unanimous support of the entire membership of Longford-Westmeath Sinn Féin. Every member was entitled to put their name forward for convention so it is very humbling that I received the unanimous support,” he said.
Cllr Hogan believes that constituents in Longford-Westmeath are looking for a political alternative to that which already exists.
“The people of Ireland want real change. They cannot bear any more hardship under austerity and want to end the unfair household tax and water charges. Sinn Féin has put our vision of a united, fair, prosperous, and progressive Ireland to the people. There is a fairer way and Sinn Féin will deliver fairness and equality,” explained Cllr Hogan.
The convention took place in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel where Cllr Hogan was proposed by John Reilly, North Longford Sinn Féin and seconded by Cllr Sorca Clarke, Mullingar. The meeting was chaired by Cllr Micheál MacDonncha and guest speaker was Senator Trevor O Clochairtaigh.
