Joe Cooney has been selected by Fine Gael to represent the party in the Clare constituency at the next General Election.
The Bodyke-based Councillor has been added to the Fine Gael Clare constituency ticket following a meeting of Fine Gael’s Executive Council tonight.
Fine Gael has now chosen 80 General Election candidates in 43 constituencies.
First elected to Clare Country Council in 2004, Cllr Cooney has been returned to Killaloe Municipal District (MD) as a poll topper in the four subsequent Local Elections, most recently in June 2024.
The former Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council and Chairman of Clare GAA is a first-time General Election candidate in the four-seat Clare constituency and joins Leonora Carey and Dr Tom Nolan on the Fine Gael ticket.
Speaking about his decision to run, Cllr Cooney said, “Having considered contesting the General Election in recent weeks and on foot of representations from people across the county and following discussions with Taoiseach Simon Harris urging me to put my name forward, I have decided that now is the right time for me to do so.
“Ahead of making a decision to put my name forward, I have consulted at length with family, friends and supporters to ensure I was in a position to give 100pc to my campaign and my tenure as a TD should I be elected.
“As a longstanding member of Clare County Council and proud Clare man, I am honoured to contest this election and to receive the opportunity to potentially represent my county in Dáil Éireann. If I say I will do something, I will do it. I am deeply committed to our communities, and my dedication to serving the people of Clare is central to everything I do.”
Councillor Cooney cited investment in housing, health services, rural communities, infrastructure, tourism and Shannon Airport as key issues for him should he be elected.
