WHILE there was speculation that a local Fianna Fáil councillor would break from the party run as an independent in the general election, he has instead pledged his support for a Tralee councillor.

Kenmare Municipal District Cllr Michael Cahill confirmed this morning on Radio Kerry that he will not be running in the general election as an independent, but said he will give his backing to Cllr Norma Foley.

Cllr Cahill said he had been contacted by a number of people over the past few months encouraging him to run as an independent, but he has decided against it and to stay with the party.

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He said his decision to back Cllr Foley was as a result of the close ties to the Foley family built up over the years, going back to the time the late Denis Foley was a county councillor and TD.

While he said he would also be backing the two other Fianna Fáil candidates — Deputy John Brassil and Cllr Norma Moriarty — his primary support will be for the Tralee councillor and the party’s bid to get two seats in the Kerry constituency.

This is another boost for Norma Foley’s campaign after Tralee Cllr Terry O’Brien announced he will not be running for the Labour Party in the election.  The decision by Cllr O’Brien should also benefit Sinn Fein Cllr Pa Daly in the Tralee area and among left-leaning voters.