Norma Foley To Seek Fianna Fail Nomination To Run In Next Election

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Norma Foley.

TRALEE Municipal District Councillor Norma Foley is to put her name forward at the Fianna Fail convention to run for the Dáil at the next General Election.

The Presentation Secondary School teacher will hope take a place in the new five-seater Kerry constituency at the next election and follow in her father Denis’ footsteps.

TraleeToday.ie spoke to the councillor about her decision and said she must have thought long and hard about it.

“I did. People were very positive and encouraging and I know it’s challenging, but I think now is the time. I’ll put myself forward on the basis of my track record and my  experience and we’ll let convention decide,” she said.

She previously ran unsuccessfully for Fianna Fail in the 2007 general election at a time when the party was returned to Government. Then there was the Fianna Fail meltdown in 2011, so how does she see the public’s feelings towards the party now.

“In every election it’s hard to gauge, but I’ve just come out of the local elections and I was very heartened by the support I received and the positive reaction from people. I acknowledge the difficulties that are there but I feel the time is right now for new representation for this constituency and I think people will be open to it,” she said.

 

Kerry currently has no Fianna Fail TD in situ in either of the two constituencies. Cllr Foley is likely to face stiff competition for the candidacy from others in the Tralee/North Kerry area.

It’s expected Ballymac man Tom McEllistrim will make a move for a return to Leinster House while current Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, John Brassil will also put his name forward at the convention in March.

In the south of the county, Senator Mark Daly, who was expelled from the Fianna Fáil party before Christmas, could still make a play for nomination, while Cllr Norma Moriarty of the South and West Kerry Municipal District can’t be ruled out.

It’s likely that Fianna Fail will run at least two candidates in the constituency for the next general election.

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