JP Kean declares for Fianna Fáil

JP Kean declares for Fianna Fáil


Edwin McGreal

Claremorris-based solicitor JP Kean has declared he will put his name forward for nomination to run for Fianna Fáil in next year’s local elections.
Kean, a native of the town, told a meeting of the Claremorris Comhairle Ceanntair of Fianna Fáil on Saturday night last that he was putting his name forward for the convention to select candidates next September.
The news will be seen as a boost to Fianna Fáil in the area as they had been struggling to get a candidate in Claremorris town and Kean, who has a high profile, will be seen as a strong contender to take a seat, assuming he receives the party nomination in September.
The Mayo News understands that Kean received the unanimous backing of the meeting on Saturday night. Should he go forward he will contest in the new seven seat Claremorris Electoral Area.
As well as being well-known in legal circles, Kean has a high profile in sporting circles, having played senior football with Mayo and managed their minor team.
The annual general meeting of the Westport Comhairle Ceanntair took place last night (Monday) where a number of candidates were expected to declare their interest in seeking a party nomination to stand in the new West Mayo electoral area.
The Mayo News understands that Declan Dever, a three time member of Westport Town Council and a former Cathaoirleach, will seek a nomination, as will Tommy Joe Jennings, a Louisburgh-based bus operator who could be strategically placed to mount a challenge. Current councillor for the Westport area, Margaret Adams, is expected to declare, while both Brendan Mulroy, a current member of Westport Town Council, and Joan Geraghty, a local area rep for the party, have both declared their intent to seek a nomination. Tommy Duggan, a Fahy-based plant hire operator, has indicated to the party that he will seek a nomination.