Young Westport businesswoman seeking to run for Fine Gael in local elections

Keira Keogh from Westport (37) has been nominated alongside sitting councillor Peter Flynn by the Westport Branch of Fine Gael to go forward to the Fine Gael selection convention on November 9.

Ms Keogh is hoping to contest the local elections in June 2024 for the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District. She feels that her background as a self-employed behaviour consultant working with neurodiverse children, alongside her long standing membership in JCI (Junior Chamber International) has prepared her greatly for the role. Keira's family run The Helm, a popular tourism business situated at Westport's Quay.

“With my experience, passion and dedication to the service of others, I believe I can be a fresh energetic voice for our community,” said Ms Keogh, who is especially interested in equality of opportunity and inclusion.

Ms Keogh said she is already appreciating the discussions she is having with local people and groups around the issues they are facing, from insufficient facilities in playgrounds and childcare availability, to farmers struggling with new legislation on nitrates. The struggle for affordable housing and challenges facing the business community, such as rising rates, have also come up.

Ms Keogh thanked Deputy Michael Ring and Cllr Peter Flynn for their guidance and support thus far.

At the meeting of the Fine Gael Westport Branch, Deputy Ring commented: “It's great to see new energy coming into the party and I think Keira will make a great representative for the area and with Peter's strong reputation and work ethic, we'll hopefully have these two great people on the Fine Gael ticket for 2024.”