Local Fianna Fáil TD, Seán Fleming, has been selected as the party’s candidate in Laois for the next General Election.
Deputy Fleming was unanimously selected at the Fianna Fáil Laois selection convention this evening at the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.
He was the only candidate on the night – although the party may add further people before the election actually takes place.
Fleming, an accountant by profession, was first elected to Dáil Éireann at the 1997 General Election.
He successfully retained his seat at the 2002, 2007, 2011, 2016 and 2020 General Elections.
That means that the next General Election will be the seventh time that Fleming will go before the people.
Sean Fleming is currently the Minister for State in the Department of Foreign Affairs having previously served in the same role at the Department of Finance.
Commenting on his selection, Deputy Fleming said: “I am pleased to be nominated by my Fianna Fáil Party members and selected this evening to run for Fianna Fáil in the new three-seat Laois constituency.
“The new Laois constituency will consist of the traditional Laois county boundaries, meaning Portarlington, Ballybrittas and surrounding areas will be moved back into their own county for voting in the General Election, where they belong.
“Over recent years, I have worked very hard for the people and communities of Laois, and I want to continue this work after the next General Election.
“As Minister of State, I have worked with my Fianna Fáil colleagues in Government to deliver thousands of new private, affordable and social homes in Laois over the past 5 years for people and families.
“The future of Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise is now secure for future generations, as is Mountmellick and Abbeyleix Hospitals.
“Record-funding has been allocated by Fianna Fáil in Government to extend the hospitals and for additional staff and services.
“Many Laois schools have seen new school buildings, extensions and works to refurbish their current school building.
“There has been a massive increase in supports for children with special educational needs and this continues to be a priority for me.
“It is vital that we elect a Fianna Fáil TD here in Laois to continue the good work in the county.
“I will be seeking the number one vote from the people of Laois in the next General Election in order to do this.”
The date for the next General Election is still unconfirmed. It must be held by February 2025 as that is when the current five year run ends.
However, it has always been speculated that the election could take place after the Budget – possibly in October or November.
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