In a significant development which will have a defining impact on the forthcoming general election in Laois, the Aisling Moran campaign has received a major boost.
Cllr Moran’s bid to become the county’s first ever female TD has received the official backing and support of three other independent councillors in Laois who have rallied behind her campaign.
This unprecedented move is a potential game changer as this experienced four councillor axis collectively commanded the support of around 6000 voters in this summer’s local elections.
The councillors, based in all three of the county’s electoral areas, Ben Brennan, James Kelly and Tommy Mulligan announced this week that they are publicly endorsing, campaigning and canvassing for their colleague Aisling Moran.
If they can harness their combined support base on her behalf, then the election race in Laois is blown wide open.
First elected in 2009, Cllr Ben Brennan topped the poll in the Graiguecullen-Portarlington electoral area in June’s Council elections.
He has now rowed in four square behind the Moran candidacy.
“I feel Aisling has the ability to put the county on its feet, she’s an incredibly hard worker and asks the right questions,” Cllr Brennan said.
“She puts the people and the public interest ahead of politics. We have TDs, Junior Ministers and Ministers and they haven’t delivered for our community.”
The vastly experienced Cllr James Kelly from the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick area was equally emphatic in his endorsement.
“Aisling is exactly the kind of TD we need here in Laois,” Cllr Kelly said.
“She’s articulate and outspoken and one of the most hard-working representatives. There have been attempts to undermine her on the Council, but she now enjoys the support of the independent group on the local authority.
“She’s a strong voice for accountability, challenging the waste of public money and it’s high time we had an Independent TD here in Laois.”
The Council’s newest member, Tommy Mulligan, shook up the Portlaoise-Abbeyleix electoral area this summer and he too has been impressed with Aisling Moran’s commitment to her constituents.
“I am supporting Aisling Moran as I believe she is an excellent candidate,” Cllr Mulligan said.
“She is a woman of great integrity and will be a strong advocate for all of Laois when, hopefully, she’s elected to Leinster House.
“We need a fresh voice to represent the county and Aisling is the perfect contender, trustworthy and honourable.”
For her part Cllr Moran is delighted and buoyed by the ringing endorsements and early show of support for her campaign.
“I am extremely grateful for the backing of my fellow independent councillors, Ben, James and Tommy, who all have such a strong support and voter base in their own right,” Cllr Moran said.
“This is no solo run, or whim, we’re in this campaign to win. Laois is no longer a foregone conclusion, it’s game on.”
Cllr Moran’s official campaign launch is this Saturday, November 9, in Christy Farrell’s Pub, Killeen from 8pm. All supporters are welcome.
