Killeavy rules out general election run

Sinn Fein Councillor Brendan Killeavy will not contest the 2016 General Election due to personal reasons.

The Tullamore councillor received the highest number of first preference votes in the county in last May’s local election, when Sinn Fein made historic gains in Offaly.

Cllr Killeavy had been seen by many as Sinn Fein’s most likely Offaly candidate for the General Election.

However, Cllr Killeavy, whose wife is expecting twins, has said he wants to devote time to family life at the moment.

Cllr Killeavy also wants to focus on a number of campaigns and issues at council level and he said he is looking forward to continuing to work for the people of Offaly.

In relation to the General Election, Cllr Killeavy said, “I know there is a very good opportunity at present if I run to get elected.” However, he insisted, “I am happy with the decision, I’ve done it for the right reasons.”

While he ruled out running in 2016, Cllr Killeavy said, “if the opportunity arises in the future again I will take it.”

In the meantime, he said, “I am looking forward to continuing my work as a member of Offaly County Council over the next few years.”