Laois Councillor To Seek Fine Gael Nomination To Contest General Election

Fine Gael will be looking for a replacement for the seat long-held by Charlie Flanagan.

A Laois Councillor will seek Fine Gael's nomination to contest the upcoming General Election.

Conor Bergin confirmed the decision during a meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick district yesterday evening.

Fine Gael will be seeking a replacement for the seat which has been held by long-standing TD and former Justice Minister, Charlie Flanagan, who last year announced he would be stepping down.

Councillor Bergin will be looking to secure a seat in the Laois constituency, which will once again be split from Offaly in the next Dáil term.

He first took a seat on Laois County Council in 2019.

Announcing the decision, Councillor Bergin paid tribute to Deputy Flanagan for the work he's put in for over 30 years:

"I strongly believe that we need new and young people in politics and that there is an opportunity for candidates with a fresh perspective as part of the “New Energy” that Taoiseach Simon Harris has instilled in the Fine Gael party.

Charlie Flanagan has been an excellent representative for Laois since 1987, as was his father Oliver serving before him since 1943. I have extensive experience having worked closely with Charlie for the last number of years, working for him during his term as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Justice and more recently as a County Councillor.

I want to pay tribute to Charlie for his many years of service in Dail Eireann and strong track record of delivery for our county."

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