There are 59 candidates vying for 28 available spots on the Clare County Council, and a wave of notable retirements is likely to introduce fresh faces to the local governing body. Among those not seeking re-election are the county’s most veteran politician, Fianna Fáil’s councillor PJ Flynn, elected nine times since 1974, and Fine Gael’s councillor Johnny Flynn. These departures may impact these parties significantly, given their longstanding control over the council. In the 2019 elections, Fianna Fáil won 13 seats, while Fine Gael secured eight.
Sinn Féin is looking to leverage the 15% initial preference vote its former candidate, Violet Anne Wynne, bagged in the 2020 general elections. Wynne now operates as an independent TD. While Sinn Féin has only one existing councillor, Donna McGettigan, it has fielded candidates across all five electoral regions.
Traditionally, the council has been predominantly male, with only five outgoing female councillors. However, 16 women are running this time, an increase from 10 in 2019.
Former senator Tony Mulcahy of the Fine Gael party aspires to re-enter local politics in the Shannon electoral area, after a 13-year hiatus.
The region of Inch, close to Ennis, previously sparked a nationwide debate over asylum seeker accommodation, but that topic appears to be of little concern to voters currently. The council’s proposed Ennis 2040 regeneration project, however, has stirred controversy recently, and councillors who supported the strategy may face repercussions.
The division of seats is as follows: Ennis (7); Ennistymon (4); Killaloe (5); Kilrush (5); and Shannon (7).
The 2024 Elections will cover areas including: European Elections, Dublin, MNW, Ireland South, Limerick Mayor, Local Elections, and various county areas including Clare and Cork among others. The EU&I Voter App will also be available.
Take a look at:
– Meath
– Monaghan
– Offaly
– Roscommon
– Sligo
– South Dublin
– Tipperary
– Waterford
– Westmeath
– Wexford
– Wicklow
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