The local election conversation in the Cavan County Council is majorly steered by the state of roads. There are 36 contenders vying for 18 seats, spread over three local election territories. Other matters being discussed among contenders include accessible healthcare services, immigration, and a lack of low-priced accommodation.
Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have seven incumbent councillors each serving on the local council. However, Fine Gael has selected to only put forward seven candidates this time, leaving no opportunity for advancement in a county which has seen substantial sums invested by local TD and Rural Development Minister, Heather Humphreys.
Despite having the same number of candidates as winners from the previous round, Fianna Fáil has seen Cllr Shane P O’Reilly depart to run under the Independent Ireland banner. Moreover, Sinn Féin, which lost three of its four seats in 2019, is putting forward seven candidates. Aontú is presenting with three personnel, including Cllr Sarah O’Reilly, who is defending her seat after leading in Bailieborough-Cootehill in the 2019 polls.
For the first time ever, the Green Party’s Kevin Murphy, an environmental research engineer from Swanlinbar, is contesting in Cavan-Belturbet. Likewise, Labour’s Liam van der Spek is hoping for a win, which could be the party’s first seat in Cavan post the local authorities’ reshuffling.
Out of all the incumbent councillors, just two, Fianna Fáil’s Craig Lovett and Fine Gael’s Madeleine Argue, have opted not to stand for re-election. The latter retires after a 25-year tenure, and Niamh Brady, her daughter, is standing for her seat.
Elections 2024 will cover a broad range of areas from European Election, Dublin, MNW, Ireland South, EU&I Voter App, Limerick Mayor, and Local Elections across various regions; Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork City, Cork County, DLR, Donegal, Dublin City, Fingal, Galway City, Galway County, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, and Mayo.
This list includes various locations in England. They are Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, South Dublin, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow.