Brady, Galligan all the way for FF in Ballyjamesduff Electoral Area

Selection Convention was held last night in Crover

It’s an ill wind that doesn’t blow some good as they say and while there’s hostility in the political landscape nationwide, the focus in Co Cavan it seems, is on bettering the lives of those living in every community in the county as evidenced during the Fianna Fáil selection convention for the Ballyjamesduff Electoral Area in the upcoming local elections on June 7.

The event took place at Crover House Hotel and while the current sitting councillor and Cathaoirleach, Philip Brady was unanimously elected to run, newcomer Nathan Galligan was selected by delegates as Cllr Brady's running mate.

The focus is on two Fianna Fail seats in the electoral area and clinching that vital party majority spot on Cavan Co Council overall. But as Cllr Brady alluded to, there is much to be done over the next seven weeks.

He told those gathered at last night’s convention that his inspiration to keep moving forward comes from the party stalwarts including his father Danny ‘The Gunner’ Brady - who served 47 years on Cavan County Council - and whom he added; “have done inspirational work in their communities”.

“The work they have put in inspires me to keep going and represent the people of the area,” continued Cllr Brady. “There are no airs and graces about me, I try to do my best for the party and try to follow in my father’s footsteps doing what he did for so many years.

“I feel that Fianna Fail is a great party in this county and that we have great people in the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District. Sometimes I feel that Fianna Fail doesn’t do enough; I feel sometimes the executive doesn’t listen enough to its grassroots supporters - the people on the ground - and that those sentiments don’t often translate back to the Dail.

“I feel we can do more. We have three seats from the last election and when the ship was sinking some jumped but the rest of us stayed on to ensure the ship didn’t sink fully. I want us to fight tooth and nail in this municipal district to keep the second seat.

"To do that we need to reach out to our neighbours, friends and even our enemies because we need everyone and we need all the support we can get.” 23-year-old Mr Galligan, meanwhile, is a first timer in the local political arena. His enthusiasm is infectious and he sees opportunity at every turn.

“It’s an honour to have been selected in the Ballyjamesduff Electoral Area to run for a council seat,” he continued, before adding, “the plan is to run alongside Philip and get a one two on the door all the way for us.

“There is a lot to do going forward in terms of change and I believe that change within parties is good also. When you look at what Brian Cody said a few years ago when he was asked about Kilkenny’s ability to keep coming back, he pointed to the importance of bringing in new players every couple of years.”

He says that when the main political parties start bringing in new blood, change is on the way and in the case of Fianna Fáil, it's also a clear indication that the party is here to stay.

“Fianna Fail is not dead,” Mr Galligan continued. “I am looking forward to representing this area in the local elections. With regard to what the communities need, I plan to strive to mention those needs at the doors and put forward what it is that Philip and I want to achieve in this election.

“I want to thank everyone for their support and I look forward to meeting you all over the coming weeks.” In conclusion, party stalwart and former agriculture minister, Deputy Brendan Smith added; “I have no doubt that Philip and Nathan will present as a very formidable team in the Ballyjamesduff Electoral Area and I wish them both the very best on the campaign trail over the next few weeks.”