'I've as much a chance as anyone else'

Late addition to the Fine Gael ticket in Cavan-Monaghan, Councillor Carmel Brady, believes she has as “much a chance as anyone else” of securing a seat in the upcoming General Election.

Some 48 hours after curtains closed on the official convention at the Hotel Kilmore last Friday, October 25, where Fine Gael's faithful backed Cllrs TP O’Reilly and David Maxwell, a decision to add Cllr Brady from Tullyvin was made after a meeting of the party's Executive Council.

Fine Gael has now chosen 77 General Election candidates in 43 constituencies, and their decision to run three in Cavan-Monaghan mirrors the same strategy adopted in 2020.

Cllr Brady, a married mum of two, has served as a councillor in the Cootehill-Bailieborough area for the past 10 years. She told the Celt she is “honoured” to accept the nomination, and while she understands the strategic reasoning, states she is determined to be more than a “box tick” candidate.

Well positioned

All week in the run up to the convention in Cavan Cllr Brady had been asked by the party’s heirarchy if she would be willing to put her name forward. However with deference to Cllr O'Reilly, who last stood four years ago, she initially ruled herself out.

“TP has always been our man in Cavan, and I wasn't going to step on anybody's toes. I work everyday with TP, we've a great working relationship and I admire him totally,” says Cllr Brady who herself earned a high percentage of First Preference votes in the June local elections. “People have to remember he did very well last time as an unknown, only just into politics. But they came back to me again, even after the convention and said they needed female candidates. Geographically I'm well positioned as well. So I talked to my family and a few people around me, and they all told me I've 'nothing to lose'. I agree with that. I've as much a chance as anyone else. Saturday was [HQ's] meeting, and on Sunday my name was on the ticket.”

Running mate Cllr O'Reilly welcomed the move.

“The aim is hold onto and even improve on the vote we got before,” said TP, who is the current Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council. “Heather was such a strong candidate. With her stepping down I think the feeling was to look at a fresh approach. I think we've a strong team of candidates now and I'd be confident of us doing well at the next election.”

Join the dots

A straight-talker who was Leas-Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council (2017-18), and as chair of Cavan-Monaghan ETB (2022-23), Cllr Brady says the issues she will be raising in running for the Dáil are much the same as those brought up whilst out canvassing on doorsteps several months ago.

“I am committed to representing everyone’s voice. I am passionate about the needs of people living in rural Ireland, especially when it comes to improving infrastructure and transport. I want to see improvements in our roads and our footpaths. There's a hell of a lot done, but there is a lot more joining of the dots to do. The East-West Link from Sligo to Dundalk, that's vital, not just for people living in our county but for the wealth of industry that is here and their success as well.”

Humphreys' support

The election is now expected to be called by Friday week at the latest, with polling expected before the end of November. It gives candidates a short window to convince prospective voters, and Fine Gael are under no illusion as to just how popular a figure the outgoing Heather Humphreys was right across the political sphere.

Cllr Brady paid tribute to Minister Humphrey’s “years of service” to communities in the region, and thanked her for her unwavering “support and guidance”, describing the minister as an “exceptional mentor” who inspired women like her to take up politics.

She also called Minister Humphreys a “dear friend”.

Has Minister Humphreys offered any personal advice? Cllr Brady says: “She has said she will back me 100 per cent, as she will the three candidates. Yes she will come out to canvas with me, yes she will be on the phone if I need her, as she would with any councillor around Ireland, no question. She said to me it's a good opportunity, and if they ask you, to go for it and to give it my all. I intend to do just that.”