Senator O'Reilly withdraws from General Election race

Fine Gael’s Executive Council has agreed to add Cllr TP O’Reilly to the General Election ticket for the Cavan Monaghan constituency.

Cllr TP O’Reilly replaces Senator Joe O’Reilly who will not be running for the next General Election. 

Both the new and outgoing candidate agreed to the ticket change for geographical reasons. 

Cllr O’Reilly joins Minister Heather Humphreys and first-time general election candidate Sandra McIntyre on the party’s election ticket for Cavan-Monaghan.

Cllr TP O’Reilly, who is from Virginia, and was elected to Cavan County Council at his first attempt in May, said he is looking forward to the challenge.

“We need to get the best possible result for Fine Gael to ensure the country is in safe hands after the next election. I am thankful for the nomination tonight from the executive council. I will be working closely with Senator Joe O’Reilly and my two fellow candidates - Minister Heather Humphreys and Sandra McIntyre over the coming weeks and months.

“There are many issues that are important to me - farming and the issues that the sector encounters. It is a very challenging profession at times but needs help in some areas. 

“Tourism is also very important to me and I think all stakeholders for the region would be best served under one umbrella organisation. There is immense potential for the tourism sector in this part of the country,” Cllr O’Reilly said.

Senator Joe O’Reilly said he is glad to have helped the party reach this decision for the constituency.

“A better geographical spread of candidates is important for Fine Gael. I wish Cllr O’Reilly the very best along with Minister Heather Humphreys and Sandra McIntyre. I will be working with all three candidates to ensure the best possible result for Fine Gael at the next election,” Senator O’Reilly said.