Independent candidate Aisling Moran receives major boost in her election bid for Dáil seat

Councillor Aisling Moran’s election campaign received a major boost with the announcement that three other Independent councillors in Laois have rowed in to support her bid in securing a Dáil seat in the upcoming general election.

The councillors, Ben Brennan, James Kelly and Tommy Mulligan who are based in all three of the county’s electoral areas, announced this week that they are publicly endorsing, campaigning and canvassing for their colleague Aisling Moran.

If they can harness their combined support base on her behalf it will be a potential game changer as they collectively commanded the support of around 6,000 voters in this summer's local elections.

First elected in 2009, cllr Ben Brennan topped the poll in the Graiguecullen/Portarlington electoral area in June’s council elections and said that he is four square behind the Moran candidacy.

He said: “I feel Aisling has the ability to put the county on its feet. She’s an incredibly hard worker and asks the right questions. She puts the people and the public interest ahead of politics. We have TDs, Junior Ministers and Ministers and they haven’t delivered for our community.” 

Cllr James Kelly was equally emphatic in his endorsement.

“Aisling is exactly the kind of TD we need here in Laois. She’s articulate and outspoken and one of the most hard-working representatives. There have been attempts to undermine her on the council, but she now enjoys the support of the Independent group on the local authority. She’s a strong voice for accountability, challenging the waste of public money and it's high time we had an Independent TD here in Laois,” he said.

Cllr Tommy Mulligan shook up the Portlaoise electoral area this summer and he too has said that he has been impressed with Aisling Moran’s commitment to her constituents.

He said: “I am supporting Aisling Moran as I believe she is an excellent candidate. She is a woman of great integrity and will be a strong advocate for all of Laois when, hopefully, she’s elected to Leinster House. We need a fresh voice to represent the county and Aisling is the perfect contender, trustworthy and honourable.” For her part cllr Moran said that she is delighted and buoyed by the ringing endorsements and early show of support for her campaign.

Cllr Moran said: “I am extremely grateful for the backing of my fellow independent councillors, Ben, James and Tommy, who all have such a strong support and voter base in their own right. This is no solo run, or whim, we’re in this campaign to win. Laois is no longer a foregone conclusion.”

*Aisling Moran’s official campaign launch is this Saturday 9 November in Christy Farrell’s Pub, Killeen from 8pm. All supporters are welcome.