City Labour party set to kickstart election campaign

THE Labour party in Limerick will go on general election footing from tonight when delegates select a candidate to stand in Limerick East.

Deputy Jan O’Sullivan, the party’s education spokesperson, is expected to be selected without any great difficulty.

However, two other candidates have put their names forward, councillors James Houlihan and Kieran Walsh.

The selection convention will be chaired by Deputy Brendan Howlin and party leader Pat Rabbitte will also attend.

Ms O’Sullivan entered the Dáil in 1998 when she won the by-election caused by the death of Jim Kemmy.

More than 100 delegates from seven branches in the constituency will be entitled to vote in the meeting which will not be open to the public. Mr Rabbitte will tour the constituency tomorrow and be briefed on major local issues.

Ms O’Sullivan said: “I want to let him see at first hand major initiatives which are under way in Limerick and issues which are causing concern.”

She said she was very anxious to have him briefed on the proposed rail spur to connect Shannon to the main Limerick/Ennis line.

She said: “He will visit the King’s Island area and he will also meet with members of the Limerick Co-ordination Office. I feel it is very important that the man who is likely to be the next Tánaiste is fully aware of issues affecting Limerick.”

It is also hoped to have a meeting between Mr Rabbitte and parents from Clarina who are fighting for school bus transport.