Rugby hero to tog out for Labour in local elections

FORMER rugby international, Gerry McLoughlin, is to line out in the Labour colours for next year’s local elections, following a weekend selection convention in Limerick.

The outgoing councillor was chosen by Labour to fight to retain a party seat in Ward 2.

Mr McLoughlin was originally elected as an independent member of Limerick City Council, but subsequently joined Labour.

Cllr Kieran Walsh, elected for Labour in Ward 2 last time, recently quit the party claiming that, locally, some Labour hierarchy promoted Cllr McLoughlin ahead of him.

But these claims were dismissed by front bench spokeswoman on health, Jan O’Sullivan TD.

Former mayor, Cllr Joe Leddin, was chosen to contest Ward 4.

The convention was chaired by Senator Alan Kelly from Tipperary and Ms O’Sullivan was also present, with local branch members and party activists.

Once selected, both councillors signed the Labour Party pledge.

Cllrs McLoughlin and Leddin thanked party members for placing their trust and confidence in them. They spoke of the challenges facing Limerick over the coming years in areas such as housing, planning, public transport, regeneration, and the need for more community recreational and sporting facilities.

Ms O’Sullivan said she was very confident that both candidates would be re-elected next year to continue to work on the issues that were important to people in their respective wards.