Solicitor to run in elections despite Garda protection

A SOLICITOR forced to live under 24-hour Garda protection will be running for Fianna Fáil in the June local elections.

John Hennessy was targeted by foreign gangs after his client, Latvian woman Baiba Saulite, was shot dead by a hitman in 2006. His home in Swords was petrol-bombed as a result of representing the mother-of-two and he has had to avail of around-the-clock police protection.

However, Fianna Fáil have confirmed this will not stop him from taking to the canvass trail to fight for a seat on Fingal County Council.

Last night Mr Hennessy said he was motivated to enter politics because of his growing worries about crime in his community.

His decision was swayed by measures like the new surveillance legislation introduced by Justice Minister Dermot Ahern. “I had been pretty apathetic about politics, but I have seen the way crime has developed, in particular gangland crime. I have become exasperated by the thing and want to help do something about it.”

He was not concerned the police protection would impact on his canvassing.

“I deal with it like anybody deals with an illness, it is not like they will be over my shoulder. They will just be watching me,” he said.

In the Swords ward,Fianna Fáil had already selected sitting councillor Darragh Butler to fight alongside Deborah Sheils.

Despite Mr Hennessy’s high profile, after the death threats and the outcry at Ms Saulite’s murder, the stretched Swords ward means he will struggle under the Fianna Fáil banner.

In 2004, when the party was in better shape, it secured just 21% of the vote and won one seat.