Tom McEllistrim nominated to contest county council seat

Former Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Tom McEllistrim last night took a key step towards relaunching his political career by winning a nomination to contest the forthcoming local elections for the party.

Mr McEllistrim, a former teacher who lost his seat in the last general election, was one of four people seeking nominations to be candidates in the May county council elections in the Tralee area. He and outgoing Fianna Fáil councillor Norma Foley, a daughter of the late Fianna Fáil TD Denis Foley, were the two candidates nominated.

Mr McEllistrim headed the poll with 129 votes, followed by Ms Foley with 88 votes. Both were well ahead of the other two candidates, Tralee Fianna Fáil town councillors Ted Fitzgerald and Johnny Wall.

The successful candidates are both members of two of Kerry’s noted political dynasties.

Both indicated that they would be seeking nominations to contest the next general election in the united Kerry constituency.

Mr McEllistrim, a third generation politician, said he had been working full-time in politics since the last election with a view to winning back his Dáil seat.

“This is a huge honour and humbling experience. I promise to work tirelessly if elected to the county council and to put in a massive effort to win a seat for Fianna Fáil in Kerry, where it doesn’t have a seat at present,” said Mr McEllistrim.