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.