Labour: Independent's signing a boost to the party

The Labour Party claimed today that its signing of a poll-topping independent councillor in Roscommon will help boost the party in the county.

Leader Eamon Gilmore branded John Kelly’s recruitment a significant development, potentially leading to a Dáil seat for Labour in the Roscommon/Leitrim South constituency.

Mr Gilmore said: “I have no doubt that the decision of a councillor as respected and well-regarded as John Kelly will lead to significant expansion and development of the party in the county.

“If we are to capitalise on the strong showing of Labour in the opinion polls, it is essential that we expand and develop in areas where we have not been traditionally strong.”

Labour does not have a seat in the constituency, which is made up of two Fine Gael seats and one Fianna Fáil.

Mr Kelly stood unsuccessfully as an independent in the 2007 General Election, polling 4,539 first preference votes.

The father of three served as Mayor of Roscommon in 2007.

Mr Kelly said he was an admirer of Mr Gilmore and that he believed Labour will be in Government after the next General Election.

“I take great pride in representing the people of Roscommon since my election in 2004,” Mr Kelly said.

“However, I believe that I have taken the interests of those who support me as far as I can as an Independent and that I can now most effectively work for them by being a member of party that I confidently believe will be in government after the next election.”