Former Kerry footballer to seek Fine Gael nomination to run in next general election
Killorglin based auctioneer Billy O'Shea is seeking the nomination to replace Brendan Griffin, above, who will not contest the next election. Picture: Julien Behal/PA
An All-Ireland winning Kerry footballer is seeking Fine Gael's nomination to run in the next general election.
Killorglin-based auctioneer Billy O'Shea won an All Ireland with the Kingdom in 1997 and is seeking the nomination to replace Brendan Griffin, who will not contest the next election.
Mr O'Shea confirmed to the that he will put his name forward at the party's selection convention in two weeks.
He said that running for office was something that he was "always interested in" and that "if I was going to do it, the time is now".
Mr O'Shea said that he would, in football parlance, "make himself available for selection" and let the party's membership decide.
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Mr O'Shea was a member of the Kerry panel for much of the 90s and was captain in 1996 before the Kingdom claimed a title in 1997. He has also worked as a GAA pundit with Radio Kerry since 2002.
Mr Griffin announced in January 2023 that he would not contest the next election, saying that he wanted to spend more time with his family.
"I have two young sons and I want to be around them more for the remaining years of their childhood,” he said.
Councillors Mike Kennelly and Mike Foley have also indicated they will put their name forward for the convention.
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