Fine Gael selects Cllr James Geoghegan in Dublin Bay South as first General Election candidate

James Geoghegan is the first General Election candidate to be selected by Fine Gael and will represent the party in the Dublin Bay South constituency.

Party members voted to select Cllr Geoghegan tonight (Monday) in a convention held in Dublin’s Alex Hotel, which was chaired by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD.

James Geoghegan (38) is a councillor for the Pembroke electoral area in the Dublin Bay South constituency since 2019. He also represented Fine Gael in the bye-election of 2021 and received over 7,000 first preference votes.

He grew up in Ranelagh and lives in Clonskeagh with his wife Claire and three young children. A practising barrister, Councillor Geoghegan is also a board member of the National Maternity hospital.

Councillor Geoghegan said: “My priorities for the constituency are driving forward the delivery of flood defences for Sandymount, providing a new non-fee paying secondary school for the area and delivering more recreational pitches for local sports teams, including Ranelagh Gaels.

“Housing, the economy and justice are amongst the biggest issues that will dominate the next general election campaign and my track record of delivery is clear. I have supported and voted in favour of the development of new homes, including 11,000 that have been built in this constituency and I work daily with community Gardaí to build stronger, safer communities by tackling anti-social behaviour and urban crime.

“The work I have put in over the last four and a half years as a councillor representing this area on Dublin City Council leaves me ideally positioned to win a seat in the next Dáil and that’s what I intend to do. I’m in this for the long haul.”

Minister Simon Harris said: “Tonight, Fine Gael has begun the process of selecting our candidates for the next general election and it is appropriate we commence this in Dublin Bay South.

“Our party is determined to win back Dáil representation in this constituency and I congratulate James Geoghegan on his selection this evening.

“While the timing of the election is a matter for the Taoiseach, I will be working as Director of Elections to make sure that we are ready to field an excellent array of candidates – a blend of experienced politicians and new, young talent.

“There will be a real choice for people in the next general election and Fine Gael will work tirelessly to articulate policies and plans to move Ireland. This will be in sharp contrast to the populist politics of those who lead the opposition.”