John Paul Phelan appointed as Fine Gael’s Director of Elections for the 2019 Local Elections

Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform, John Paul Phelan TD has been appointed as Fine Gael’s Director of Elections for the Local Elections in 2019.

The Carlow-Kilkenny TD was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 2011, having previously being elected to Kilkenny County Council in 1999 and to Seanad Éireann in 2002.

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “I wish John Paul the best in his role and look forward to working with him as our Director of Elections.

“John Paul has a long and proud history in Fine Gael and I am sure this will stand in him good stead come next May’s election.

“Fine Gael aims to become the largest party in Local Government and win 50 seats to add to our current tally of 233 seats.

“I want at least 30% of our candidates in the local elections to be female in our continued drive to improve gender balance,” the Taoiseach said.

Minister of State Phelan said: “The Local Elections in 2019 will be very important. I am determined that we increase Fine Gael representation across all our Local authorities.

“I was honoured to be appointed Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform by An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar last year. I have been working closely with our Fine Gael councillors in that capacity and will continue to do so as Director of Elections.

“Local Government is immensely important. It provides local accountability and decision making and is an integral part of our democratic process.

“It is my hope that by increasing Fine Gael representation at a local level we can continue to work toward the provision of first class services across the country,” the Fine Gael Minister said.