Two sitting Fine Gael councillors, Frank Dolan and Sean Mcdermott have both confirmed that will not be seeking a nomination for the local elections next year.
The two Cllrs announced the news last night ahead of their party’s selection convention which gets underway in Manorhamilton Sunday week.
Cllr Frank Dolan was first elected as a member of Leitrim Co Council in June 1999 and was subsequently elected over the next 5 local elections.
Frank was honoured to be elected Cathaoirleach of Leitrim Council in 2010 /2011 and was elected as the Cathaoirleach of the Border, Midland, and Western Regional Assembly in July 2012.
Cllr Dolan served as Chair of the Manorhamilton MD on two occasions during his term.
“After a term of 25 years I have decided to retire and allow the opportunity for the party to select a new team to contest the 2024 local elections”, stated Cllr Dolan.
“I am pleased to have seen much progress in the North Leitrim area since I was first elected in 1999 including our road infrastructure & community facilities many of which I campaigned for funding over the years.
Cllr Sean McDermott was first elected to Leitrim Co Council in June 2004, based in Glenfarne Sean succeeded Charlie Cullen who represented the area from 1967 to 1999.
Sean served as Cathaoirleach of the local authority in the years 2013/2014 and was elected as Chair of the Manorhamilton MD on two occasions.
Cllr Mc Dermott was a member of ICBAN during his time as an elected member and was honoured to serve as Chair of this cross-border body.
“It was a great honour for me to represent the people of Glenfarne/Kiltyclogher and the wider Manorhamilton area for the past 19 years.
“My ambition was to carry on the work of Charlie Cullen to ensure this area of North Leitrim progressed, I was thrilled to witness the huge investment in the N16 roadway and the improvement in safety measures especially, and to see the development of the Rainbow Ballroom Centre through government funding supported by local fundraising.
“My ambition was to improve the local infrastructure for the residents and visitors to our communities and I am confident that was achieved since 2004.
Both councillors expressed the hope that Fine Gael would hold two seats in the Manorhamilton MD so that government funding can continue to flow in the coming years to further develop North Leitrim as a tourist destination and a place many people can return to live and work in the area.
