Councillor in Kildare-Newbridge MD to step down "to enjoy more family time"

Cllr Anne Connolly, a member of the Kildare-Newbridge MD, has announced she is stepping down from local politics to spend more time with her family. 

The Rathangan-based Fianna Fail representative had spend several years as a community activist before she was elected in May 2019. 

Brian O’Loughlin, a brother of Senator Fiona O’Loughlin and also from Rathangan, will be Cllr Connolly's replacement on the ballot paper.

Mr O'Loughlin has a keen interest in politics and was part of her campaign team in 2019 and was also part of Senator O’Loughlin’s campaign team over many elections. At present, Mr O'Loughlin is Secretary of the Rathangan Cumann.

A statement from Cllr Connolly this morning said: "As the Local Elections are set to take place on the 7th June 2024 Anne wishes to inform the constituents of Kildare Local Area that she will not be contesting the next local elections.

"Following years of community involvement, Cllr Connolly has decided to take a step away from politics to enjoy more family time.

"Thanking all those who voted for her in May 2019 thus affording her the opportunity to represent them in Kildare County Council, Cllr Connolly felt privileged and honoured to be their Fianna Fail representative. Having thoroughly enjoyed the role, Cllr Connolly will continue to represent the constituents of the Kildare Local Area until the elections next June.

"Cllr Connolly thanks all her Fianna Fail colleagues for their support throughout this time and to all the officials and staff of Kildare County Council, offers her gratitude for their support, kindness and respect displayed to her at all times.

"Cllr Connolly thanks her fellow Councillors on the Council for their friendship and support throughout the past four years and wishes them every success in upcoming local elections."