Fianna Fáil claims "historic moment" marked in Laois after narrow win
Party selects Graigucullen Portarlington representative for Laois County Council co-option
Laois Fianna Fáil is celebrating the selection of Elva Kelly to represent voters in the Graiguecullen Portarlington Municipal District (MD) as "historic" for local politics in the midlands county.
A native of The Swan, Ms Kelly, was selected at the Laois Fianna Fáil MD Convention in Portlaoise on Thursday, April 23, to be the person nominated by party members to be co-opted onto Laois County Council to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of fellow native of The Swan, Padraig Fleming.
She saw off the challenge of three other candidates to win the election in which 110 members cast their votes. She narrowly saw off the challenge of Timahoe man Willie Ramsbottom, thanks to transfers from Portlarlington's and Joey Kennedy with Ross Molloy from Stradbally a distant third.
It's another close call for Mr Ramsbottom who topped the poll on the first count with 49 number ones. Ms Kelly secured 44 votes in the first count. Mr Molloy was the first to be eliminated with five of his nine votes going to the the Timahoe man and two each to Ms Kelly and Ms Kennedy.
Mr Kennedy will be disappointed with his 16 first preferences but they proved decisive in the election. The transfer of his 12 votes to Ms Kelly pushed her ahead of Mr Ramsbottom. She was elected with 56 votes, one over the quota of 55.
Laois Fianna Fáil commented on the outcome.
"Following a highly competitive convention in the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District, Elva emerged successful after a closely fought contest, ultimately securing election on the final count.
"Elva brings a wealth of experience, a deep connection to her community in The Swan, and a strong work ethic shaped by family, public service, and local involvement," said the party.
The statement also referenced the fact that the choice of Ms Kelly will bring the number of female public representatives on Laois County Council to six. Half of the total will represent the Port Graigue District. Ms Kelly's co-option will double Fianna Fáil's female membership in County Hall to two.
"Her election also marks a historic moment, with a record number of women now serving on Laois County Council," said the party.
The statement acknowledged "the outstanding efforts" of the three other candidates who were described as having "contributed positively to a strong and engaging contest".
Pictured at the convention were back row l-r: John Oxley, Cllr Paschal McEvoy, Ross Molloy, Joey Kennedy, Seán Fleming TD, Willie Ramsbottom, Cllr John Joe Fennelley. Front row l- r: Padraig Fleming, Elva Kelly, Sen Fiona O'Loughlin, Rita Holland. Pic: Laois Fianna Fáil
"Fianna Fáil is alive and well in Laois — and already looking ahead to 2029 (local elections year)," concluded the statement.
An electoral novice, it will be Ms Kelly's first venture into elected office, though her family has been heavily involved in Fianna Fáil for many years. Her father, the late Seamus Dwyer, was a senior party member for many years. She worked in the family business, Dwyer Transport, up to recently, but is now a clerical officer in Laois County Council.
Aged, 49, she is also known through her marriage to the Laois GAA County Board Chairperson and Timahoe clubman PJ Kelly. The couple's sons Jamie, Jeremy and Patrick Joseph play football for St Joseph's GAA.
Incoming Laois county councillor Elva Kelly with her husband and Laois GAA Chairman PJ Kelly and their son Jeremy at a 2026 Laois Gaelic football Leinster Championship game. Pic: Paul Dargan
The Leinster Express / Laois Live has contacted Ms Kelly for comment. She is expected to be officially co-opted to the Council on Monday, April 27 at the Laois
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About co-option:
Co-option is provided for under the Local Government Act, 2001, which also sets out the rules and process of filling what is defined in law as a ‘casual vacancy’ in the membership of a local authority upon the death or resignation of a councillor between elections by appointing a new member rather than holding a by-election.
The law provides for a political party to select a replacement for a departing member, while independent vacancies are filled according to council standing orders. The new member is officially appointed by council resolution. The new co-opted member holds office until the next scheduled local election.
Recent legislation allows for the temporary co-option due to maternity leave or long-term illness.