Laois Fine Gael man ready to ‘take next step’ but not just yet

Despite rumours, there were no obvious signs in Cllr Conor Bergin's speech that he would be pulling out of the race to run for the Dáil until he had nearly finished speaking at the Laois Fine Gael General Election Convention.  

Whispers of a withdrawal as members gathered developed into open conversations that Cllr Bergin would pull out as proceedings began on Thursday, September 5 in Portlaoise.

However, he was proposed and seconded. His speech began as if he was still in the race. He outlined his contribution as a councillor. He told members that “he was ready to take the next step” in the Oireachtas.

He said he had a “huge privilege” of representing the Mountmellick Borris-in- Ossory area since 2019 adding that Laois people need strong representation.

He added that farming, law and order, housing and quality of life were his priorities in the Oireachtas. He said not being from Portlaoise was not a factor as he has spent his working life in the town. He said coming from a small village was an advantage.

Cllr Bergin also spoke about his campaign to win the nomination

“I put a huge campaign in over the last six weeks and have increased membership in my area. It warms my heart to see the people who have come here to support me,” he told the Convention in the Killeshin Hotel.

“I believe I have something to offer in Co Laois in the long term in this constituency and this party,” he said.

However, it was at this point that he began to indicate a change of mind.

“I am aware that the long term is made up of short terms. It is not just about Conor Bergin it is about unity of purpose and having Simon Harris returned as Taoiseach to lead our country.

“We have to look at what is best for the party in Laois to maximise our support at national level. I feel that the best decision in this election is to have Willie Aird in Dáil Éireann to represent our party. In that regard I am withdrawing my nomination and endorsing Willie Aird,” he said.

He explained that he has worked with Cllr Aird since his first day on the council. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: Cllr Willie Aird and Cllr Conor Bergin at a 2024 local and European Election event in Portlaoise.

“He was always somebody who I looked up to and he took me under his wing,” he said.

Cllr Bergin added that his colleague would be an “excellent representative” in the Dáil.

“I will be throwing my full support behind him and would encourage everyone to do so, we need to put our blood, sweat and tears into this campaign,” he said.

The Borris-in-Ossory native believed he still had a future in politics.

“I am not going anywhere and committed to the long term,” he said.

The Fine Gael national executive's directive to Fine Gael members included a clause that it will allow the addition of a candidate.