Youngest Fianna Fáil candidate in Ireland to run in Laois

The youngest candidate to be selected by Fianna Fáil in the local elections has entered the race to win one of six seats on offer in the sprawling Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.

Joe Kennedy, who is aged just 19 and possible the youngest candidate to contest June's elections outside of his own party, was delighted to be nominated recently by the Portarlington Fianna Faíl Cumann.

“I’m thrilled to announce my candidacy for the upcoming local elections,” he said.

Mr Kennedy who runs Willow and Green Furniture in the town outlined why he wants to win a seat on Laois County Council.

“I want to be a voice for all and I am passionate about making a difference in our town and local area.

“I will work my hardest for Portarlington and the surrounding areas and I will ensure that no one is left behind. Let’s work together to make a real and lasting difference. Portarlington is a beautiful town with so many hard working and fantastic people. So it’s time to take advantage of the real potential we have as a town.

“I’m a proud Laois man, but more importantly, I am a proud Portarlington man and it would be a privilege to represent the people of Portarlington and surrounds in the chamber of Laois County Council.

“I look forward to meeting so many of you over the next couple of weeks as we take to the streets on our campaign, he said in his candidacy announcement.

Mr Kennedy, son of Collette and Frank, said he is the youngest Fianna Fáil candidate in Ireland by three years. But his age hasn't held him back in terms of being active in the party. A member if Fianna Fáil since 2021, he is a member of Ógra Fianna Fáil and is already the President of his party's Cumman in Port.

He spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live about the motivation to go forward.

“I want to be a voice for reason and a voice for change and better representation for our town,” he said.

He outlined why he believes Port is not being represented.

“I don't think the people of our town are being listened to by local representatives. For such a big bustling town to have two representatives is simply not enough and I think a Fianna Fáil candidate would better serve the community,” he said.

While he said more must be invested in Portarlington for young people he doesn't want to make promises on specific issues.

“I set out on this journey because I am sick and tired of people promising people,” he said.

He said he would pledge that if elected he would do his best to help people, listen to their concerns and be their voice.

“It would be very easy for me to say I am going to fix things but if I am not listening to the people I won't get very far,” he said.

He is aware that people have switched off politics.

“We have to encourage people to get out and vote because it is one of the most important things you can do,” he said.

Mr Kennedy is aware of the challenge facing him and Fianna Fáil as the party has not had a councillor in the town for a decade when Ray Cribbin was not selected by the party to run again. Deirdre O'Connell was not returned in 2019. Despite this, he promised that he would “give it his all”.

“I have received great support and I became Cumann President to get more youth involved to make for a stronger party,” he said.

He said he is already out pounding the pavements and knocking on doors.