Fianna Fáil has confirmed Cllr Claire Murray has been added as a candidate to contest the Offaly constituency in next general election.
The Offaly native was elected as a councillor for the Edenderry Local Electoral Area in the Local Elections last June. She will join Cllr Tony McCormack on the general election ticket.
The mother-of-two has 20 years’ experience in nursing and has worked across departments from accident and emergency to palliative care. She deeply connected to the community and currently works as a nurse in a local GP practice in Rhode.
Welcoming her candidacy, Cllr Murray said: “I’m thrilled to be added to the ticket to contest the Offaly constituency in the next general election.
“Born and raised in Clonmore, on the outskirts of Edenderry, and now working in Rhode, I know the needs of rural communities.
“If elected to Dáil Éireann I will be making improved road infrastructure and the delivery of housing a priority.
“Having worked in nursing for 20 years I also know the importance of quality healthcare. I’m pleased with the considerable investment in health, especially women’s health by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, but more needs to be done and I’ll be seeking further investment in health services, in particular for mental health services.
She highlighted the lack of representation at present for Offaly people.
“I want to represent people of all ages across Co Offaly, in particular north Co Offaly in the next Dail,” Cllr Murray said.
“Since the retirement of the late Ger Connolly in 1997 there has been no TD in the Edenderry electoral area. Edenderry is a growing urban centre. The people of Edenderry and the surrounding towns and villages including Daingean, Rhode and Walsh Island deserve to have their voice heard.
“I am running with my colleague Tony McCormack and I am confident that we can secure two seats for Fianna Fáil in Offaly.”
She added: “I would like to thank Fianna Fáil for this opportunity to contest the next election, I will do everything I can to improve the lives of Offaly people if elected.”
Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin said: “Cllr Claire Murray is an excellent candidate for Fianna Fáil in the Offaly constituency.
"As a councillor, she has demonstrated a strong work ethic, she has extensive experience in healthcare and is a strong community activist. She is running alongside Cllr Tony McCormack as they strive to win two Fianna Fáil seats for Offaly."