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Originally Posted by hill walker  I heard a rumour that independent Michael Moloney will run this time around in portlaoise. His Mountmellick base is much more crowded now. He was very vocal for the yes vote during lisbon, however this did not go down too well in what is a largely a working class area. Expect FG to mount a big challenge in 09. Labour under Jim O Brien dont enjoy widespread support in the county and will need to improve on GE figures to feature. |
Agreed re Jim O'Brien - Labour have no base in Laois (though they've had some success in Offaly) and that seems unlikely to change.
Michael Moloney lives in Emo so it might seem more likely than Portlaoise though he's gained considerable profile in the council this term. Politically he's an aquired taste though and in Portlaoise he wouldn't have the family connections that might have endeared him to loyal Mountmellick voters who have confidence in the Moloney name, regardless of who bears it.