Alan McGaughey to be co-opted as PD Councillor on SDCC

[David Cochrane]

The Progressive Democrats have selected Alan McGaughey as the party’s successor for Clondalkin councillor Gerard Cullen, who recently announced his resignation from South Dublin County Council.

McGaughey was selected unopposed at a Selection Convention at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel in Clondalkin last night.

Clondalkin based, Alan currently works as Constituency Manager for Mary Harney and has been her Director of Elections in the 2 previous General Elections. He has been a party member since 1997.

The Clondalkin ward on South Dublin County Council includes both Clondalkin and the village of Newcastle. Mary Harney first won the Council seat in 1979 and the seat has been held by the Progressive Democrats since their launch.

Alan McGaughey will be formally nominated to succeed Gerard Cullen at the meeting of South Dublin County Council on Monday 10th December.

[David Cochrane]

I've known Alan for years, from way back in my former PD days (and Young PD days!), congratulations Alan.

[Compound Fracture]

I don't envy him. Keeping this seat may be an impossible task, especially if Harney is gone from Cabinet by June 2009, which may be the case one way or another

[fergalr]

Mary Harney serves at the pleasure of the Taoiseach and the continued consent of the Dail. She will remain in her post as long as that is the case.

Congratulations, Alan!

[David Cochrane]

Guys, this isn't a thread about Harney's continued involvement in the cabinet, please don't derail the discussion that way.

[stretchneil]

Always tough to hang onto a council seat after co-option, but good luck to him trying!

[myk]

I have had pleny of dealings with Alan as well, he is a good guy. Best of luck to him!

[andrew]

Congrats to Alan, no better man for the job.

[alanmcg]

Thanks guys for the good wishes esp Dave, Andrew and Michael as I've known ye from before!!

Looking forward to the challenge.

[seamasdefaoite]

Congratulations Alan