Taoiseach optimistic John Clendennen will be returned as a TD for Offaly

TAOISEACH Simon Harris says he is optimistic first-time Fine Gael General Election candidate, Cllr John Clendennen will secure a seat for the party in Offaly.

Speaking to the Tribune during a whirlwind tour of Tullamore on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Harris said he was "certainly optimistic" about Cllr Clendennen's prospects but "won't take any votes for granted".

"In John Clendennen we have an incredible candidate, someone who is rooted in the community, somebody who knows what it is like to run a business," said the Taoiseach.

Mr Harris said Cllr Clendennen "knows what it is like to be raising a young family here in Offaly." "He has been a strong voice in all the things he has been involved in so far," said the outgoing Taoiseach.

Mr Harris said he is trying to build a "strong Fine Gael team who will deliver for the next five years" and he identified Cllr Clendennen as an important part of that team.

He continued; "John is standing on the really strong foundation of firm representation (in Offaly). In the local elections we were very fortunate to win an additional council seat."

" In the past we were well served by my good friend and colleague, Charlie Flanagan who is with us here as well."

Asked if Cllr Clendennen would be considered for a cabinet position in the event of Fine Gael being returned to Government, Mr Harris said if given the "opportunity to serve on the national stage he will make a very big contribution."

Cllr Clendennen said the party's first priority was to " win the election and ensure that Simon Harris is Taoiseach."

"There is a very strong message coming across on the doorsteps that people want to see Simon Harris as the Taoiseach and the best way of ensuring that is by voting Fine Gael," he added.

Mr Harris – accompanied by local councillors and outgoing Laois/ Offaly TD, Charlie Flanagan – canvassed the main streets of Tullamore before officially opening Cllr Clendennen's election office in the town.