Two more Offaly candidates officially enter race for Dail seat

THE field in the race for the three Dail seats in Offaly at the next general election has expanded further with two anticipated candidates confirming they will run.

Tullamore-based Sinn Fein representative, Cllr Aoife Masterson, will contest the election for her party while Cllr Fergus McDonnell, Edenderry, will be on the ballot paper for the new party, Independent Ireland.

Cllr Masterson (pictured below), elected to the council for the first time this year, said her selection is pending ratification from the Sinn Fein Ard Comhairle but added: “Since being elected to Offaly County Council, I have worked tirelessly to ensure your voice is heard and your needs represented.

“Now, with your support, I hope to continue that work as TD for Offaly in Dáil Éireann.

“A lifelong activist, and former lecturer in law, I am not only committed to social justice and equality, but also have a proven track record of delivering results and effecting change for people and communities so often forgotten by Government.

“I am passionate about delivering on the things that matter to you and to our community and have the policies, ambition, and commitment to bring real change for people across Offaly.

“With your support, Offaly can have the strong voice it needs to ensure the highest level of services, facilities and economic regeneration and development.

I am excited and ready to take on this important challenge and look forward to meeting and working with many of you over the coming weeks, months, and beyond.”

Cllr McDonnell is a very experienced representative on the local political scene and he made his comeback to the council after a very successful campaign this summer.

The Edenderry man said he is bringing a wealth of experience and deep-rooted commitment to community service to the national stage.

He said he hopes to expand his role in shaping the future of the region by becoming a strong advocate for his constituency at the national level.

He was returned on the first count in the Edenderry Electoral Area in the 2024 Offaly County Council and he said he has earned a reputation as a tireless champion of community development.

He referred to his long-standing dedication to grassroots initiatives, alongside his extensive experience in local governance, which he says make him a formidable candidate in the upcoming election.

Speaking about his decision to stand for Dáil Éireann, Cllr McDonnell (pictured below) said: “I have always believed that politics is about people. Throughout my career, I’ve worked to ensure that our communities have the resources they need to thrive.

“If elected to Dáil Éireann, I will continue to fight for the people of Offaly, ensuring their voices are heard and their interests represented. I want to create real opportunities for our young people, protect services for the elderly, and ensure that every family in Offaly feels the benefits of a fairer, more prosperous Ireland.

“I’ve spent my life serving this community, from working as a school transport driver to managing the North Offaly Community Development Network. 

“These experiences have grounded me in the realities that families face every day, and I will carry that knowledge with me into Dáil Éireann. It’s about creating a future where our children and grandchildren can flourish.”

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins TD expressed his strong support for McDonnell’s campaign, highlighting his extensive service to the community: “Fergus McDonnell is a man of immense integrity and dedication.

“His work over the years has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I have no doubt that he will bring the same passion and commitment to Dáil Éireann. He has a deep understanding of the needs of Offaly, and he will be a powerful voice for positive change.”

Adding to the endorsements, MEP Ciaran Mullooly (Independent Ireland, Midlands-North-West) praised McDonnell’s track record of public service and his commitment to Offaly’s future: “Fergus is someone who has always put his community first.

“His experience, combined with his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, makes him an ideal candidate. I am confident that he will deliver for Offaly and be a strong advocate in Dáil Éireann.

Chairman Ken O’Flynn shared his admiration for Mr. McDonnell, stating, 'I’ve been remarkably impressed by Mr. McDonnell. He reminds me of the charismatic community organiser politician that this country has lacked for a number of years. His deep involvement in the community is evident; he not only knows many residents by first name but truly lives and breathes community. He embodies the essence of what a true community candidate should be.'"

Cllr McDonnell was on Edenderry Town Council for nearly 30 years, chaired the Edenderry Joint Policing Committee, and worked as a home carer for nearly two decades.

He said his campaign will focus on community development, improving services for older people, and creating sustainable opportunities for future generations in Offaly.

On Monday night Fianna Fail selected Tullamore-based businessman, Cllr Tony McCormack (pictured below) as its candidate, with a possibility of a second being added, while earlier Fine Gael picked Kinnitty publican, Cllr John Clendennen.

Independent TD Carol Nolan, Cadamstown, will defend her seat and the Green Party Senator from Geashill, Minister of State Pippa Hackett, also previously announced that she will run for the Dail again.

There are three Dail seats in the Offaly constituency which has split from the former five-seat Laois-Offaly.  The separate constituency of Laois will also have three seats.

The general election will take place in November at the earliest or February of next year at the latest.