SF to run three candidates in Navan in next years local elections

Sinn Fein in Navan is planning to run three cadidates in the Navan Electora Area in next year's local authority elections.

At a recent convention, the current Mayor of Navan, Cllr Eddie Fennessy was nominated as a cadidate alongside Caoimhe Ní Shluain, a former Mayor, and Johnstown based Frances Murphy.

Cllr Fennessy, the only member of the party currently on the Navan area council said; "It is a huge honour to go forward for election alongside my colleagues Caoimhe Ni Shluain and Francis Murphy. My running mates are two excellent candidates. If we are returned to the next council, we will form a formidable team to represent all of the people of Navan on Meath County Council.

"From a personal perspective, I've been a councillor since 2018 and the Mayor of Navan for two years now. My focus has been to deliver services and amenities for communities across Navan. If I am privileged enough to be re-elected, I will continue that work in earnest."

"The people of Navan deserve decent public representation. The other political parties only show up at election time. Our candidates are on the ground working with communities every day. We have a better understanding of their needs. I urge the people of Navan to vote Sinn Féin and elect a council team that will deliver for Navan."

Cllr Fennessy grew up on the Commons Road in Navan and now lives with his family on the Trim Road. He attended Gaelscoil Éanna and the St.Patrick's Classical School before working in the furniture and construction industries, moving afterwards into retail management.

He has been a member of Sinn Féin for over 20 years and held a number of positions at various levels. He was co-opted to Meath County Council in 2018 and retained the seat at the 2019 the local elections. He is the current Mayor of Navan and chairperson of the EU's Urbact In4Green committee. He is also chair of the Meath Joint Policing Sub-Committee on Anti-Social Behaviour and secretary of the Navan Men's Shed.

He listed his priorities as ; investment in recreation, community and heritage facilities, investment in Navan Hospital and the reintroduction of lost services, investment in sustainable transport infrastructure, investment in affordable and social housing project and investment in Garda resources to fight crime in Navan.

Caoimhe Ni Shluain is a mother of two young boys, a teacher, a Gaeilgeoir and a former Mayor of Navan. She grew up in Navan and attended Gaelscoil Éanna and Coláiste Pobail Ráth Chairn.

A political activist since her teens, she campaigned to Save Navan Hospital. As Mayor of Navan she officially opened the Black Water Park in 2011.

"The people of Navan deserve better housing opportunities, an increase in Garda numbers and more school and childcare places. Our rural communities of Bohermeen, Boyerstown and Dunderry need a voice on Meath County Council. Since becoming a mother I am passionate about delivering for the community in which my sons will grow up in and I believe now is the time for real change," she said.

Ms Ni Shluain listed her priorities as investment in The Blackwater Park and recreation, GAA, community and sports facilities, more affordable and social homes to buy/rent, the retention if all services in Navan Hospital, ensuring that rural communities have access to essential services and a greater community Garda presence.

Frances Murphy was born and raised in Johnstown, is married to Paddy and they have raised three children. "I am also a proud grandmother and I understand the many challenges facing parents and families today, with the crises in the cost of living and with housing," she said.

"I'm a life long member of Sinn Féin and firmly believe that in order to make much needed local improvements we need change, and that starts at council level. That is why I've decided to run as a candidate in the local council elections next June.

"I am active in my local community and a founding member/treasurer of Johnstown Village Tidy Towns also secretary of the Old Kilcarn Cemetery group, and if elected will continue to work hard for my community."

Ms Murphy's priorities are an increased Garda presence and new Garda sub-station for Navan South, a safer local traffic management plan, improved local community facilities, more affordable and social housing, better local infrastructure for Navan South and increased frequency of public transport.