Drew persuaded to re-enter election race

Kells Fianna Fail councillor Sean Drew, who had announced his retirement from politics in February, has been persuaded by his party to seek re-election in the local government ballot in June.

After 22 years as a public representative, the former Meath Co Council cathaoirleach has now confirmed he will seek re-election, despite an earlier decision to step down at the end of this council term.

He explains that when he announced he would not be seeking re-election Fianna Fail had started the process of selecting an alternative candidate in the Kells area. "There were a couple of prospective candidates who were progressing well, but they pulled out over last weekend and the party have now persuaded me to put my name on the ballot paper again.

"I have also had local people approach me and ask me to reconsider. I have been genuinely humbled by the people who have said it to me," he said.

Cllr Drew says that there are a number of projects in Kells, that he would now like to see through to fruition.

"I had thought the Carrick Street regeneration project woud have been completed, but because it was with Bord Pleanala for 18 months, it was delayed and I'd like to see it through to the finish, along with a number of other local projects."

Cllr Drew was a member of Kells Town Council from 2002 until it was abolished in 2014 and was cathaoirleach of that body in 2003. He increased his vote at every election topping the poll when he first contested Meath Co Council election in 2014 and again in 2019. He also held the position of cathaoirleach of Meath County Council .

Cllr Drew says he enjoys being a councillor and finds it very fulfilling. "I particularly enjoy calling to people's homes and helping them with various issues, form filling etc.”

“As a councillor, I meet some wonderful people, including councillors, council staff, but in particular the ordinary people of my area who are always so welcoming.

Cllr Drew said one of his proudest achievements was that when the council was finalising the county development plan when he was cathaoirleach, along with his fellow councillors, they were able to ensure that young rural people of Meath still had the opportunity to build their family home in the local area, despite the opposition of the Planning Regulator and Department of the Environment.