Statement: Journalist John Donohoe to contest Local Elections

Journalist John Donohoe is to take leave of absence, with immediate effect, from his role as news editor with the Meath Chronicle, having been added to the Fianna Fáil ticket for the local elections in the Ratoath Municipal Area, following a convention earlier in the week which saw sitting councillor Caroline O’Reilly selected by delegates.

The convention in Dunshaughlin on Tuesday night saw two party members from the Dunboyne area, Cllr O’Reilly and Jamie Long, contest the nomination, with Cllr O’Reilly emerging as the candidate.

Cllr O’Reilly has been a member of Meath Co Council since December, when she was co-opted following the untimely sudden passing of her cousin, Cllr Damien O’Reilly.

Mr Donohoe will be seeking to retain the party seat held by Cllr Deirdre Geraghty Smith, who is not seeking re-election. He will be stepping back from his role as news editor of the Meath Chronicle with immediate effect and will have no involvement as a journalist with the Meath Chronicle during the local election campaign.

Meath Chronicle editor, Gavan Becton, said: "We respect the decision that John Donohoe has taken to run in the forthcoming local elections in June where he will be looking to claim one of 40 seats on Meath Co Council.

"As Meath Chronicle must remain utterly impartial and balanced in all its news and political coverage, John will be taking leave of absence from the title.”

"We wish John and all the candidates putting themselves before the electorate this June, the very best of luck."