Auctioneer McKenna to stand as Trim candidate in 2009 council elections

Trim man Ronan McKenna is to run in the county council elections in the Trim electoral area next year as a Fianna Fail candidate, using the slogan 'A Fresh Approach". Mr McKenna became involved with the Fianna Fáil party five years ago and played a central role in Transport Minister Noel Dempsey"s campaign in last year"s general election. The 28 year-old works in Navan as an auctioneer in Raymond Potterton"s estate agency, and is engaged to Aileen Dempsey, daughter of the minister. 'I"ve seen the positive impact of local politics in my personal life,' Mr McKenna said at the launch of his recent roadside poster campaign encouraging people to register to vote in next year"s elections. 'A number of exceptional county councillors have helped my family at important stages. Whether people realise it or not, it"s important that we have professional young councillors capable of understanding the challenges all groups, young and old, face in modern Ireland. I aim to bring a fresh approach to local politics that will make a real difference to Meath people"s lives. I experience the same sense of frustration when these challenges are not resolved and people are not supported by local authorities,' he said. His aims include bringing jobs to Meath and supporting business start-ups; ensuring older people feel secure in their communities; ensuring the significant funding Meath receives is used for the most benefit to people; delivering quality healthcare and childcare; and building stronger communities. He said Meath people are aware that our county could be run more efficiently and effectively. 'They know that if local authorities offered people more support and less bureaucracy everybody"s life would be that bit easier. Thousands of people have taken part in volunteer activities, protests and political meetings in the past few months. It shows that people care about their community and will stand up to be counted. It"s a fact of life that those who vote get heard. ' Mr McKenna is a member of a number of local clubs such as Trim Celtic AFC. He has treaded the boards as a range of characters with Trim Drama Group and Trim Musical Society over the past eight years and will star in the TDG"s current production of John B Keane"s 'The Man from Clare".