Cllr Brennan's candidacy another step in rejuvenation of Labour Party in south Tipperary
Labour candidate hopes being 'transfer friendly' will put him in contention for a seat
The first post Cllr Michael ‘Chicken’ Brennan opened on the morning he canvassed Carrick-on-Suir was a card wishing him well from Ellen Ferris, widow of the late Michael Ferris, Labour’s last south Tipperary TD who passed away in 2000 while still in office.
The Killenaule man tasked with regaining a seat for Labour in south Tipperary after 24 years absence, already resurrected the party from electoral obscurity in local politics in this part of the county in June when he won a seat in Carrick Municipal District. It was Labour’s first south Tipp council seat in ten years.
He initially planned to cut his political teeth as a councillor for a few years before setting his sights on the Dáil but his meteoric electoral success made him the party’s natural choice to represent it in Tipperary South.
He sees his candidacy as a good opportunity to continue Labour’s rejuvenation in south Tipperary and further raise his profile and electoral support as a left-wing alternative to the main parties and independents.
The nephew of the late Ned Brennan, who was a Labour councillor for 33 years, points out Labour has deep roots in south Tipperary. The party was founded in Clonmel in 1912.
While he is a first time Dáil candidate, he believes he has a chance of being in contention for the final third seat as he is “very transfer friendly”.
The housing shortage, issues with the health services including delays in assessments and services for children with disabilities, the means testing of carers and the high cost of living are the main issues voters have raised with him on the canvas.
Cllr Brennan reports he has received a good reception on the doorsteps throughout the county. “People say they want change and understand the Government is buying this election,” he says referring to the recent giveaway Budget.
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