By Dan Walsh
A former Fianna Fáil Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council has joined the Independent Ireland Party, increasing the fledgling party’s nationwide local government representation to 26 councillors.
Michael Sheehan served as a Fianna Fáil Councillor for New Ross from 1999 to 2024, before leaving the party prior to the 2024 General Election.
The New Ross man is to be appointed as Independent Ireland’s spokesperson on Finance and Enterprise.
Cllr Sheehan was one of four candidates for Fianna Fáil in Wexford in the 2020 General Election when he accrued 5.8% of first preferences, 4,366 votes.
In the most recent General Election, he received 1,623 first-preference votes, or 3.1% of the total, as an Independent candidate.
He criticised Fianna Fáil for fielding retired international soccer referee Michelle O’Neill alongside Housing Minister James Browne. Mr Browne was elected, while Ms O’Neill received 296 votes.
“My decision has not been taken lightly, but I believe now is the right time to join Independent Ireland. People are increasingly frustrated with politics and want representatives who will listen and, importantly, deliver,” said Cllr Sheehan.
Fianna Fáil has struggled in Wexford. A few months ago outgoing Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Joe Sullivan from Gorey Kilmuckridge District resigned from the party.
WexfordLocal.com 