Reilly won't contest next general election

Sinn Féin Mayor of Navan and County Councillor Joe Reilly has announced his intention not to seek the party nomination for the Meath West general election constituency. Cllr Reilly has been the Sinn Féin candidate for the last five general elections, during that time his vote grew from just a few hundred votes to over 6,000. “I have been a Republican activist for my entire adult life,” he said this week. “During that time I have had the great privilege of representing the people of Meath and most recently as Mayor of Navan. Throughout that time my door has been open to everyone and I have always acted to the best of my ability. Over the last couple of years, we have been managing a period of transition and developing young Sinn Fein candidates. Now is the opportune time to hand the baton over to some of these younger members with fresh ideas and leadership ability which are vital at this time. I remain an active Republican and will offer my experience to whoever receives the nomination.”
Cllr Reilly said he will remain as both a County Councillor and Navan Town Councillor.
“I reiterate my thanks to all those who have generously given me their vote in the past and I urge them to continue to vote Sinn Féin in the future.”