Kavanagh Ends Speculation About His Future In National Politics

Former Labour T.D. Liam Kavanagh ended long time speculation last night when he confirmed to WicklowToday.com that he does not intend to be a candidate in the next general election. The Wicklow town based politician, who was a former Minister for the Environment, suffered a shock defeat in the last election but vowed to run again if the present government was short lived.

However, he has since remained tight-lipped about his plans for the next election but broke

Liam Kavanagh With Avondale Community College Debating Team.

his silence yesterday by informing his Labour colleagues on Wicklow County Council that he will not be taking part in national politics again. Mr. Kavanagh told WicklowToday.com that he informed the party leader Ruairi Quinn two weeks ago.

In an exclusive interview with us, Mr. Kavanagh said that he has no intention of quitting local politics and sees himself as still having a lot to offer at County and Urban Council level for many years to come.

Although he was not in favour of the merger between Labour and Democratic Left which now sees sitting T.D., Liz McManus as the Labour front runner in the county, Mr. Kavanagh denied that this situation had anything to do with his decision.

`I feel that at 66 years of age it is time to call it a day at national level. I have done my stint. Local politics comes quite easily to me and I really enjoy it so I intend to continue at Council level for quite a few more years', said the former Deputy.

His decision has major implications for every candidate in the next general election. Liz McManus will be the front runner but it will be interesting to see who the party will run as a second candidate.

Speculation is already mounting that Labour may approach Arklow Independent Councillor, Nicky Kelly who was today refusing to be drawn on how he might react if asked by Labour to stand. It is certain that if Labour run a second candidate, the runner will not be from the northern end of the county where McManus is based.

Councillor Tommy Cullen from Baltinglass could be seen as a potential candidate but the population base in the west would be too small. A major vote catcher like Kelly in the south could prove to be an attractive option.