CAMPAIGN work started in earnest for a Newbridge based councillor this week after receiving the green light for the upcoming elections.

Unrest was building in the Fianna Fáil camp among supporters who had rallied behind Rathangan native Cllr Fiona O’Loughlin. Party colleagues and chairs of a number of cumanns had expressed their frustration over the delay on a decision to add Cllr O’Loughlin to the ticket for south Kildare but at lunchtime on Wednesday she received the thumbs up from party headquarters who added her name to the ticket for Kildare South.

Cllr Fiona O’Loughlin pictured outside her constituency office in Newbridge

She will run alongside sitting TD Seán Ó Feargháil.

“I was absolutely delighted to get the confirmation and as soon as I did it was all systems go,” said Cllr O’Loughlin.

“I am aware of the challenges ahead but I am also very excited about it. On Wednesday night we were out knocking on doors.”

On Monday night the party held their constituency AGM and it was unanimously voted that contact should be made to FF headquarters regarding support for Cllr O’Loughlin.

“Its best foot forward now,” she said.

She added that her main policies for the campaign will focus around the social housing crisis in south Kildare and rural crime. She also hopes to encourage and empower those involved with voluntary and community groups.