Kildare councillor joins Labour party
Cllr Pat Balfe
COUNCILLOR Pat Balfe has joined the Labour Party. The former Defence Forces member, who had only announced his departure from the Social Democrats in February, has become the sole Labour councillor on the Kildare-Newbridge municipal district committee.
The Kildare Local Electoral Area representative brings his new party’s number of councillors in the local authority up to six out of 40 on the council, representing a 15% share. He joins cllrs Aoife Breslin, Mark Leigh, Anne Breen, Angela Feeney and Rupert Heather.
The party now covers all five municipal districts and also has Kildare representation in Leinster House through Kildare South TD Mark Wall.
Cllr Balfe cited differences over communications regarding defence policy when he left the Social Democrats and pointed to his strong working relationship with deputy Wall as a key factor in his switch to Labour, as well as his belief that he will be able to provide “effective representation” for the Defence Forces.
He said: “I am delighted to confirm today that I have joined the Labour Party and look forward to working closely with deputy Mark Wall and the local Labour team across Kildare.
"Since my election to the council representing Monasterevin, Kildare, Rathangan, The Curragh, Suncroft and Ballysax in 2024, I have remained utterly focused in addressing the concerns people raise with me every day.”
Cllr Balfe said that alongside deputy Wall, he wants to continue campaigning on local issues such as housing, public transport and youth facilities. He honed in on the Defence Forces aspect:
“As a retired member of our Defence Forces, I also want to continue providing effective representation and support for serving and retired members of our Forces locally and working with Mark and the Labour Party to ensure our Defence Forces get the investment that is so urgently needed.
‘‘There are deep rooted challenges within the Defence Forces that government must tackle head-on. I know that that’s what the Labour Party will continue to drive.” Cllr Balfe has previously used his platform as an elected representative to advocate for military issues, including a 2025 motion calling on the council to commemorate its relationship with the Defence Forces through the erection of a permanent memorial on the grounds of the council’s headquarters at Áras Chill Dara, Naas.
Deputy Wall noted the work that he and cllr Balfe have done together as he welcomed the news of cllr Balfe joining Labour and said he has been impressed by the Monasterevin-based representative’s “commitment to delivering practical improvements that make everyday life safer, fairer and better.” He further highlighted his experience with regard to defence matters as another benefit of his addition to the ranks.
Party leader Ivana Bacik also welcomed the news, noting that he joins a Labour team of 56 councillors, 11 TDs, two senators and an MEP.
Cllr Balfe was born and raised in The Curragh Camp, the home of the Defence Forces. He served in that organisation for 35 years before retiring in 2022. He undertook ten overseas deployments, including service in Lebanon.
He currently works in learning and development with Scouting Ireland.
He announced his departure from the Social Democrats in February, after which he operated as an independent for just over seven months.
Cllr Balfe said that the decision did not stem from a personal or organisational dispute but cited his experience as a member of the Defence Forces as the determining factor. He comes from a family with a history of over 90 years of military service across four generations.
The Social Democrats defence policy was not the issue; rather it was how the party communicates and frames defence matters. He criticised under-investment in the forces in February: “The conditions our Defence Forces face today reflects years of under-investment. It is important that we reflect on how we ensure our military is properly supported, resourced and valued. Our personnel and their families deserve no less.
