Poll topping Kildare councillor resigns from party for general election bid

FORMER Social Democrats leader and Kildare North TD Catherine Murphy has said she is “very disappointed” with the news that Naas councillor Bill Clear has chosen to resign from the Social Democrats to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming General Election.

Cllr Clear stood for his party’s selection convention in Ardclogh on 24 July to choose a replacement for the outgoing Deputy Murphy but was beaten into second place by cllr Aidan Farrelly.

“Obviously, I’m very disappointed he has decided to leave the party,” said Deputy Murphy.

“We have a very good team, and I value that.” “He has worked very hard in the Naas Municipal District, but we had a selection convention to fill one place.

“Aidan Farrelly won that, but we had three very good people (cllr Nuala Kileen was the third), an embarrassment of riches.

“But the party will get behind Aidan. I’m disappointed and sad Bill has taken that position.

“Any time you’d go to Naas you’d see Bill out in his hi-vis jacket, so it was no surprise he topped the poll (1,975 first preferences in the June elections).

“There’s never been any doubt about his capacity to work for the area,” she said.

Cllr Clear made his decision last Friday.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation from the Social Democrats effective immediately,” he said.

“After the selection convention I was hoping to be a second candidate to Aidan (Farrelly) to get the number 2s but it didn’t happen, and I came to realise I am not going to advance in the party, and I’m not getting any younger.

“After deep reflection I have made this difficult decision to step down from the party.

“I have made this decision to step down in order to pursue other opportunities that align more with my personal and political aspirations, and this decision has not been taken lightly.

“Throughout my time with the Social Democrats, I have been proud to advocate for the values and principles they stand for.

“I have worked alongside incredible colleagues who share a commitment to positive change and a better future for our community and county.

“It has been a very difficult decision, but life is full of difficult decisions.

“Catherine (Murphy) has been great to me for 10 years as a mentor, and she left me with a great basis to be a great politician “However, after careful consideration of my own path forward, I feel that it is time for me to explore new avenues that will allow me to contribute in different and in more positive ways.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the leadership, my fellow party councillors, and the supporters who have stood by me throughout this journey.

“I look back on my time with the Social Democrats with pride and appreciation”.

Next up in election preparations will be the impending Fine Gael selection convention for Kildare North, which will see the party choose two candidates from sitting TD Bernard Durkan, cllr Joe Neville and cllr Evie Sammon.