by Andrew Carey
REJECTED by his former party but not forgotten by his supporters, Fianna Fáil national executive member Emmett O’Brien has launched his local election campaign as an independent candidate with blazing sods of turf in County Limerick.
Running in the Adare/Rathkeale electoral area, the Pallaskenry farmer and barrister thanked the hundreds of people who marched up the village’s Main Street with sods of turf burning on pitchforks over their heads.
The 34 year-old said “the great support and huge turnout was very encouraging but it also reflects the desire of the people of the area for new leadership and strong independent voices to represent them. The parade of supporters carrying burning sods of turf symbolises that there is still light and hope in our communities and that we all have a desire to put vibrancy and life back into the community”.
“I have seen the loss of vibrancy in the area with emigration taking its effect, loss of jobs hitting families and lack of leadership in politics leaving the people of this area alone and despondent.”
Excluded for the Fianna Fail party ticket despite being a member of the National Executive, Mr O’Brien said that the “feeling on the ground is disappointment with the main political parties and the people are looking for someone to represent them as they continue to deal with more demands such as lack of job security, water charges and local property tax and the closure of Garda stations and post offices”.
