FIANNA Fáil councillor James Collins has taken himself out of contention for Local Elections 2024.
The former Limerick mayor informed his party this week that he will not be seeking a nomination for the upcoming selection convention for Limerick City West.
The well-known businessman and publican was first elected as a councillor in 2009 and went on to become first citizen in 2018, and Cathaoirleach of the Metropolitan District the following year.
Cllr Collins, who comes from a Limerick family steeped in politics, is the son former TD Michael Collins and the nephew of former Minister and MEP Gerry Collins.
Mr Collins, whose name has been suggested as a possible contender for Directly Elected Mayor (DEM), is also a cousin of current Minister of State Niall Collins.
The father of four ran in the 2020 General Election but failed to take a seat after topping the polls in the Local Elections the previous year.
Collins took to Twitter this Monday to announce his decision not to run again.
“This week I have informed Fianna Fáil that I will not be seeking a nomination for the upcoming selection convention for Limerick City West.
“Recent times have been difficult for everybody. The last 16 months have been especially difficult for our family.
“It has been a privilege to have served the people of the Adare Electoral Area and Limerick City West. I would like to thank everybody who voted for me, all my family and friends who assisted me along the way, my colleagues in Fianna Fáil, fellow councillors and officials in Limerick County Council and Limerick City and County Council and all the various associated organisations and bodies I served on also,” he said.
