Jordan Lewis with Alan Kelly, TD. Jordan (26) will contest the local elections for the Labour Party.

Young Roscrea man opts to run for the Labour Party

A 26-year-old man from Roscrea says he aims to be a candidate for the Labour Party in the upcoming Tipperary County Council election.

The decision of Jordan Lewis has been welcomed by the party’s TD for the county, Alan Kelly, who said he was delighted that such a young person as Jordan had been attracted by the policies of Labour and had put himself forward for selection as a candidate in the local elections.

Introducing himself Jordan, who hopes to win a seat on the council in the Roscrea/Templemore area, said: “I am a Roscrea native, son of David and Edel with many ties to both Templemore and the surrounding villages. I was educated in Our Lady’s Templemore.

“I grew up in a family of four boys with Adam, David and Evan. We had young parents and so we treated our dad as like a fifth brother, especially when it came to family activities such as fishing or fixing scrap cars.”

Jordan’s partner of four years is Sophie Kirwan who he said “has been my day-to-day support network and advice-giver when it comes to matters I need guidance with.

“Along with my family, Sophie has been my greatest supporter in my decision to run for the local elections, offering advice all the time.”

Jordan currently works as a bartender in Fitzpatrick’s Lounge in Clonmore while also studying to finish his college degree in Mortuary Science.

HOBBIES

“Despite having a busy life, I always make time for my hobbies such as music performance (both religious and modern) and my love and passion for vintage cars.”

On what attracted him to the Labour, he said: “The decision to choose to join the party was an easy one as it embodies the ideals of the working people, and I am delighted to be working with Alan Kelly, TD, and his team.

“I have always been a firm believer that Labour have always kept a strong relationship with the many diverse workers and the wider public in Ireland.

“They have always been the most progressive party in Ireland on social issues.

“I aim to be selected at the Labour party’s local area convention in the coming weeks and then want to be elected as a local councillor for many reasons.

“I believe that with a transparent and open approach to politics, I could create a platform for communities to openly discuss their views and issues. I have always been a firm believer in people's rights to a fair living, education and safety.”

Jordan said he hopes to bring forward both ideas of his own, especially for the communities he hoped to serve, to improve the quality of life for everyone who lives in them.

“I will be very proud to be running in the constituency of Roscrea/Templemore,” he said.

“It would be an amazing opportunity to do good for others, and I hope to get as much support as possible in the constituency in the forthcoming local elections. I will do my very best to ensure everyone's voice will be heard.”

KELLY’S WELCOME

Deputy Alan Kelly said: ‘I’m delighted that Jordan is putting himself forward as our candidate in the Roscrea/Templemore local election area.

“He aims to be the youngest candidate Labour has in the whole country. He is a bright, progressive young candidate with loads of ideas and energy. We will be doing everything to ensure he is elected in June.”