Former Progressive Democrat TD Joins Labour

Longford Independent Cllr Mae Sexton is to stand for the Labour Party at the next Irish general election.

The former Progressive Democrat TD was officially welcomed into the Labour team by party leader, Eamon Gilmore at Backstage Theatre in Longford on Tuesday morning.

Speaking about today's defection, Mr Gilmore said it was a "significant development for Labour and will provide a great boost for us locally and nationally".

"Coming on top of the very successful Labour Party conference in Galway ten days ago this shows that Labour is very much a party on the increase. All of the polls have shown a very significant growth in support for Labour over the last general election, membership is at record levels, and we are greatly encouraged that long-established community and political figures, such as Mae are joining the team," the Labour leader said.

He added: "Mae Sexton is one of the most respected and admired public representatives in County Longford. She has been involved in local politics since 1991 and has had a long and impressive track record as a campaigner on a range of community issues in Longford.

"She was an effective and energetic representative for the county in the Dail between 2002 and 2007, having been successful in delivering local facilities and inward industrial investment for the county."

The Labour target is two seats in the Longford/Westmeath constituency. Labour's aim is to retain Willie Penrose's seat in Westmeath and pick up an extra seat in Longford with Ms Sexton now in the running.

Speaking this morning, Ms Sexton said: "I am flattered that the Labour Party has sought me out as a member of such a distinguished team led by the widely respected Willie Penrose and I look forward to playing my part in helping Eamon Gilmore become the next Taoiseach.

"I hope my involvement with the party will strengthen the hand of the party Leader to bring about the change that people want."

(DW/BMcC)