Michael Murphy defeats Senator Garret Ahearn to contest General Election for Fine Gael in South Tipperary
Tipperary County Councillor and former Mayor of Clonmel Michael Murphy has won the backing of the Fine Gael party to contest the next General Election in Tipperary South.
Councillor Murphy went head to head in a close contest with Senator Garret Ahearn at a Fine Gael selection convention held in Halla Na Féile, Cashel, on Monday night.
Over 700 party members attended with Cllr Murphy winning by 246 votes to Senator Ahearn’s 214. Afterwards, Cllr Murphy said he was “delighted and extremely proud to confirm that I will be a candidate in the next General Election for the new constituency of Tipperary South.
“Thanks to the grassroots of Fine Gael for putting confidence in me to be their standard bearer. An extraordinary night in Cashel last night with more than 700 in attendance. An incredible campaign over the last three weeks while I put the ‘Locals’ on hold.
“Back now from today to campaigning for the Local Elections in the short term. Looking for your Number One vote and Number Two for my colleague and friend, Cllr John FitzGerald on June 7.
“The consequences of the campaign over the last three weeks is that I may not get to every door. Put your trust in Murphy,” he said.
Councillor Murphy is based in the Fethard Road in Clonmel, and first became involved in politics in 2008 when he joined the Fine Gael Party.
In 2009, he was elected to South Tipperary County Council, at his first attempt. He also contested the 2011 General Election, and received 5,402 first preference votes. He was re-elected as a Councillor in 2014, and again in 2019, topping the poll.
He has served as Cathaoirleach of Tipperary and Mayor of Clonmel, represents the Clonmel Electoral Area on Tipperary County Council, and is Head of the Irish Delegation to the EU Committee of the Regions. A businessman by profession, Cllr Murphy is a senior executive with the Enfer Group.
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