Breaking Burke added to FG ticket for 2016

Fine Gael has just confirmed that Cllr Peter Burke is to be added to the ticket for the Longford Westmeath constituency for next year's general election.

Cllr Burke, who secured 6,629 first preferences in the last general election, joins Deputies James Bannon and Gaby McFadden in the face for seats in what is likely to be one of the toughest constituencies in the country.

Delighted today to receive word from party headquarters, Cllr Burke said that for him, the campaign starts straight away.

On a personal level, it's happening at an exciting time for the young chartered accountant and his wife, Olivia, as they are expecting their first child, with the birth due to take place in just three weeks' time.

A native of Clonmore, Cllr Burke, son of Mary and Peter, grew up on a farm.  He attended Coláiste Mhuire in Mullingar, and then NUIG.

For the past ten years, he has been working as an accountant with Stephens Cooke in Mullingar.

He is an avid cyclist, and is a member of both Mullingar Shamrocks and of St Oliver Plunkett's.

Reacting to the news, Cllr Burke said that he had been eagerly hoping to get the chance to represent the party in the forthcoming election.

"I have been waiting for a few months to secure my place on the ticket, and on that note, I would like to thank all the members in the constituency together with all the Fine Gael councillors who worked hard to secure this nomination."

Peter joined Fine Gael and was elected to Westmeath County Council and Mullingar Town Council in June 2009.  He stood for the Party in the 2011 General Election.

Said Peter: “I am proud to represent a party which encourages change, equality and empowerment of those who genuinely want to make a difference within their local communities.  

“I believe I can advance the causes that are important to me, and to people like me in my constituency, particularly unemployment, inequality and social deprivation. Jobs are central to this cause. More jobs mean less tax for working people and more revenue to provide better services.

“Fine Gael is doing its best to spread the benefits of recovery to as many homes as possible and I am proud to be a Party General Election candidate in Longford Westmeath, “he said.