Former Farmers' Journal writer Jim O'Brien is to run for the Labour Party in the next general election, writes Alison Healy.
Mr O'Brien, who lives in Rosenallis, Co Laois, has been added to the party ticket in the Laois Offaly constituency. He will join Clara-based David Whelan, who was selected at the constituency convention in July.
Announcing the candidacy, party constituency chairman Timmy Molloy said the presence of candidates in both Laois and Offaly would maximise the Labour vote and significantly enhance the chances of the party taking a seat in the general election. Laois Offaly is a five-seater constituency. Fianna Fáil currently holds three seats, with Fine Gael holding the remainder.
Originally from Limerick, Mr O'Brien runs a communications consultancy for community and voluntary groups. He was once a Catholic priest in the diocese of Limerick.