Mullingar businessman is Labour's new area rep

(Above) Liam Gilleran.

The chairman of the Westmeath branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, Mullingar publican Liam Gilleran, has been appointed the Labour Party's local area representative in the north of the county.

To mark the new appointment, party leader Deputy Alan Kelly will be travelling to Mullingar next Tuesday to meet with Mr Gilleran and other Labour members, including the area representative in the south of the county Fidelma Bennett.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner ahead of Tuesday's visit from Deputy Kelly, Mr Gilleran says that he would like to run for political office when the opportunity presents itself, but until then he is looking forward to getting stuck into his new role.

“I have always been very interested in politics but over a long time I felt myself gravitating towards Labour. I like what they stand for. I like their youthfulness. I like their ideology. I love the fact that we have a great, bright, young, vibrant party, both nationally with our TDs and senators and also with the party in general,” he said.

One of the issues that Mr Gilleran feels that Labour is particularly strong on is its commitment to the fight for equality for people with disabilities.

“It is very close to my heart and something I am very passionate about, particularly when it comes to ensuring that all people with a disability or illness are treated as equals. Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen. We have experienced that at first hand ourselves and I would like to be a voice for people in that situation.”

A proud Mullingar man, Mr Gilleran says that he is looking forward to working for local people and trying to town's economic fortunes.

“I just love the town in general. Instead of standing behind a bar counter and talking about stuff that is very near and dear to me, I thought why not throw my hat into the ring. When I joined Labour the whole conversation initially was about becoming the new local area rep. I must say I was delighted to be appointed.

“I am thoroughly enjoying it. I am getting tremendous help from head office and really tremendous help from the team locally.”

He says that the advice and support he has received from Willie Penrose, who retired from national politics before the last general election after 27 years as a TD, has been invaluable.

“Willie has been tremendous. His support has been second to none. Cllr Johnny Penrose and Cllr Denis Leonard have been great too.

“Their passion is the common denominator between these guys. Willie has been very, very helpful. It is tremendous to have a guy of his quality there, someone who has given so much to this constituency and to this county. It is very valuable for me to have a guy of that calibre helping me,” Mr Gilleran said.

Although he stresses that it will be the party that will decided if and when he runs for election, Mr Gilleran says that he is ready and able for the cut and thrust of political life.

“I just love this town and county and I really feel I have something of value to offer. I would love to engage with the powers that be on behalf of the people of Mullingar and the county,” he said