Micheál Martin TD

Party Leader

29 June 2012

FF Appoints Local Area Representative for Naas Electoral Area – Martin

Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin has announced the appointment of James Lawless as a Local Area Representative for the Naas Electoral Area as part of the party’s ongoing renewal strategy.

Deputy Martin said: “I am delighted to announce that James Lawless will be a Local Area Representative for the party in Naas.  The Kildare North constituency is a key target area for the party and I recently announced the appointment of Áine Brady as a Local Area Representative for the Clane Electoral Area.

“I have been delighted to see the energy and commitment displayed at all levels of the party at meetings I have held in Kildare and around the country.  I am committed to ensuring that Fianna Fáil renews from the grassroots and that all levels of the party have significant input into policy development.  It is essential that Fianna Fáil continues to play a constructive and positive role in politics, bringing forward policies and solutions to the problems being faced by people in their daily lives and ensuring there is a strong team on the ground in all communities.”

James Lawless lives in Sallins where he is married with a young family and is involved with several community groups.  He is a campaigner and spokesperson for the commuter group Naas and Sallins Rail Users, he is also involved with Sallins GAA and several local community organisations.

James studied Maths and Finance at Trinity College and has over a decade’s experience working in systems development.  James is now training as a Barrister at Kings Inns.  He is a member of the Fianna Fáil Ard Comhairle and was recently appointed to party’s internal Justice Policy Committee.

James Lawless said: “It is an honour to be appointed a Local Area Representative for Fianna Fáil in the Naas Electoral Area.  I see this as an important step in the party’s local and national renewal strategy.  I am looking forward to working alongside Councillor Willie Callaghan who has been elected as Mayor of Naas. Willie is playing a crucial role in representing the community and Fianna Fáil on Naas Town Council and Kildare County Council.

“James has actively campaigned for community facilities including the successful zoning of lands back to amenity use in the last round of local area plans. James was very involved in flood relief efforts when Sallins and surrounds were hit by severe weather and flooding in late 2009.”

Cllr. Callaghan commented: “There is a genuine commitment from grassroot members of Fianna Fáil to make sure the party is rebuilt and that the voices of ordinary people in our communities in Naas are listened to as we go about that process.  I welcome James’ appointment and I think he will be an important asset to the party in Naas Electoral Area.”