Independent Councillor Kevin Callan has entered the race for Dáil Éireann saying that he will be giving people a clear choice between more of the same or a strong and effective independent voice that will work for Drogheda and the county. He says he will negotiate with any government once it provides supports to the area.

“We are living in an area that has such potential but which has been consistently failed and overlooked” Callan said. This election is extremely important and Iam putting his name forward to make sure that everyone has a real choice - more of the same or something different.

“Examples include the lack of government support in preventing town centre dereliction, lack of any support to build the Northern Cross Route, the loss of tourist beds following the closure of the D Hotel, the omission of a Drogheda North Train Station from national plans and no action on reopening Dunleer Train Station in 40 years.

“Also on my list are the lack of progress on the Ardee Bypass in 8 years, the lack of action on restoring Borough and Town Councils to Drogheda, Ardee and Dundalk, the list literally goes on and on.

“Another five years of the status quo could literally leave certain parts of the county in an unsalvageable state and I cannot stand by and watch that happen, that's why I'm entering the race.”

Cllr Callan has served as an elected representative for 15 years and says he wants to bring his effort and work to Leinster House.

He explained that if elected he will support those who work with him for the benefit of the constituency but if that is not forthcoming his support will not be possible.

“This works extremely successfully for other independent TDs across the country who deliver consistently for their constituencies” he said.

Cllr Callan was recently elected as the first independent Chairperson of Louth County Council in 27 years and has served as Mayor of Drogheda three times. He is a qualified barrister and active member of a number of organisations including Tidy Towns, he is married to Ruth Clinton from Drogheda.

“My election as Chairperson shows that I work well with parties, independents and anyone who wishes to be positive and constructive, this approach could work well in Leinster House” he said.

“I am extremely lucky to work with a number of independent councillors who cover the entire county and to have the endorsement and support of Mayor Paddy Mc Quillan and Declan Power in Drogheda, Cllr Jim Tenanty in Mid Louth and Cllr Ciaran Fisher in Dundalk means that this support is real and on the ground for all of the people.

“I am not a celebrity or an amateur entering the race at the last minute, I have been fighting for 15 years for the people in the council chamber and I want to take that work ethic and experience to the Chamber of Dáil Éireann.

“I am asking people to put their trust in me and to do something different this time, to vote independent. I do not belong to a party and as such I belong only to the people of County Louth, my only agenda is to fight and push for all of us.