Fitzsimons set for council return

Padraig Fitzsimons is set for a return to local politics following the election of his Fianna Fail colleague Shane Cassells to Dail Eireann.

The former Navan councillor has been selected to replace Deputy Cassells on Meath County Council  by the local Fianna Fail organisation.

At a convention in Navan last night, he was elected to fill the co-option ahead of candidates, former Labour turned Fianna Fail councillor, Jenny McHugh, and solicitor, Madeleine Thornton.

The selection is set to be formally ratified by the county council at a meeting on Monday.

Fitzsimons is following in the footsteps of his father, former councillor Paddy; grandfather, former councillor and senator, Pat, and uncle, former TD and MEP, Jim; and previously served on Navan Town Council.