Three independent councillors who have been working for the past five years on behalf of people in Drogheda, Clogherhead and Ardee and out as far as Louth Village, are to put themselves before the electorate as a united group. 

Between them Councillors Kevin Callan, Jim Tenanty and Declan Power cover nearly half of County Louth. They have worked together on everything from the most local of issues to ensuring there’d be no increase in Local Property Tax and ensuring funding is allocated to South and Mid Louth. 

Cllr Callan, the current Deputy Mayor of Drogheda, has been a Councillor for 15 years and has served three times as mayor. He was elected in two areas in the last local election so he asked Declan Power to work with him as an independent and the two have covered the greater Drogheda area for the full term of the council as independents with Jim representing Mid Louth. 

“Drogheda is a massive area with massive challenges, I have always worked to boost Foreign Direct Investment, tourism and to protect our heritage” Callan said. From the most local of issues to closing St Laurence’s Gate to traffic, building Drogheda Women’s and Children’s Refuge Centre as a board member, the creation of Boomerang Youth Cafe, Drogheda Tidy Towns which I chaired for a decade and worked and still work to improve the appearance and image of Drogheda.

“I am totally committed to continuing to work daily for the people of our area, to pushing for restoration of Drogheda Borough Council and city status. It has been a very positive thing to have had Jim and Declan there sitting in the chamber together with me and working together on a daily basis, we all put our areas and constituents first and foremost and not any allegiance to a party.

“Independents like ourselves vote for what makes sense and do not defend the indefensible like the decision to close the D Hotel. This logical approach is something we bring to the table locally and will be considering when it comes to the next general election as well”.   

Declaring his intention to contest the upcoming Louth Local Elections on June 7th, representing Drogheda Rural, Councillor Declan Power said: “With a proven record of unwavering commitment and effective leadership since assuming the role in 2019, I pledge to serve the community with diligence and determination. 

“Throughout this time I have been a staunch advocate for progress and positive change. My proactive approach and can-do attitude have consistently delivered tangible results. Joining forces with Independent Councillors Kevin Callan and Jim Tenanty, reaffirms my dedication to addressing the needs and concerns of the people. 

"I am thrilled to announce my candidacy in Louth," Power added. "My relentless dedication to serving the people of Drogheda Rural has been my driving force. As an Independent representative, I am uniquely positioned to prioritise the community's needs without the constraints of party politics." 

Deputy Mayor of Drogheda in 2021/22, Power says his commitment includes a diverse range of issues, including improving infrastructure, transportation, disability rights, tourism, mental health, advocating for gender-based violence prevention, among others.

Power says is looking forward to continuing his journey of progress and prosperity for Drogheda Rural, promising the same boundless energy and dedication to the position for the next five years.

“I’ve treated my role as Councillor with respect and dignity and likewise have done the same with my constituents. No job is too big or too small. I’m in the business of helping people and I want to continue doing just that” said Cllr. Power.

Cllr Jim Tenanty has served as a public representative since 1994 representing Ardee and Mid Louth and is contesting the elections again this year to bring experience and hard work to the table.

“I hope to be able to continue to work on a daily basis for the people of my area and to work to have Mid Louth represented in terms of funding, projects and investment” he said.

“I greatly value the support of fellow independent councillors Kevin and Declan and we have worked well together in fighting for our areas. I will be asking people for their vote on the basis that I will continue my work for Mid Louth.”