Cllr Pauric Clerkin has confirmed to Northern Sound that he will not put his name forward in the upcoming Fine Gael convention.
The Monaghan man who was elected back in June believes he would be in a better position to represent the people of Monaghan at local council level for now. He says contesting the general election would be a wonderful opportunity but he believes there are other representatives with a lot more experience that would be a better fit for the job.
Cllr Clerkin said contesting the General Election would be something that he certainly wouldn't rule out in the future. It comes after that shock announcement by Minister Heather Humphreys over the weekend that she won't contest the upcoming General Election. Fine Gael are holding their convention for Cavan and Monaghan this Friday in the Kilmore Hotel.