Well known Kildare politician joins new political party - and he'll likely run for the Dáil

Independent Kildare councillor Bill Clear has joined the right wing-leaning Independent Ireland political party.

Previously spurned by the Social Democrats in his bid to represent them in the general election of just less than a year ago, he then ran as an independent in that election winning 2,900 (5.1%) of first preferences votes cast in Kildare North.

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Nevertheless, Aidan Farrelly, a first time general election runner, was elected in Kildare North for the SDs defying predictions that his more rural base might leave him struggling to win support.

In the end though Farrelly was the second TD elected in the constituency - ahead of Joe Neville (FG), Naoise  Ó Cearuil and Réada Cronin (SF), none of whom, unlike Farrelly, reached the quota.

Cllr Clear comfortably retained his Kildare County Council seat in the last local elections (also 2024). He topped the poll in the Naas area, exceeding the quota in the first count and was the first councillor elected in Naas.

A native of Thurles, County Tipperary, he was first elected of KCC in 2019.

After failing to win the SD ticket in Kildare North, he left the party.

He said at the time "After deep reflection I have made this difficult decision to step down from the party. I have made this decision to step down in order to pursue other opportunities that align more with my personal and political aspirations."

He added: "This decision has not been taken lightly. Throughout my time with the Social Democrats, I have been proud to advocate for the values and principles they stand for. I have worked alongside incredible colleagues who share a commitment to positive change and a better future for our community and county."

He will become the second Independent Ireland councillor in Kildare, joining Ger Dunne, who is also based in Naas and who was elected to KCC for the first time in June 2024.

A marine accident investigator, Cllr Clear is married to Annmarie, an engineer and they have three teenage children.

Independent Ireland leader Dep. Michael Collins welcomed Clear as “the party’s  24th elected councillor nationwide” describing him as “a man of integrity, experience and deep commitment to his community.”

Clear is a likely II candidate come the next Dáil election.