'Gets things done': Kildare branch of Labour Party gains new councillor

The representative was formerly aligned with the Social Democrats

By Ciarán Mather Published 5th Oct 2026, 11:00 BST Updated 5th Oct 2026, 11:00 BST Kildare County Council's headquarters, Áras Chill Dara, in the Devoy Park region of Naas | FILE PHOTOGRAPH The representative was formerly aligned with the Social Democrats The County Kildare branch of The Labour Party has gained a new councillor.

Cllr Pat Balfe , who represents the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD), has joined the party, following a brief stint as an Independent representative.

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He was first elected to Kildare County Council as a member of the Social Democrats back in 2024, and continued to serve with the party until February of this year.

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He elaborated: “Since my election to Kildare County Council representing Monasterevin, Kildare, Rathangan the Curragh, Suncroft and Ballysax in 2024, I have remained utterly focused in addressing the concerns people raise with me every day.”

Cllr Pat Balfe (Labour Party) | PHOTOGRAPH CREDIT: KILDARECOCO.IE “I will continue to focus on the issues that impact on local residents such as improving access to public transport and active travel, to support the delivery of affordable housing, helping those on the hard edge of the housing crisis, and fighting for dedicated youth spaces so that our young people can be proud to grow up in Kildare.

“As a retired member of our Defence Forces, I also want to continue providing effective representation and support for serving and retired members of our forces locally, and working with Mark and the Labour Party to ensure our Defence Forces get the investment that is so urgently needed.”

Cllr Balfe further said: “There are deep rooted challenges within the Defence Forces that the government must tackle head on; I know that that’s what the Labour Party will continue to drive.

“There are also significant challenges facing our community right now, from housing to the cost of commuting to the provision of local services.”

He concluded: “I look forward to working with my new Labour colleagues and using my experience on the council to deliver for the people I represent.”

In addition, one of Cllr Balfe’s new colleagues, Cllr Mark Leigh, has said that he is ‘delighted to welcome’ Cllr Balfe to the party.

Cllr Leigh, who is also the Cathaoirleach / Mayor of the Athy MD, told the Leinster Leader: “Pat has always been someone who cares deeply about his community and, importantly, someone who gets things done.

“Having people of Pat’s experience, energy and commitment joining Labour strengthens our team here in South Kildare.

“We’re building a strong local Labour organisation that is focused on delivering for communities, standing up for working people and making sure South Kildare gets its fair share.”

He concluded: “I’m looking forward to working closely with Pat and I know he’ll make a real contribution to the team.”

Another colleague of Cllr Balfe, Cllr Aoife Breslin (who also represents the Athy MD), also had this to say about him: “It is a great honour to have person of the calibre of Pat to join us in the Labour Party.

“I have known Pat for many years, and I am very much of his work on behalf of the people he represents.”

She continued: “Pat is a person of the highest integrity and deeply committed to working on behalf of all of the people.

“We have a great team in Kildare and Pat will be a great asset.”

Cllr Breslin concluded: “I am looking forward to working on a daily basis with Pat.”