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Irish Independent

Former Louth politician John McGahon appointed as CEO of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce

He is the Chamber's first CEO since Bill Tosh, and in announcing his appointment, the Chamber said his 'extensive experience in public service has equipped him with strong policy expertise and combined with his skills in strategic planning and public engagement, demonstrate his ability to represent and advocate for local business and community interests effectively." The former Fine Gael politician exited politics last November when he failed to win a Dail seat in the 2024 General Election amid controversary over his involvement in a pub assault. He had been found not guilty in 2022 by a Circuit Court jury of the assault of Breen White outside a pub in Dundalk in 2018. However, Mr White was awarded €39,000 by the High Court in a subsequent civil case. The Taoiseach Simon Harris had failed to back him and had commented that there were two Fine Gael candidates running in Louth. Mr McGahon subsequently announced that he would not be seeking re-election to the Seanad, saying: 'After a decade of holding elected office, I am looking forward to taking a step back from public life and spending more time with my wife Áine, family and friends.' He had followed in the footsteps of his father Johnny McGahon and his late uncle Brendan McGahon when he was elected as a Fine Gael councillor in 2014. He was re-elected to Louth County Council in 2019 and served as chairperson of Dundalk Municipal District for two terms. Having unsuccessfully contested the 2020 General Election he was appointed to the Seanad and served as the Fine Gael Seanad spokesperson on Environment, Climate and Communications, and on the joint Oireachtas committee on climate action, and the committee on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. Mr McGahon said he was delighted to be taking up this new role. "Dundalk has a proud business tradition, rooted in innovation, community spirit, and cross-border cooperation. I look forward to building on that legacy; supporting our local enterprises, attracting new investment, and strengthening the voice of business across the region,' "'It is a great opportunity to work alongside Hanna McDonnell, President of Dundalk Chamber, and the wider Chamber team to build on their success. Together, we can drive sustainable growth and ensure Dundalk continues to thrive as a dynamic hub for business,' he continues. Hanna McDonnell, President of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce said that his 'experience and strategic vision will be invaluable in advancing the Chamber's mission and positioning Dundalk as a hub for business excellence."