In 1973 Jackie was first co-opted to Kerry County Council as a Fianna Fáil member, following the death of FF Cllr Michael Doherty, and was elected to the council in 1974. Re-elected in every subsequent election, he was on the council for 30 years until he had to resign his seat because of a change in the law which stipulated that a person could not be both a councillor and a TD at the same time (dual mandate). Jackie got to know every inch of the constituency and became acquainted with an enormous number of people. He enjoyed a highly successful career as a councillor, being a frequent poll-topper, and was known as a grassroots politician with his ear to the ground. Issues such as housing, roads, planning and health were among his priorities. He was also regarded as someone that could cut through the red tape of the local government when the occasion demanded and built up a reputation as a hard-working councillor who would deal with problems in a very direct way. His colourful statements at council meetings often made headlines in the local press, assuring him of a high profile. During his time as a councillor, he became a regular contributor to debates at Fianna Fáil Fheiseanna. His witty comments and unusual turn of phrase were eagerly looked forward to by delegates at the party’s annual gathering in the RDS.