John Kelly’s son plays key role in campaign despite Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis

Despite doctor’s telling him he’d only have three to five years to live in 2015, a Hobart man has defied odds and is hoping to help his dad become the next Lord Mayor. Read his inspiring story.

He is unable to walk, talk or type but Paul Kelly’s sharp political mind is hoping to help his father become Hobart’s next Lord Mayor.

North Hobart businessman and former Hobart Citizen of the Year, John Kelly, is one of eight candidates vying for the city’s top job.

Paul, 30, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2015 and said it was his “worst nightmare”.

Doctors thought he would live another three to five years but he has defied those odds.

“It has been a crazy journey and a lot that I took for granted has been taken away from me, but in many ways I have been extremely fortunate and I am grateful for the immense amount of support I have received,” Paul said.

John Kelly and son Paul Kelly, of Hobart. Discussing John Kelly's campaign to run for Lord Mayor of Hobart. Picture: Richard Marks.

“It has opened up perhaps just as many doors as it has shut, not always the doors I wanted but nonetheless ones that I have lived and learned through.

“I never planned to work on a political campaign but when Dad made the decision to run I kind of naturally fell into the role.

“I have a degree in communications so it is nice to put that to practice.”

Paul uses technology that tracks his eye movement which he describes as a “game changer”.

There is a lot of stuff to do. Dad entered the race quite late so there has been a lot to get our heads around,” he said..

“But I enjoy it. I love Hobart so if I can make a small contribution then I am happy.

“Dad has been born and bred for the role of Lord Mayor.

“He knows Hobart like the back of his hand and has been entrenched in the community his entire life. He knows how to get a job done. I am proud to get behind him. “

John says like many people with disability Paul has much to contribute and many ideas for improving Hobart.

“Without any complaint and with total dedication and professionalism Paul has been my secret weapon in my Hobart City Council election campaign,” he said.

“All of the social media formatting, posting is controlled by Paul and we meet twice daily to strategise and monitor the campaign.

“He is a one man campaign team.”