Jim Townsend (born 20 June 1937[1]) is an Irish Labour Party politician and former senator.
Townsend stood for the Labour Party in Carlow–Kilkenny at the Irish general election, 1981, but he took only 2% of the first preference votes, and was not elected. In 1991, he was elected to Carlow County Council, representing the Muinebheag district. He was appointed to the Seanad Éireann in 1993, serving one term, but was unsuccessful in Carlow-Kilkenny again at the 1997, 2002 and 2007 elections.[2]
At the local level, Townsend has also served on Carlow Town Council, and as Cathaoirleach of the county council.[3]