Fine Gael picks its Swinford local election team

THE Fine Gael party has tonight selected its candidates to run in the four-seat Swinford electoral area in next May's local elections.

Outgoing Foxford-based Councillor Neil Cruise will be joined on the ticket by Swinford businessman Tom Lavin.

The party lost its seat in Swinford in the 2014 election when Joe Mellett lost out in the Ballina Municipal District and now there is a determination within the ranks to win it back.

Fianna Fàil is running outgoing councillors Michael Smyth, Swinford, and John Caulfield, Kilkelly, in the area while Charlestown Sinn Fèin Councillor Gerry Murray is seeking another term in office.

There is speculation that a high-profile Swinford-based independent candidate will shortly announce his intentions to run.