Mayo candidate reveals he intended to withdraw but missed deadline

AN independent candidate in the Mayo local elections has revealed he intended to withdraw from the contest but missed the deadline.

Des Walsh, who is running in the seven-seat Castlebar area, explained he simply put himself forward as 'a satirical candidate' in order 'to inject a degree of humour to the campaign'.

He was a bit of a social media sensation in the early weeks of the campaign when he posted videos of how to repair potholes and clean manhole covers, some of which were featured on The Connaught Telegraph's Facebook page.

Having missed the deadline for withdrawing his name, he has applied himself to the task of canvassing votes in recent days.

"I now realise that if I had taken the election seriously, I would have swept the boards!

"If I do end up being elected, I will honour my commitment in regard to tackling the problem of potholes on our rural roads.

"At this point, however, I extend every good wish to my fellow candidates over the closing days of the campaign in their efforts to win a seat."