Mayo cathaoirleach not contesting Senate elections

THE cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council has announced he is not contesting the Senate elections despite speculation to the contrary.

In a statement issued this evening, Councillor Brendan Mulroy said: "I want to thank everyone who contacted me and encouraged me to run in the forthcoming Seanad Eireann elections.

"I am very humbled to be asked but I feel to give the very best to my role as Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council and my constituents I will not be running on this occasion.

"Best of luck to all the Mayo candidates that will be running in the election. Thank you all for your ongoing support."