Lavin won't be contesting local elections in east Mayo

THE search is underway for a Swinford Fine Gael candidate for next year's local elections.

The decision by popular Swinford businessman Tom Lavin not to contest the council elections has come as a shock to the local Fine Gael organisation.

It was generally assumed that Mr. Lavin would be in the field given his strong showing in the 2019 elections where he polled 1,130 first preference votes before his elimination on the third count with 1,337.

Mr. Lavin announced his decision at the Swinford Executive AGM last night (Monday) before a large attendance in Mellett's Emporium.

A new candidate will now be selected to contest what Fine Gael believe is a very winnable seat.

The process of identifying the new candidate gets underway immediately. A strategy committee will undertake the task under the chairmanship of former long-serving councillor Joe Mellett.

Commented Mr. Mellett: “I believe Fine Gael has an outstanding chance of winning back the seat that Swinford returned election after election for decades.”

Glowing tributes were paid to Mr. Lavin for putting in place the strong foundations on which the party hopes to build for the June 2024 election.

The following officers were elected for the coming year: chairman Tom Lavin (Swinford), vice-chair Martin Brogan (Foxford), secretary Conor Quinn (Meelick), treasurers John Henry (Charlestown) and Joe Mellett (Swinford), PRO Douglas Kelly (Swinford) and president Vinnie O'Hora (Kiltimagh).