Mayo TD elected to top role in his parliamentary party

Mayo Fine Gael Deputy Alan Dillon has been installed the new chairperson of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party.

The former Mayo senior football captain and two-time All-Star was elected to the post by his party's Oireachtas members.

He defeated veteran Kildare North TD Bernard Durkan in a secret ballot and will replace Richard Bruton in the role.

In his acceptance speech, Deputy Dillon said that he was honoured to be elected chairperson and that he was committed to ensuring that Fine Gael remains an effective political force.

He stated: "Fine Gael needs to evolve, and I believe I can contribute to that evolution as chairperson.

"We must align our policies with the electorate's concerns and ensure that our community engagement translates into effective political responses. I'm ready to use my energy now as chair of the PP for this purpose."

Deputy Dillon also said that Fine Gael needed to be seen as a party that was energetic, visionary and attractive to young people.

"The impending general election presents both challenges and opportunities," Dillon said.

"We cannot afford to become irrelevant as a coalition partner. We must continue to spell out the party's core values and communicate our objectives and ambitions effectively."

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar congratulated the new chairperson, stating: “Deputy Dillon’s work ethic is commendable and as a former sportsman, he will bring a range of qualities to the role including dedication, commitment and resilience.

‘But above all, the new Chairperson has already shown himself to be a valued team player. I wish him well in his new role,” concluded An Taoiseach.

Ballintubber native Deputy Dillon had been serving as secretary of the parliamentary party for the past three years.

First elected as TD in 2020, he is a member of the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee and Oireachtas Media Committee.

He was one of the key questioners of RTÉ executives during recent high-profile hearings on the financial crisis at the national broadcaster.

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