Fine Gael selects its Ballina local election team
SITTING councillors Jarlath Munnelly and John O'Hara will be joined by first time candidate Hugh Rouse on the Ballina electoral area team for this summer's county council elections.
More than 150 members attended the Ballina District Fine Gael selection convention for the June elections, held in the Great National Hotel and chaired by Sligo Leitrim TD and former minister Frank Feighan.
In accordance with the directive, three candidates were nominated and selected.
Sitting councillor Jarlath Munnelly, Killala, was proposed by Sean Callaghan, Ballycastle, and seconded by Lorraine Munnelly. Councillor John O'Hara, Bonniconlon, was proposed by Vincent Healy and seconded by John Fox. And first time candidate Hugh Rouse was proposed by Aideen Horkan and seconded by Margaret Rouse.
Addressing the convention, Deputy Feighan stressed the importance of the local elections. The range of services overseen by county councils impacts directly on the lives of people within communities.
He was pleased to see that the Fine Gael candidates were ideally located in order to deliver three seats.
Deputy Alan Dillon, chairman of the Fine Gael parliamentary party, emphasised the critical importance of the forthcoming general election. He warned of the emerging challenges posed by the rise of populist parties and the sinister far right.
Highlighting Fine Gael's achievements in government, he pointed to record employment levels, a stable and growing economy and the significant strides in delivering social and affordable housing.
He reaffirmed his dedication to regional development balance outlining the key infrastructure projects such as the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor and the much needed improvements to the N26, N58 and N17.
He expressed his appreciation of the work of sitting councillors Jarlath Munnelly and John O'Hara and voiced strong support for new candidate Hugh Rouse, urging the people of Ballina town to rally behind Hugh.
Senator Paddy Burke congratulated the three candidates and wished them well. He paid a glowing tribute to former senator and TD Michelle Mulherin, who is leaving politics, for her enormous contribution over many years at local and national level. He was confident that her expertise and experience would be available to the three candidates when the campaign gets underway.