Mayo Fine Gael's confidential 'Plan B' election strategy revealed
The Fine Gael party in Mayo has drawn up a strategy for the next general election which does not involve Deputy Michael Ring, The Connaught Telegraph has learned.
While the long-serving Westport TD has not yet made an announcement about his future intentions, top level officials are already working to ‘Plan B’.
A source confirmed that it would be ‘a bonus’ if Deputy Ring rowed back on his retirement plans - “but that’s uncertain at this point.”
He is expected to make a formal announcement shortly as senior party officials continue their efforts to persuade him to run, the latest being Taoiseach Simon Harris, who described him as ‘a legend’ in an interview on MidWest Radio.
However, proposals that he may be offered the position of Ceann Comhairle are far from straightforward as the position cannot be guaranteed to him prior to a general election.
The organisation is planning to run three candidates in the five-seat race with the selection convention pencilled in for September - but a four-strong ticket is not being ruled out at this point.
The only definite, at this point, is that Castlebar-based Minister of State Alan Dillon will be in the field.
Talks are taking place with Bonniconlon-based Councillor John O’Hara with regard to him being the party’s north Mayo-based candidate.
He would replace former TD and senator Michelle Mulherin, who last ran for public office in the 2020 general election.
The big focus of concern is Deputy Ring’s replacement and it is understood the prospect of a family member going forward have been ruled out.
Westport Councillor Peter Flynn has informed the party he is not interested in running for Dáil Eireann - thus creating the need to identify and secure a third candidate to cover west and south Mayo.
Speculation in regard to former Mayo football star Lee Keegan will be resurrected over the coming weeks while Kiera Keogh, who ran in the local elections, will be in the frame.
The name of newly-elected Ballyhaunis Councillor Alma Gallagher has also come into strong consideration as a potential third candidate.