Former Mayo local election candidate announces bid for Dáil Éireann

Stephen Kerr, who narrowly missed securing a seat in the recent local elections, has announced his intention to run in the upcoming general election.

The Breaffy native, who ran as an Independent candidate in June's local election, received 899 votes in the Castlebar Municipal District, falling short to fellow Independent candidate Harry Barrett.

In a statement posted on social media, Kerr urged his supporters to back his campaign through canvassing efforts as he prepares for a bid for Dáil Éireann.

The announcement follows a significant political shift in Mayo, with long-serving Fine Gael TD Michael Ring recently declaring his retirement, and the creation of an additional seat in the constituency.

Patsy O’Brien has also thrown his hat into the ring, making Mayo an increasingly competitive battleground as the county prepares for the general election with two new TDs expected to be elected.