Murray flags his SF general election ambitions in Mayo

Mayo Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry Murray has confirmed he is prepared to run for his party in the next general election 'if the opportunity is presented to him'.

The long-serving Charlestown-based representative stated a final decision has yet to be made on the organisation's strategy in the five-seat constituency.

Confusion reigned in political circles across the county when Sinn Féin staged a low-profile selection convention and only nominated outgoing TD Rose Conway-Walsh as a candidate.

But Councillor Murray explained that conventions have been held in each constituency where the party has a TD to establish the intentions of all of its members currently serving in Dáil Éireann.

"This was done to ensure the party is prepared in the event of a snap general election being called by the Taoiseach in September.

"However, it does not exclude the party from adding candidates and I would be prepared to run in Mayo in such circumstances," he explained.

It is understood senior Sinn Féin party figures in the county are keen to adopt a two-candidate approach in the next general election with Murray joining Deputy Conway-Walsh on the ticket.