Big election decision by south Mayo councillor 'a boost for FF party unity'

Long-serving Mayo Councillor Damian Ryan has informed party HQ that he will not be contesting next Friday's general election selection convention.

The Ballinrobe-based representative said he is doing so in order to ensure a united party approach behind outgoing TD and Minister of State Dara Calleary and Senator Lisa Chambers.

He elaborated: "The view within the party at this time is that a two-candidate approach is the best one in terms of winning two seats in the extended five-seat constituency.

"I am happy to stand aside on this occasion in support of this approach.

"But in the event of a decision being taken at a later stage to add a a third candidate, then I believe it should be one of the nominated people, namely Councillor Brendan Mulroy or myself.

"In the meantime, I will be meeting the party in respect of securing a nomination to stand in An Seanad elections following the general election.

"The south Mayo area is in huge need of greater representation at Oireachtas level and I am perfectly position to do so."

The Mayo Fianna Fail selection convention, to be chaired by Senator Eugene Murphy, will now ratify Minister Chambers and Senator Chambers at Friday's convention at the Ivy Tower Hotel, Castlebar, at the earlier time of 7.30 p.m.