Fine Gael eyes potential poll-topper in Mayo
by Caomhín Rowland
Fine Gael looks set to shake up the electoral landscape in Mayo with the potential post-convention addition of a high-profile parachute candidate, sparking mounting speculation in political circles locally.
Martina Jennings, the widely respected CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice, is being touted as a major asset for the party ahead of the next general election.
Jennings, whose leadership at the hospice has made a profound impact across the county and wider region through end-of-life care services, is reportedly being courted by Fine Gael HQ as a candidate to fill the vacuum left by the retiring Michael Ring.
With Fine Gael eager to maintain its foothold in Mayo, Jennings is seen as a potential vote-winner capable of rallying significant local support. Her work with healthcare professionals and palliative care staff at Mayo Roscommon Hospice has made her a household name, especially among families touched by terminal illnesses.
The party is said to view Jennings as part of a broader strategy of moving away from celebrity candidates, opting instead for those with strong community ties and professional recognition in the disability and social care sector.
The previous approach has already seen figures like former jockey Nina Carberry and former Rose of Tralee winner Maria Walsh successfully enter the political fray.
In Mayo, Jennings could prove key to securing a second seat for Fine Gael, bolstering the party’s local representation alongside Minister of State Alan Dillon, the former GAA All-Star who has succeeded in maintaining a strong presence after Enda Kenny's departure.
This move comes at a critical time for Fine Gael in Mayo, where Ring's retirement has created uncertainty.
Party insiders believe that Jennings’ addition would be a direct response to this challenge, positioning her to rival independent candidate and former Fine Gael councillor Patsy O’Brien for a seat in the 34th Dáil as both are expected to perform well in their native south Mayo, with much more of the area being included in the constituency after an electoral re-draw which added a fifth candidate to this county.
The potential candidacy of Jennings also reflects a broader strategy by Fine Gael to address gaps in key constituencies, as seen in Donegal with the Taoiseach’s nomination of Nikki Bradley to the Seanad.
Both Jennings and Bradley, well-regarded in the social care sector, didn’t enter politics traditionally but their inclusion would also help Fine Gael in its efforts to meet the 40% gender quota for female candidates.
However, Jennings’ entry is unlikely to be without controversy. Local party members may resist the introduction of a parachute candidate, viewing it as a top-down imposition from Fine Gael HQ.
Still, her strong local profile and potential to draw votes could soften opposition from the grassroots.
With only two candidates selected unopposed at last Sunday's selection convention following the withdrawal of three nominees, Fine Gael clearly needs a proverbial shot in the arm if it’s to retain two seats in the five-seat constituency.