Mayo FG in talks with Jennings and Duffy to complete election ticket

The Fine Gael organisation in Mayo has confirmed that talks are taking place with Independent Ballina Councillor Mark Duffy and Mayo Roscommon Hospice CEO Martina Jennings with a view to them declaring as candidates for the party in the forthcoming general election.

The news, although widely predicted, marks a significant political development in the county.

Darragh Loftus, the director of elections in the constituency, told The Connaught Telegraph that negotiations opened with Councillor Duffy in recent days over filling the vacancy on the party ticket in the north Mayo area following the withdrawal of the nominations of former TD and Senator Michelle Mulherin as well as Councillor John O'Hara ahead of last month's selection convention.

Mr. Loftus said party HQ is dealing directly with Hollymount-based Ms. Jennings in order to secure her candidacy.

He outlined: "There have been a number of positive developments in our candidate selection progression over the past two weeks.

"We are in active ongoing negotiations with Mark Duffy and advanced negotiations with Martina Jennings."

The indications are that the party may be in a position by next weekend to add both Councillor Duffy and Ms. Jennings to a ticket which already consists of Minister of State Alan Dillon and Westport-based Keira Keogh.

Such a four-strong, strategically-positioned team would give Fine Gael an outstanding chance of winning three seats out of five despite the retirement of Deputy Michael Ring.