Fine Gael unveil Mayo general election 'Dream Team'
The Fine Gael organisation in Mayo has completed its 'dream team' for the forthcoming general election in the five-seat constituency.
After weeks of negotiations, Ballina Councillor Mark Duffy and the chief executive of Mayo Roscommon Hospice, Martina Jennings, have confirmed to The Connaught Telegraph their decisions to sign up as candidates for the party.
Local officials conducted the talks with Councillor Duffy while party HQ dealt directly with Hollymount-based Ms. Jennings, who has been a leading figure in developing and fundraising for palliative care services across the region over a number of years.
A formal announcement of the duo joining the party ticket of Minister of State Alan Dillon and Westport's Keira Keogh is expected to be made tomorrow.
It's a team selected with the intention of going all out for three of the five seats.
Councillor Duffy, who will move from the Independent to Fine Gael ranks at next Monday's meeting of Mayo County Council, said he was encouraged by his supporters to join an established party in order to achieve his objectives for Ballina and north Mayo, in particular.
He explained: "I moved back to Mayo from a job in Dublin in order to work full-time as a councillor after being first elected to Mayo County Council in 2019.
"I have never regretted that decision but I believe I have a better chance of achieving significant infrastructural delivery for my community by being part of a government party."
Councillor Duffy made specific reference to the Western Rail Corridor, the N26 road project, the proposed orbital route to address Ballina's traffic problems and the revitalisation of Mayo's market towns as being central to his talks with Fine Gael.
"I am a firm believer that taxes raised in an area should be invested there rather than all of it being forwarded to central government," he added.
The decision of Ms. Jennings to enter the political arena for the first time follows a direct approach by party leader and Taoiseach Simon Harris.
She was identified by Fine Gael as being strongly positioned to win a seat in the south of the county, which has been left without direct Dáil Éireann representation for many years.
She told The Connaught Telegraph she is really looking forward to the challenge and is receiving great encouragement and support since news emerged of her election plans.
In a statement issued by Councillor Duffy this morning, he confirmed that over the past week he held extensive negotiations and discussions with Fine Gael members, the Fine Gael organisation locally as well as Taoiseach Simon Harris to get firm commitments on the delivery of long sought after projects for Mayo."
In the past number of days, he met with the cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor John O’Hara and Councillor Jarlath Munnelly who both welcomed him to the Fine Gael team in Ballina and expressed support in working with him.
Councillor Duffy said he is confident that heI have secured strong commitments from the Taoiseach regarding essential projects that have long been overdue for Mayo, including:
The N26 & Ballina Orbital Route: Upgrading and enhancing one of key transport routes.
Housing: Addressing the housing crisis in Mayo and nationally to ensure that everyone, especially young people, has a place to call home.
Infrastructure: Investing in vital infrastructure, particularly in transport, water, road safety, education and sports.
Revitalisation of Market Towns: Fostering economic growth and sustainability in our local towns.
Reform of Local Government: Advocating for a local government that truly works for our communities.
Pyrite: Further supports for Pyrite affected homeowners and communities.
Cllr Duffy added: “While I have proudly served as an independent councillor on two occasions, I believe that joining Fine Gael at this pivotal moment will enhance my ability, if elected, to deliver for the people of Mayo. Being part of a government party puts me in a position to advocate more effectively for our needs.
"I am excited about this new chapter under Simon Harris’ leadership and remain committed to serving the people of Mayo with dedication and integrity,” said Councillor Duffy.
Darragh Loftus, the Fine Gael director of elections for Mayo, said: "We are thrilled to have worked closely with Councillor Mark Duffy and our constituency chairperson Jim Higgins with the hope of formally announcing Mark's candidacy this week.
"Mark embodies the vision of our Taoiseach and Party Leader Simon Harris—a new team running with renewed energy.
"I look forward to working with Mark in the coming months as we build a strong campaign for the upcoming election.”