Duffy and Jennings officially ratified as Mayo FG election candidates

FINE Gael has officially ratified Councillor Mark Duffy and Martina Jennings as candidates in the Mayo constituency for the general election.

They were added to the Mayo ticket alongside Minister Alan Dillon and Keira Keogh following a meeting of Fine Gael’s Executive Council last night (Thursday).

Fine Gael has now chosen 68 general election candidates in 41 constituencies.

Said Councillor Duffy: “I am delighted to be contesting the upcoming general election in Mayo on the Fine Gael ticket.

“Over the past week I have 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.

“I am a former Mayor of Ballina, and before entering politics, I worked as President of ATU Mayo Students’ Union in Castlebar. I was a member of the US Embassy’s Youth Council in 2017-2019 and was Ireland’s only representative on the 2023 German Marshall Fund’s Transatlantic Inclusion Leadership Network.

“In 2019, I relocated home from Dublin - where I was working to create an All-Island League between the League of Ireland and the Northern Irish Football League - to contest the local elections.

"I wanted to actively lead positive change in our communities, empowering citizens to take collective action, and transform our market towns so that everyone, young and old, has somewhere to live, with enhanced amenities, sporting facilities and safer neighbourhoods.

“Young people from Mayo have been forced to migrate and emigrate for better opportunities and quality of life. Improving the supply of housing and living standards will help us realise the potential of our great county.

“While I have proudly served as an independent councillor on two occasions, I believe that joining Fine Gael will enhance my ability, if elected, to deliver more effectively for the people of Mayo.

“In the past six years I have successfully campaigned for the addition of early and late rail services to and from Dublin; housing initiatives through the expansion of the Croí Conaithe housing grant and have empowered local action to improve the town through grass roots initiatives.

“I am excited by this new chapter and remain committed to serving the people of Mayo with dedication and integrity.”

Said Martina Jennings on her selection: “I am deeply honoured to be Fine Gael’s General Election candidate for Mayo.

"As a proud native of south Mayo and with a background in farming, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities.

“Over the past eight years, serving as CEO of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, I’ve worked closely with families and communities to deliver vital healthcare services, and I am committed to continuing that work for the people of Mayo.

“One of my top priorities is greater investment in key infrastructure such as housing, roads, rail, and Ireland West Airport, so that our region can thrive and progress like other parts of Ireland.

“Equal access to quality healthcare, no matter where you live in Mayo, is central to my vision. Delivering projects like the new Cancer Care Centre for the west and northwest is essential for improving healthcare in our county.

“I’m also passionate about supporting our farming community, which is the backbone of Mayo’s economy. I will fight for real investment and solutions to ensure our farmers and rural communities can continue to prosper.

“With your support, I will bring my experience from the private sector, healthcare, and my community work to Dáil Éireann, working tirelessly to deliver for Mayo and its people.”

Minister of State Alan Dillon has warmly welcomed the addition of Councillor Duffy and Martina Jennings to the Fine Gael general election ticket for Mayo.

Their inclusion, he said, strengthens the party’s ambition to maximise the vote and ensures a strong, diverse team representing the people of Mayo.

Minister Dillon said: “I am delighted to welcome both Councillor Mark Duffy and Martina Jennings to the Fine Gael team for the upcoming general election.

“Their experience and commitment will be invaluable as we work together to deliver for the people of Mayo. I look forward to working alongside both and Keira Keogh.”

He added: “Our shared goal is to maximise the Fine Gael vote in Mayo and to ensure the best possible representation for our county. With the combined strengths of Councillor Duffy and Martina Jennings, I am confident we will be a great team.”

Minister Dillon wished his fellow candidates the very best in the campaign and expressed his optimism for the election ahead.