South Mayo election candidate opens campaign office

There was a large and enthusiastic crowd in attendance for the official opening of Mayo Fine Gael general election candidate Martina Jennings' campaign office on James' Street, Claremorris.

After a busy morning of canvassing homes and business in the area, the campaign team were joined by family, friends and supporters to open the base for her operations in the south Mayo town.

Former Fine Gael TD and MEP, Jim Higgins, spoke of the palpable energy in the room and the groundswell of support for Ms. Jennings since her candidacy was announced.

He praised Fine Gael's strong team in Mayo and said he believed that the party had the right candidates and strategy to deliver the maximum number of seats with the widest geographical spread.

Councillor Michael Burke said that he had known Ms. Jennings for over 25 years and he felt she had all the attributes to be a strong advocate for the people of Mayo in Dail Eireann.

"She has always listened to people and understands the real struggles facing families in this area and in all of County Mayo. Martina gets things done," he stated.

Minister of State and Government Chief Whip Hildegarde Naughton performed the official opening of the campaign HQ and spoke of the fantastic support in evidence, judging by the huge turnout.

She praised the canvassers who had braved the heavy rain earlier in the day.

Minister Naughton said that every vote would count in the drive to return a strong Fine Gael team who could build on the work done by the outgoing government.

The priorities are to deliver housing, improved public services and economic growth for Ireland over the next five years.

"I firmly believe that Martina Jennings will make a strong and fearless advocate for Mayo in Dáil Éireann," she said.

Martina Jennings spoke of how she was honoured and humbled to have been chosen as a candidate for Fine Gael.

She said that she would give absolutely everything for her county in the next Dáil and would not shy away from difficult decisions.

She said that she would prioritise equal access to healthcare and would fight for greater investment in transport links for the west of Ireland and supports for farmers and working families.

Ms. Jennings thanked her family for their unwavering support and promised to show the people of Mayo that her integrity and work ethic made her worthy of their votes.

Ms. Jennings also invited all those in attendance to her official campaign launch in the McWilliam Park Hotel this evening (Monday) at 7 p.m.