Minister praises new Mayo FG candidate's 'energy and ability'
South Mayo Fine Gael general election candidate Martina Jennings held her campaign launch in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris.
The large crowd in attendance observed a minute's silence in memory of the late John O'Mahony before MC for the event, Mike Finnerty, introduced the special guests.
Former MEP and TD Jim Higgins gave a ringing endorsement of Ms. Jennings' candidacy, highlighting her experience in the commercial and voluntary sectors, her upbringing in a farming family and her in-depth knowledge of the needs of the people of Mayo.
Minister of State Alan Dillon and Councillor Michael Burke told of their delight upon hearing that Martina Jennings was joining the Fine Gael ticket.
Minister Dillon praised her energy and ability and felt that Fine Gael had pulled off a significant coup by getting someone of her character on board.
MEP Maria Walsh was the keynote speaker at the launch, emphasising the qualities Martina Jennings would bring to the campaign and to the Fine Gael party.
She also passed on some very sound advice from her own European Parliament Election campaigns, stressing the importance of canvassing every town, village, and household as part of a strong Fine Gael team in County Mayo.
Ms. Walsh then took part in a Q&A with Luke Gibbons of Young Fine Gael, a recent Mayo Young Person of the Year, Climate Change researcher, and PHD candidate.
To sustained applause, Mr. Gibbons spoke passionately about the need for more housing, better public services, and transport links to enable young people to plan their future in County Mayo.
He said he firmly believed that Martina Jennings would work tirelessly to bring about these improvements, and he was strongly supportive of her campaign.
He told the audience that Ms. Jennings was the first politician or candidate to approach him to ask for his views as a young Mayo person, and he greatly admired her for that.
Ms. Jennings then took to the stage and thanked her esteemed guests, her family, campaign team, and supporters.
She spoke about how her upbringing, her career to date, and her lived experience had led her to enter the political arena.
She outlined her priorities for a Cancer Centre serving the people of the west and northwest, increased payments with reduced regulation for farmers, and continued supports for working families.
She gave a commitment to work tirelessly for the people of Mayo in Dáil Éireann and in her constituency if elected.
She promised to be a strong and fearless advocate and to listen to people, something she has been praised for doing right throughout her career. Her last words? "I will not let you down".