Mayo minister's election campaign launched by Simon Coveney
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Michael Ring, TD, Maria Walsh, MEP, Simon Coveney, TD, Minister Alan Dillon, Aisling Dillon and Jim Higgins pictured at Minister Dillon’s general election launch in the Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar.Image 2 of 6
Former Mayo GAA teammates, Robbie Hennelly and Alan Dillon.Image 3 of 6
Frank McNicholas, Frankie Forde Waldron, Minister Alan Dillon, Miriam McNicholas and Francie Maloney.Image 4 of 6
Michael Ring, TD, Councillor Cyril Burke, Councillor Donna Sheridan, Keira Keogh, Deputy Simon Coveney, Minister Alan Dillon, Maria Walsh, MEP, Councillor Ger Deere and Jim Higgins.Image 5 of 6
Michael Swords, Minister Alan Dillon and Mohomad Cherabati.Image 6 of 6
Minister Alan Dillon pictured with his cousin, Feidhlim Staunton.The Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar was packed to capacity for the general election campaign launch of Mayo Minister for State Alan Dillon.
Young and old gathered at the historic building in the heart of the town where they were greeted by musicians Katie Moran and Laila O’Malley from Breaffy who set the uplifting tone for the evening.
Hundreds of people gathered to support Minister Dillon who will contest his second general election having won a seat in February 2020.
Since being elected, Minister Dillon has climbed the ranks within Leinster House.
He was initially elected as secretary of the Fine Gael parliamentary party, was a key member of the Public Accounts Committee’s scrutiny of RTÉ, and then became chairperson of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party.
In April, he was appointed as Minister of State in the Department of Housing with responsibility for Planning and Local Government.
MC for the launch was former MEP, TD and Senator, Jim Higgins, who eloquently introduced a broad range of speakers.
Guest speaker was Cork native and former Tanaiste and Minister, Simon Coveney TD.
Other speakers included outgoing TD Michael Ring, Fine Gael candidate Kiera Keogh, councillors Ger Deere, Donna Sheridan and Cyril Burke along with MEP Maria Walsh.
Deputy Coveney urged voters to get behind Minister Dillon, who he said would always put the people first, ensure that Ireland becomes a modern thinking country and progressive in dealing with important matters such as health, housing and immigration.
“With people like Alan Dillon helping to run the country, this country is in safe hands.”
Minister Dillon addressed the crowd stating: “It is widely known that your second term election for a politician is the toughest. I, for one, can’t take any vote for granted, nor will I.
‘In this election I am committed to tackling the issues that matter to the Mayo electorate at home, at work, in our community and for our economy.”
He added: “I remain fully committed to giving my all for Mayo, fighting for its fair share at every opportunity.
"As I seek re-election for a second term, I hope to earn your trust again to keep building on the progress we've made together in the last term.”