How Westport voted in the absence of Mayo’s Michael Ring

Westport was abuzz with speculation ahead of this election, with much attention focused on how Michael Ring’s traditional stronghold would fare in his absence.

For years, Ring’s poll-topping feats defined the town’s voting patterns. In his departure, the political landscape faced a reshuffle, with many eyes also on the independent candidate Chris Maxwell, who impressed during recent local elections.

Westport may keep a TD in the town

Keira Keogh, Ring’s anointed successor, was acutely aware of the stakes. Campaigning with the veteran TD’s full endorsement, Keogh rose to the occasion with a commanding 5,830 first preference votes, cementing her position as a force to be reckoned with. From that total, 3,814 votes were secured from the Westport boxes, a testament to the town’s loyalty to Ring’s final plea. This landslide suggests that local voters heeded the call to keep a TD in Westport, an enduring influence of Ring’s legacy.

Maxwell’s momentum falters

Independent Ireland’s Chris Maxwell, who burst onto the scene by topping the poll in Westport during June’s local elections, struggled to replicate his earlier success. The Louisburgh-based agricultural contractor entered the general election campaign on a wave of goodwill but ultimately found it challenging to sustain momentum. His return from the Westport boxes fell well short of expectations, leaving him to ponder whether this election came too soon after his whirlwind summer.

Green Party finds a foothold

While the Green Party faced a difficult national election, Michéal Boxty O’Conaill’s performance in Westport offers the party future food for thought. Following in the footsteps of Saoirse McHugh, who made an impact here in 2020, O’Conaill garnered his strongest showing from the Westport boxes. Though not matching McHugh’s numbers, his efforts hint at a potential foundation for rebuilding the party’s profile in Mayo.

Sinn Féin resonates in Westport

Rose Conway-Walsh, Sinn Féin’s poll topper in Mayo, maintained her dominance across the constituency, including a robust showing in Westport. Her steady performance showed the party’s growing foothold in the county. As Sinn Féin continues to consolidate support in both local and general elections heading into the future, Westport’s results will further embolden their efforts to expand their reach in Mayo.

A changing political landscape

The absence of Michael Ring has undeniably shifted the dynamics in Westport, but the results show that his influence remains deeply ingrained. Keira Keogh’s emphatic victory locally reflects a smooth passing of the torch, while the varied performances of other candidates indicate a competitive but fragmented field.