Keira Keogh's meteoric rise ensures west Mayo holds onto a TD
What a difference six months can make in politics.
Keira Keogh stood for Fine Gael in the local elections last June in the Westport electoral area and her first preference return of 1,165 did not make the cut.
By the end of the following month, long-serving Mayo TD Michael Ring confirmed his retirement from public life after over 30 years as a member of Dáil Éireann, not to mention the many years he spent as a county councillor and urban councillor.
Although it had been flagged for some time, the official announcement still sent shock waves through the political system.
Who is going to fill the massive void created by Ring’s retirement, such was the central and integral role he had played over such a prolonged period?
Keira Keogh steps forward, the choice of the organisation in west Mayo and one strongly endorsed by Ring himself.
Roll on to September 15 to the Mayo Fine Gael selection convention, her name one of the nominees.
She and Alan Dillon were selected by delegates at the event - and, as if destiny dictated, both of them have now been elected as the two additions to the team, Councillor Mark Duffy and Martina Jennings, missed out.
Speaking to Keira in the aftermath of her election, it’s immediately obvious that she prepared and ready for this major change in her life as one of Mayo’s two new TDs.
She is looking forward to the new government being established in order to start her programme of priorities, including the need for affordable housing and addressing disability issues, for starters.
“To be honest, I have a folder full of issues raised with me during the campaign and I intend to start deal with them.”
On the direction provided by Michael Ring, Keira stated: “Michael backed me 100 per cent from the moment he asked me to run.
“It filled me with renewed confidence after not getting the greatest of votes in the local elections.
“Now that I’ve got here I am overwhelmed and thankful to everybody who supported me.
“I am very proud and humble.”
Asked how she is prepared for such a big change to her life, she replied: “Yes, it’s a huge challenge but I am ready for it.
"I know it demands a lot of hard work so, from tomorrow morning, I will be focused on getting my constituency office up and running.”
Her campaign was exceptionally well-run and it succeeded in encouraging the local community, most notably the local Chamber of Commerce, to back the initiative for Westport to hold onto a TD and not lose the benefits and influence it brings, as epitomised by Ring over three decades.
“Michael was also very helpful in getting such a strong vote in Erris, which was also crucial to my success, as well the transfers I received from far and wide,” Keira added.
It’s always exciting in local politics when a new TD, rich in energy and ideas, is elected to office.
The electorate of Mayo has made a good choice in Keira Keogh.