Political storm brewing in Mayo over controversial co-option move
Fine Gael issued with 'hands off' warning by independent block in respect of Duffy vacancy
by Caoimhín Rowland
A fresh political controversy is brewing in Mayo over the replacement of newly-elected Fine Gael Senator Mark Duffy on the county council, with tensions emerging between Fine Gael and Independent councillors over the succession process.
Senator Duffy, who secured his Seanad seat following an intensive nine-month period of campaigning at three separate elections, has yet to nominate his replacement for the Ballina Municipal District.
"I've had three elections in nine months - it's been pretty full-on," Senator Duffy told The Connaught Telegraph.
"I'm just delighted to have gotten over the line and want to start working as Mayo's sole senator. I've plans to set up an office in Ballina, ideally with the incoming councillor working alongside me in a location accessible to the public."
However, the process of co-opting Duffy's replacement has become politically charged.
Independent Technical Group leader Councillor Michael Kilcoyne has fired a warning shot across Fine Gael's bow, asserting that the seat should remain with an Independent candidate, given Duffy's original election as an Independent in June.
"The law is clear and plain to see," Kilcoyne stated. "He's coming from an independent house."
Under council standing orders, Fine Gael would need 20 votes to nominate a replacement - a number they currently cannot achieve if they put forward a party candidate.
Councillor Kilcoyne believes there is a need for continued Independent representation.
"We will be consulting with Mark Duffy to identify a suitable Independent candidate from Ballina.
"He's a community-driven man, and no man is an island. It would best serve local representation to have an Independent voice replace him, as that's how he was elected," he said.
While acknowledging Duffy's impressive political trajectory - having secured two council elections before his Seanad victory - Kilcoyne maintained his position.
"He was well within his rights to join Fine Gael, and we all wish him well as a senator, but that is not a Fine Gael seat in Ballina - it's an Independent one."
Though the final decision rests with Senator Duffy, sources suggest his nominee is likely to join Fine Gael, potentially bringing the party's representation on Mayo County Council to 11 councillors - a development that could significantly alter the council's political dynamics and pose a threat to the independent technical grouping's survival.
It remains unclear when the co-option process will take place, but it must be held ahead of the council's next statutory meeting in March.
New TD Paul Lawless was replaced by his sister, Deirdre, on the council in early January after she was nominated by Aontú following an internal selection process. The matter was dealt with at a special meeting held online.
But the Duffy situation is most complex as he was elected as an independent candidate in last year's local elections before joining Fine Gael ahead of him being selected to contest the general election in November as a party candidate.
That's why Councillor Kilcoyne and his group are determined to ensure the wishes of the electorate in Ballina in last June's local election are respected in the succession process - and not dictated by Fine Gael.