The Westport area is under the spotlight this week with this area being one to watch out for in the forthcoming local elections. This week I’ll have a look at the candidates. Those on show for Fine Gael in the electoral area are Councillor Peter Flynn, Cllr John O’Malley and Cllr Austin Francis O’Malley, while Cllr Keith Martin will be running for Labour and Dave Keating (Sinn Féin ) will contest for Mayo County Council elections.
In relation to Independent speculation, Cathaoirleach of the town Cllr Martin Keane might throw his name in the field and join Andy Wilson running as an Independent, with Keane certainly giving it a strong go if he decides to run for County Council. Cllr Keane — who has the chairmanship of the town council under his belt along with the great work he is involved in locally — will certainly put up a solid fight if he is to put himself forward.
The big shock for the area was Cllr Frank Chambers’ decision not to go forward so late in the day. Fianna Fáil were faced with a situation where they needed to seek another candidate with Caroline Nevin from Louisburgh now having been selected. I am sure that Cllr Declan Dever is bitterly disappointed that he was not added by Fianna Fáil Headquarters to the ticket as he possibly felt that this was his time to go forward with Cllr Chambers’ departure. I am also sure that Cllr Brendan Mulroy was equally disappointed not to have been given the nod for the County Council. Cllr Margaret Adams will contend, however with the absence of Cllr Chambers and particularly as Fianna Fáil are under pressure for national issues — with fierce criticism evident towards the Government I have no doubt Fine Gael are in with a real chance of winning three out of four seats.
Don’t rule Cllr Chambers out of the field just yet as he may run as an Independent. There have been talks of a lot of disquiet between Fianna Fáil and Cllr Chambers, and if the Newport councilor re-enters the race as an Independent this would really put the cat among the pigeons.
Fine Gael have a strong balanced team entering the race, however there will be a lot of pressure on the two O’Malleys from Cllr Peter Flynn who lives in the centre of population and may take a seat from one of them. But on the other hand, the way that Fine Gael is spread out — with Cllr John O’Malley living in Kilmeena, Cllr Flynn in Westport, and Cllr Austin Francis O’Malley pulling in the Drummin/Murrisk/Louisburgh votes — they could all possibly win a seat.
Labour are currently polling very well nationally and if they are to make a major breakthrough there is a lot of pressure on Cllr Keith Martin to win a seat in the county council — which can be achieved as the Labour councillor is already sitting on the town council and is living in the centre of population.
Cllr David Keating is representing Sinn Féin, with this election being a crucial time for the party to make a breakthrough in county elections. If the party does not make this breakthrough at local level they will face difficulties in the general election to follow.
Another possible Independent candidate would be Mary McGreal who has been proactive in Cancer Care, and if she was to throw her name in the hat, along with Cllr Chambers, Westport could turn out to be a battle royal, and anything could happen.
Twenty-four hours in politics is a long time and a lot can change in those contending in the Westport area. This is an exciting area to watch in the forthcoming elections and I will come back to discuss the final candidates nearer the voting date.
