Fine Gael's Michael Burke, a Ballinrobe based candidate in the Local Elections, has pledged to focus on Local issues if elected to Mayo County Council next Friday.
Speaking earlier this week, Burke commented that that there seems to be some confusion with candidates over the role of a county councillor and in particular their role in the decision making process.
He said: "The promises that have been made to some voters on the doorstep is absolutely ludicrous, a lady told me last week that one candidate had ensured her that they would vote in favour of her planning permission, that is not how the system works and I think it’s highly inappropriate to be going down this road with people.
"The theme of my campaign from day one has been the commitment to looking after my local area, there are Councillors elected in Claremorris and Ballyhaunis and the areas in between to look after that part of the constituency, however Ballinrobe and the areas south of the town have suffered from a lack of representation over the past five years.
"The bread and butter work of any councillor is getting roads done, hedges trimmed, infrastructure improvements, road safety enhancements, the upgrading of public facilities and assisting people in their dealings with state departments. Anything that can be delivered over and above this work requires the assistance of national politicians and I will work closely with Minister Ring and Minister Kyne to deliver what we can to the area.
"I am fighting hard to take the final seat in this constituency and on my end of the constituency we have two councillors guaranteed of their seats having never lost elections. When the votes are counted next week I hope to be joining them as a third councillor for this part of the constituency and this can be achieved if voters in the area keep it local."
