A Ballina Fine Gael councillor has explained this week why he will not be contesting the general election for the party, despite calls from supporters to try for a place on the ticket.
Confirmation that popular Ballina councillor Jarlath Munnelly would not contest the general election as a Fine Gael candidate was provided last weekend at the Fine Gael selection convention in Castlebar at which the line-up of party leader Enda Kenny, Michael Ring TD, John O’Mahony, and Councillor Michelle Mulherin was declared.
“Over the past year or so, I have been asked almost every week by various people whether I am going to stand as a candidate,” Cllr Munnelly said. “In the run up to this convention I have been humbled by the support and solidarity that has been shown to me by Fine Gael members from the four corners of this county.
“When I came before this Dáil convention, it was not because I was opposed to anybody. I thank each and every one of you for the courtesy you have shown me, and indeed the branches who nominated me. Your support has been a source of inspiration to me.
“I will in the future give you the opportunity of voting for me in a Dáil convention but for tonight I believe that the other four candidates here make up a formidable team well placed to win four seats, and that is why I am withdrawing my name from the convention. Tonight is not a night for division or for rancour; it is a night for unity. I pledge to this convention that I am committed to representing this county in national politics in the future, but for now let us go forward with a sense of unity and elect four Fine Gael TDs in Mayo.”
