A lively discussion took place as the Tir Amhalgaidh Fianna Fáil Comhairle Cheantair reconvened after the summer break last week.
Under the chairmanship of Gerry McGuinness, the group discussed a number of local, national, and organisational issues with the renewal of the party to the fore.
Mr McGuinness, a member of the county renewal committee, gave an overview of the work carried out so far and a timeline of works to be completed by the renewal group.
He informed the meeting that the group had divided their work into various categories and he also read from a document forwarded by the Renewal Committee chairperson.
Deputy Dara Calleary also spoke at length about organisational matters. He informed the meeting that the Ard Fheis was arranged for February 17 and 18 and will take place at the RDS.
He said that it was crucially important that Cumann and Comhairle Cheantair should closely examine the proposals for one member one vote and other recommendations contained in a new document that headquarters is currently forwarding to all members.
Dep Calleary also gave an overview of local and national developments and said that since being re-elected in February he had continued to champion the cause of many local projects including Ballina’s RAPID Funding application (CCTV ), the N26, and other issues, and he said it was startling how quiet the local Government TDs had become in relation to the pursuit of local projects.
Dep Calleary also explained that despite his ongoing work at national level, he was very active locally and had conducted clinics in Belderrig, Ballycastle, Killala, Crossmolina, Kiltimagh, Kilkelly, Charlestown, Swinford, Foxford, Westport, Castlebar, Achill, Ballinrobe, Claremorris, and Ballyhaunis during September, and that he was in the constituency office in Ballina most Mondays and Fridays. He also advised that Cllr Annie May Reape continues to conduct clinics every Wednesday and Friday.
