The Fine Gael ticket for the Ballina area in May's local elections has been increased by two, following a decision of party headquarters. Ballina town councillor Mark Winters and Mayo county councillor Joe Mellett have been added to the party's list of candidates for the election.
Both men failed to get a nomination at the convention held on Saturday, January 25, but were added to the ticket after a number of senior members of the party visited Mayo last week and met with party representatives. Cllr Winters and Cllr Mellett will join sitting councillors Jarleth Munnelly and John O'Hara alongside newcomers Niall Cruise and Padraig Staunton. Despite speculation that there would be further additions to the party’s ticket in Castlebar and the West Mayo area, the party declined to add any more names.
