Ocean FM Podcasts
Local Election Candidates 2019
Donegal
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Valerie McNulty
Valerie McNulty - Independent
Valerie McNulty is a Ballyshannon based community activist. She is a first time Independent candidate. She has worked on numerous community campaigns in the past including the fight against water charges. She was also involved in the campaign against Family Home Bank evictions.
In their own words...
I believe I am the right person to be voted for because I am a ‘Doer not a Talker’. I have worked hard on many campaigns such as Anti Water Charges, Family Home Bank Evictions, Motor Insurance Charges, Fracking, Family Carer Funding, Ballyshannon & Bundoran Fire Station Closures, Beach/Streets cleans and Simon Community without need for fanfare. I am running for the local elections out of necessity. There is a need for genuine change. A County Councillor who is going to do the hard work, expose the corruption, fight for the people, start to change politics, be determined and persistent on issues that affect people's daily lives and be a voice for the people who never get heard. As an Independent candidate I will be accountable to the People - not to a Party. I am brave enough to question authority and not just take the crumbs that our area typically gets. I love my County and the Donegal People, we deserve far better than what we have currently.
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Tom Conaghan
Tom Conaghan - Fine Gael
Councillor Tom Conaghan is a former Cathaoirleach of Donegal Municipal District and former Mayor of Donegal Town. The Independent councillor was first elected in 2014, after missing out in 2009. He was elected on the 10th count with 2,117 votes, taking the second seat in the Donegal Municipal District.
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Sean O'Beirne
Sean O'Beirne - Independent
Seán O'Beirne is a native of Crove, Carrick, in the parish of Kilcar. He has been active in community development for many years. Formerly a member of the Donegal County Council Cultural Committee and of the Co. Donegal Tourism Sectoral Forum. He is also member of the Kilcar Parish Council since 2004.
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Seamus Maguire
Seamus Maguire - Independent
Seamus is a teacher in St. Columbas College, Stranorlar. He became a councillor for the first time in January 2019 when he was co-opted onto Donegal County Council following the surprise resignation of John Campbell. This will be the first time he is contesting an election.
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Roger Meehan
Roger Meehan - Fianna Fail
Roger Meehan is a Fianna Fail candidate in the upcoming elections. A 38 year-old father of three, he is a community activist for the retention of services for communities in Rural Ireland. Roger is currently the chairperson of Naomh Ultan GAA Club and a Committee member of my local Community centre. He was also deeply involved in the Dunkineely Post office retention campaign . Roger wants to see a future for young families growing up in Donegal and sees the improvement of infrastructure in rural areas as one of his main goals if elected.
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Philip McGlynn
Philip McGlynn - Fianna Fail
Philip Mc Glynn is running as a Fianna Fail candidate in the upcoming elections. Phillip is married to Mary and they have one son Philip-John. He has served on Bundoran Town Council for two terms over 10 years and has gained experience in local government issues. Philip is the manager of the Great Northern Hotel in Bundoran. He sits on a number of boards in County Donegal and is involved with local GAA
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Pauric Kennedy
Pauric Kennedy - Independent
Pauric Kennedy is Mayor of Donegal and has been . He is continuing on a family tradition of public representation, his father Peter was first elected to Donegal County Council back in the 1980's. Pauric founded the Donegal Town Community Band and is a member of the Donegal Bay Rowing Club. He has three daughters, Jasmine, Chloe and India. If elected, some of his main goals revolve around rural broadband, housing needs and infrastructure.
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Noel Jordan
Noel Jordan - Sinn Fein
A native of the parish of Inver, Councillor Noel Jordan hails from a family of sixteen. He is married to Maria and has two children. He lives with his family in Mountcharles and works as a groundsman for J.J Contracts. Cllr Jordan is the chairman of the local community centre and also chair of Mountcharles Community Development. He is a former Leas Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council. He was first elected in 2014.
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Niamh Kennedy
Niamh Kennedy - Independent
Councillor Niamh Kennedy is an Independent candidate who is seeking re-election to Donegal County Council. She was first elected in May 2014, topping the poll with 1,712 first preference votes and the first councillor in Donegal Electoral Area to be elected. She is based in Croaghlin, Drumbarity, Killybegs.
In their own words...
"I am an independent candidate and am bound by no party whip - I listen to the views of the people and not to party leaders like the mainstream party candidates."
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Mick McMahon
Mick McMahon - Sinn Fein
Bundoran based Michael McMahon was elected onto Bundoran Town Council in 1999 and held the position for 15 years before the council was abolished in 2014. He has been an active community worker for many years and has been involved in numerous committees and also held the title as Mayor of Bundoran. If elected, top of his agenda is the regeneration of towns and villages in South Donegal and the provision of affordable housing.
In their own words...
"Over the years as a public representative, I developed a strong reputation of standing up for everyone regardless of their political ideology or background, and should I be successful in a bid to gain a seat this May, I hope to once again act as a voice for all people of South Donegal."
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Michael Naughton
Michael Naughton - Fianna Fail
Councillor Micheal Naughton currently serves as Cathaoirleach of the Donegal Municipal District and is seeking re-election to Donegal County Council. He is married to Annette and they have one daughter Erin, he lives with his family in Laghey, Co. Donegal. Councillor Naughton is the General Manger of the 4 star Clanree Hotel and has been involved in numerous boards throughout his career in promoting Donegal to both the domestic and international markets. He is also the former Ulster Ladies GAA President, representing Ulster at national level. Councillor Naughton has a keen interest in Sports and an advocate for promoting ladies football, and is a former Donegal Ladies senior manger and was manager of the All-Ireland winning team in 2010. If re-elected Michael hopes to continue building strong and vibrant communities in rural areas.
In their own words...
"If re-elected with your support, I will work diligently to represent you at council level. I will always stand up and speak out when and where people are being treated unfairly, where areas are not securing their share of investment or development, my policy is that all areas must be supported by both council and Government. I will especially be a strong voice in your corner – when you need it most – I will be there for you. In order for Local Government to deliver for our community - strong, committed and determined representation is crucial. If I am re-elected I will continue to work to the best of my ability on Donegal County Council."
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Justin Coughlin
Justin Coughlin - Independent
Justin is running as an independent candidate for the first time in the local elections. He has been a Director of Elections for other candiates in previous elections. He was born in Ballyshannon but is living in Donegal town for the past 37 years. If elected, improvement to the bus services in Donegal, improved infrastructure and tourism.
In their own words...
"Having been born and bred in Ballyshannon it pains me to see the lack of investment that exists there. Surely the fact there is no sitting Government TD representing the S.W. constituency of Donegal is bound to be having an impact on the lack of investment by this Government."
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John McNulty
John McNulty - Fine Gael
John McNulty is running for election as a Fine Gael candidate for the second time after losing out in 2014. John is from Kilcar and is the Fine Gael development officer in Donegal. He is self-employed with businesses in Carrick and Stranorlar is heavily involved in the GAA and in local community development in south west Donegal.
In their own words...
""I feel that current representation for the area of south west Donegal and its locals falls short of acceptable, and the area, its infrastructure and development potential for tourism and employment needs a stronger voice in the council chamber."
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John Boyle
John Boyle - Fine Gael
John Boyle was first elected to Donegal County Council in 1999. He lost in the last local election in 2014 by just 80 votes. The Fine Gael candidate from Corkermore, Dunkineely, is now making a comeback to contest the upcoming election. The 77 year-old has been involved life in politics and has said he will continue to do so.
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Emer McGuinness
Emer McGuinness - Fianna Fail
Emer McGuinness is a Donegal native and running for election for the first time as a Fianna Fail candidate. She lives in Killybegs with her husband Gillen and their son. Emer is currently the Donegal Co-op Livestock Mart Manager and has been involved in numerous community groups, including being the Chairperson of the Killybegs community council and Chairperson of the Donegal Marts Association.
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Diarmaid Doherty
Diarmaid Doherty - Independent
Diarmaid Doherty is a Bundoran-based businessman making a return to politics. He’s standing as an Independent candidate, and is a former member of Sinn Fein. He was previously a member of Bundoran Town Council before its abolition in 2014.
In their own words...
"There is huge potential in all areas of our county for positive development, but the resources to untap them have always been slow in coming. Better community, business and infrastructure supports need to be put in place. Social and affordable housing schemes need to be fast tracked and our natural resources need to be protected."
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Cyril Brennan
Cyril Brennan - PBP
Cyril Brennan is a member of People Before Profit running for election in the Donegal Municipal District. Cyril is the National Coordinator of The Still Waiting Health Campaign, which held protest nationally to demand the implementation of Slaintecare and increase capacity within our health service. Cyril is a native of Ballyshannon in County Donegal where he works in the local community hospital, a proud husband and father of two young girls. Cyril's main goals will revolve around the improvement of infrastructure and health, Garda and school services.
In their own words...
"For too long politicians in our community have said anything to get elected and done nothing to fulfil promises made to our families. We have paid for this inaction with the emigration of thousands of our young people a chronic lack of infrastructure in the area and a loss of our basic Health, Garda and school services."
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Billy Grimes
Billy Grimes - Independent
Billy Grimes is a retired lecturer from LYIT. He ran a successful business in Ballyshannon for 10 years. Billy was a former Ballyshannon town councillor for 20 years. During that time, he was elected Mayor of Ballyshannon on two occasions. A former Fianna Fail member. Billy recently left the party and is running as an Independent for the first time.
In their own words...
“My reason for putting myself forward before the electorate is I feel that the constituency and particularly the areas of Ballintra Pettigo, Ballyshannon, Bundoran, and surrounding area have been neglected over the last few years and if elected I would commit to giving this position my full-time dedication.”
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Barry Sweeny
Barry Sweeny - Fine Gael
Barry Sweeny is a Fine Gael candidate for the upcoming elections. He is a well-known artist and community activist from Ballyshannon. He has been involved in the Ballyshannon Regeneration Group over the past number of years. Barry is a graduate of the University of Ulster and is known for this portraits of Rory Gallagher.
Manorhamilton
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Sean McDermott
Sean McDermott - Fine Gael
Councillor Sean McDermott was first elected to Leitrim County Council in 2004. He is married to Maureen and is a father of three children. He is committed to Leitrim focusing on tourism, agriculture and developing small businesses. Sean has a long association with the “Rainbow Ballroom of Romance in Glenfarne." In the past he has been Chair and Vice Chair of Leitrim County Council and Chair and Vice Chair of Manorhamilton Municipal Authority.
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Padraig Fallon
Padraig Fallon - Sinn Fein
Councillor Padraig Fallon lives in Drumkeeran Co Leitrim with his wife Lorraine and four children. He was elected to Leitrim County Council in 2014. Padraig is a member of St Brigid’s GAA Club Drumkeeran and is currently a member of the clubs executive. He is a member of the Board of Management Lough Allen College and a Director with Leitrim Tourism Network. Padraig is also a Farmer and served as Secretary of the local branch of the IFA for five years from 2009 to 2013, he is also a member of the INHFA. If successful in being re-elected, Padraig will continue top focus on issues around Helath, Education, Infrastructure and the improvement of rural schemes.
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Mary Bohan
Mary Bohan - Fianna Fail
Councillor Mary Bohan is from Drumkeeran, Co. Leitrim, where she works as the local postmistress. She’s been a Fianna Fail member of Leitrim County Council since 1979. Cllr Bohan has served on many committees over the years and has assisted in sourcing grant aid for numerous projects. She is also a former Chairperson of Leitrim County Council.
In their own words...
"It has been a great privilege for me to represent the people of this electoral area as a member of Leitrim County Council. I have endeavored at all times to represent you to the very best of my ability. I have highlighted issues of concern and importance to individuals and groups in our communities. My record will show that I have always been outspoken on issues of local and national importance. It will also show that I am not afraid to vote with my conscience on issues that might be deemed controversial. I believe that I have the experience, dedication and the enthusiasm to represent all of the people in an efficient and professional manner."
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Justin Warnock
Justin Warnock - Fianna Fail
Councillor Justin Warnock is a sitting Fianna Fail Councillor in Leitim and lives in Kinlough with his wife Jackie . They have three adult children Megan, Ryan, and Kyle. He was first elected to Leitrim County Council in 2014. He is passionate about farming and the survival of family farms in Leitrim. The survival of rural communites and small villages is dependent on schools, shops, post offices, etc.. and Justin's main goals will revolve around making this happen.
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John Joe Dowdican
John Joe Dowdican - Fine Gael
John Joe Dowdican, a Fine Gael candidate, is from Tullaghan, Co Leitrim. He is seeking election for the first time to Leitrim County Council. John Joe comes from Tullaghan and is employed as a security officer in Sligo University Hospital. He has been actively involved over the last 15 years in local community development and has worked alongside Leitrim County Council and Leitrim Development Company in community development and grant funding initiatives. He has served 8 years as a chairman of Tullaghan Development Association of which he is a community director. If elected, he is committed to raising issues surrounding broadbroad, sustainable farm family structure , Tourism, Planting, of native hardwoods along existing boundaries , increased business incentives , community and social inclusion , school roll out of classroom digital facilities , Investment in roads, footpaths, lighting and community recreational facilities.
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Jamie Murphy
Jamie Murphy - Independent
Community and environmental campaigner Jamie Murphy from Manorhamilton has declared his intention to run as an independent candidate in the forthcoming local elections. The married father of two will be standing in the Manorhamilton electoral area on Friday May 24th. Murphy was active for over 6 years in the Love Leitrim community group acting as secretary in the early years helping achieve a ban on fracking in Ireland. Murphy has been the Chairperson of his local residents association in Manorhamilton and also served as secretary and treasurer. He has coached several underage football teams at both club and school level. Having graduated with a history and politics degree he worked for several years as a secondary school history teacher before taking up his present role as a men’s development worker with the Sligo Traveller Support Group. If he is successful, some of his main goals entail ensuring Leitrim County Council acted more urgently with regards to climate change, opposition to the mass afforestation of Sitka Spruce and support for local sporting, cultural and voluntary groups that create vibrant communities.
In their own words...
“Both my own family and my wife’s have strong and deep roots in Leitrim. My vision for Leitrim is one of sustainable, and welcoming communities in which there is a future for the younger generation with employment and education opportunities and an environment that can support this. As a County Councillor I will to do everything that I can to help make this happen.“
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Frank Dolan
Frank Dolan - Fine Gael
Councillor Frank Dolan is a farmer living in Newtownmanor. He is married to Pat and they have four children. He has been involved with numerous community projects for the past 40 years and has been a member of Leitrim County Council for over 15 years. If re-elected Frank would to focus on the promotion of tourism, obtaining high speed broadband and an increase in grant aid for the agricultural sector.
In their own words...
“We are truly blessed to live in a beautiful unique rural area. If re-elected, I will strive to further enhance the potential that North Leitrim has to offer.”
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Felim Gurn
Felim Gurn - Independent
Councillor Felim Gurn has been a sitting Leitrim county councillor for the past five years. He has been a prominent businessman in the Manorhamilton area for 23 years. One of his main priorities has been to promote north Leitrim as a tourism destination and to help create jobs for the region.
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Blaithin Gallagher
Blaithin Gallagher - Green Party
Bláithin Gallagher of the Green Party lives in Creevelea. She was born and reared in Leitrim to a farming fmily where her father was a vet and her mother was a publican. She has worked all her adult life in the community and voluntary sector, with the arts, people with disability and older people. Bláithin has worked extensively in EU funded project management, and research on ageing and disability. She is also the editor of the Leitrim Guardian since 2010, and the chairperson of the board of directors of The Model in Sligo. If elected, her aim is to build thriving, economically and environmentally sustainable and resilient communities based on social justice where the focus is need, not greed, fusing agriculture, art and tourism.
In their own words...
"My vision for Leitrim is a diverse, inclusive and welcoming society where all can live well in environmentally, socially and economically sustainable communities, based on social justice with the focus on need, not greed. It is time to create positive change, to make sure that those we elect represent the collective community and not just the individuals who shout loudest. I stand for equality and I’m not afraid to speak the truth or to tackle issues head with integrity and honesty."
Sligo-Drumcliffe
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Tom Fox
Tom Fox - Fine Gael
Tom Fox is an auctioneer from Calry in Sligo. This is his first time running for election but his family has been heavily involved in local politics for years, with both his mother Ita and his late father Tom previously serving as councillors. If elected, improving the infrastructure and the rejuvenation of rural areas are top of Toms agenda.
In their own words...
“If elected to Sligo County Council, I will prioritise issues such as broadband in north Co. Sligo, the creation of jobs, the rejuvenation of rural communities, supporting the agricultural sector, expanding tourism and helping every constituent and local group in the area to access their entitlements and relevant state funding. I look forward to addressing these issues and others.”
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Thomas Walsh
Thomas Walsh - Fine Gael
Thomas Wash is from Ballygawley, Co. Sligo and is a former student of Kilross National School, Coola Post Primary and studied his Honours Degree in Public Health and Health Promotion at IT Sligo. Thomas has a long standing commitment to voluntary work in support of community development and projects over many years. He is currently on 15 voluntary committees and holds a postition on the executive of most of these.
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Thomas Healy
Thomas Healy - Sinn Fein
Councillor Thomas Healy is hoping to retain his seat on the council in the upcoming election. This will be the third election campaign for the Sinn Fein councillor, he was first elected to Sligo County Council in 2014. He currently resides in Collooney in County Sligo, and is a previous Mayor of Sligo. If re-elected Councillor Healy hopes to bring national road improvements to Sligo and improve Sligo as a tourist destination.
In their own words...
“Obviously we need to campaign for enhanced access and infrastructure serving Sligo if we are to develop to our potential. The N4 upgrade is very welcome and very overdue. We need to lobby for improvements especially on the N17 and N16 roads, similar to what the rest of the country enjoys. I feel that, although we are on the Wild Atlantic Way, Sligo does not benefit from it to the same degree as other Counties and we need to develop localised small scale points of interest to encourage more tourists to stop and a spend longer time in Sligo.”
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Seamus Kilgannon
Seamus Kilgannon - Fianna Fail
Councillor Seamus Kilgannon is running for re-election in the upcoming vote. Councillor Kilgannon has been involved in local politics for over 15 years after first being co-opted in 2003. He has twice been council chairman in 2007/2008 and again in 2017/2018. If re-elected Seamus main priorities are the continued development of rural roads. the upgrading of IT Sligo to university status and also feels the improvement of Sligo University Hospital is crucial to the overall growth of the county.
In their own words...
“I am a full-time public representative and have been for the last five years and I feel I still have a contribution to make. I will put that to the people over the next couple of months and if they return me I will work as I have always done to the best of my ability and do a good job for the county. A number of projects have been announced in Sligo over the last year and when you think about it they have been on the agenda of Sligo County Council for many years like the N4, Western Distributor Road, the Eastern Bridge and the O’Connell Street upgrade. It should be an exciting time to be involved in promoting Sligo for jobs and tourism and with the knowledge I have gained in my time as a public representative I feel I can progress that and help make Sligo an even more attractive place to come to live, work and study.”
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Nigel Gallagher
Nigel Gallagher - PBP
Nigel Gallagher is an experienced activist from Maugherow in North Sligo who is passionate about progressive change. He has been one of the main figures in numerous campaign across Sligo in recent years, such as the Right 2 Water and Repeal the 8th campaigns. Nigel has also been a prominent pro-choice campaigner in the area and was joint canvassing co-ordinator for Together for Yes Sligo. He is also involved in community development and youth work and is a founding committee member of the local youth club in Maugherow. If elected, Nigel's main goals revolve around improving the infrastructure in Sligo.
In their own words...
“I want to fight for better infrastructure in Sligo such as broadband, the expansion of public transport, reversal of the cuts to Sligo University Hospital and investment in housing. I will also vote for public housing on public land, reduce the property tax and give a guarantee never to go on junkets. Instead I will use my position to expose corruption if it exists and to help build grassroots political movements.”
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Marie Casserly
Marie Casserly - Independent
Councillor Marie Casserly is from Streedagh, Grange, Co Sligo and is an elected member of Sligo County Council since June 2014. She is running for re-election as she feels she can continue to help Sligo grow over the next five years. A teacher by profession, Councillor Casserly has previously served as Mayor of Sligo in 2016/2017. If re-elected her main priorities are to continue highlighting the need for investment in Sligo's infrastructure.
In their own words...
“The first year after election will be to keep highlighting the need for investment in infrastructure in Sligo, the need for more jobs, promoting Sligo as a place to live, work and raise a family and highlight the need to have good services for people who are sick and disabled in Sligo. I think what we have in Sligo and the North West is not like anywhere else. There is a quality of life which is unique to this part of the world.”
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Donal Gilroy
Donal Gilroy - Fianna Fail
Donal Gilroy is a Fiana Fáil candidate, running for the second time after narrowly losing out on a council seat in the 2014 local elections. A married Dad of four, he currently owns Gilroy Energy Service, is the Vice Chair of Sligo Community Games and Sligo Chairman of Sligo Diabetes Ireland. Donal has been involved with voluntary groups within his community for the past 30 years and if elected he hopes to bring more services and development to the rural areas of Sligo.
In their own words...
“I want to see equality across the county. Currently too much of the expenditure is centred on the urban area around Sligo town. I will push for equality for all areas with equality of expenditure across the three electoral areas. My vision is to create sustainable vibrant living communities in an environmentally friendly region that sustains agriculture and rural living for future generations. To this end I will build a link between North Leitrim and North Sligo to start a plan that will lead to the development of a new national park to become the Snowdonia or Yorkshire Dales of Ireland.”
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Corey Whyte
Corey Whyte - Independent
Corey Whyte is an independent candidate running for election for the first time in the Sligo/Drumcliffe electoral area. Corey is a Social Care graduate from IT Sligo, and has been involved with various community groups and campaigns over the past ten years. Corey is the youngest candidate on the Sligo-Drumcliffe ballot and if elected he hopes to create a link between the citizens of Sligo and the local government. His main priorities include broadband, roads, and rural infrastructure.
In their own words...
“For over ten years I have worked on campaigns intended to enhance Sligo. Whether it was on political or community campaigns around mental health or housing, I have looked to work with people who are dedicated to enhancing our county. If elected, I aim to work as hard the first year as I would the last."
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Colm McGurran
Colm McGurran - Fianna Fail
Colm McGurrin is a Fianna Fail candidate from Ballisodare, Co Sligo, who seeking election to the county council for the first time. He currently runs a construction company and is involved with the Ballisodare Sports Recreation Development Committee. Colm has been involved with Fianna Fail for 30 years and is hoping to take the seat once held by another resident of Ballisodare, Cllr John Sherlock, who stepped down in 2009 after 19 years service. Bringing businesses and residents to the rural community is a top priority for Colm if he is elected.
In their own words...
"Rural areas need greater recreational facilities, shops and restaurants because these areas are dying and that is why we need to improve the situation with planning permission and get people back into the communities, they are all moving away into towns, we need to get them back into rural Ireland again before it is wiped out.”
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Ciara McLoughlin
Ciara McLoughlin - Fine Gael
Ciara McLoughlin is a Fine Gael candidate who is running for the first time in the upcoming elections. A Sligo native, Ciara lives in Drumcliff with her husband Leigh and her three children. A solicitor by profession, Ciara has been involved with Fine Gael for over 15 years and is currently the Chairperson of the Drumcliff branch of Fine Gael. If elected Ciara will advocate for the continued investment in infrastructure, farming, education and childcare for local communities.
In their own words...
“If elected I believe that I have the skills, experience and know-how necessary for the role of a councillor and will campaign on your behave to ensure that the best services are delivered to our area. I have the determination and energy to work tirelessly for the people of Sligo Drumcliff to provide a voice for every member of the community so that they feel their contributions and concerns are heard and recognised. I will do all I can for you to help make our communities better places to live, learn and work in.”
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Amanda Gallagher
Amanda Gallagher - Independent
Amanda Gallagher is running for the first time as an Independent candidate in the upcoming elections. A native of Ballisodare, Amanda's decision to run comes from her disillusion with the current state of politics in the country. Amanda has been involved in many local campaigns, such as the successful campaign for an amendment to building control legislation. If elected Amanda's main goal for her first year will be to address the lack of development in rural areas.
In their own words...
“Looking forward to a year after the election, if elected, my main goal would be that the people of Sligo finally have some hope in their lives – hope of no more decimation of our rural communities, hope that our Government is finally being held to account and hope of a good future for their children and grandchildren – an improved health service, affordable housing and jobs for them in their own country. I am also passionate about saving St Mary’s College in Ballisodare – and will work hard to retain the secondary school of our children in Ballisodare and surrounding areas, it is a vital amenity in the Village of Ballisodare – we simply cannot allow this wonderful school to close."
Sligo-Strandhill
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Tom MacSharry
Tom MacSharry - Fianna Fail
Councillor Tom MacSharry was elected as a Fianna Fail councillor onto Sligo County Council in 2014. Previously, he had been a member of Sligo Borough Council, before its abolition. He also served as Mayor of Sligo, and is a solicitor by profession. Councillor MacSharry has highlighted three main areas which he hopes to improve if he is successful in hi re-election campaign - housing, home-help and the hospital.
In their own words...
“One of the leading authorities in this country in the area of health is Fergal Hickey, who has said Sligo hospital needs 80 million euro in investment to upgrade facilities to make our hospital fit for purpose. However, the North-West region is ignored time and time again when it comes to Capital Investment. It is absolutely scandalous that there is not more home-help hours available to people, in particular elderly people who have worked all their lives building this country and are ignored at a time in their lives when they are in greatest need. I have always felt that you can judge a society by how it treats the elderly and in Ireland today, we really need to hang our heads in shame in this regard. We need a sustainable, affordable housing policy that allows our young people to gain access to the housing market, our older people to downsize, and growing families to upsize. We also need more social housing because in this day and age, to have over a thousand people on the housing list in Sligo is indicative of a situation gone beyond crisis point, and nothing short of a National scandal.”
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Sinead Maguire
Sinead Maguire - Fine Gael
Councillor Sinead Maguire was first elected to Sligo County Council at the last local elections for Fine Gael. Now, the party has selected her to run as a candidate for both the local and next Dail elections. A solicitor from a farming background, she is the current deputy mayor of Sligo and is running as a candidate in the Sligo/Strandhill electoral area. Councillor Maguire hope to tackle an array of issues involving transport, the environment and education.
In their own words...
"I will be developing a roadmap for Sligo to be an environmentally conscious town in terms of transport, waste management, plastic reduction and energy consumption, which will improve quality of life for all. The plan will include business, households, schools and organisations. I will also continue to advocate for Sligo to be a number one location top attract business and high quality jobs into by improving infrastructure and facilities to ensure quality of life for all families.”
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Rosaleen O'Grady
Rosaleen O'Grady - Fianna Fail
Rosaleen was first elected to Sligo Borough Council in 1999 and was elected to Sligo Co Council in 2009. She has served as Mayor of Sligo Borough Council on three occasions and was chairperson of Sligo County Council in 2015/16. She is currently mayor of the Sligo Municipal District. A native of Treacy Avenue and now living at Kevinsfort on the Strandhill road, Rosaleen has served the people of this area for more than 20 years. A former Senior Nurse Manager with HSE West, she is now a full-time Public Representative. If successfully re-elected. among her main priorities is the development of medical services in the Sligo.
In their own words...
“If re-elected I will continue to seek the provision of a cardiac cath lab,diabetic unit and a 50-bed modular unit at Sligo University Hospital to serve the needs of the people of this region. It is also necessary that the capital funding be put in place for the upgrading of Sligo University Hospital to an acceptable and necessary standard. I will demand the immediate and urgent provision of social and affordable housing for the many people who now are on an ever-expanding housing list.”
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Nessa Cosgrove
Nessa Cosgrove - Labour
Nessa Cosgrove is a first time election candidate and is standing for the Labour Party. She’s a native of Bandon in County Cork. She was worked as a youth worker for over 20 years and is currently employed with the Home Youth Liaison Service in Sligo. Nessa is also the treasurer of Sligo Family Resource and chairperson of Cartron Community Recreational Committee. If she is successful in her campaign, Nessa main priorities will be to address some of the issues surrounding mental health services and the services for those with disabilities.
In their own words...
“To help people to directly access the supports that are available to them and campaign for much needed supports in the areas of mental health and disability. I will safeguard the building of more social and affordable housing and strive to make Sligo a cleaner and greener place to work and live.”
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Miranda O' Donnell
Miranda O' Donnell - Green Party
Miranda O' Donnell, is running for the first time as a Green Party candidate in the upcoming elections. Originally from California, Miranda became an Irish citizen in 2016 and currently lives in the Templeboy area. Ms O' Donnell says if elected, she will highlight issues around illegal dumping and also continuing the campaign against single use plastics.
In their own words...
“There are many issues that are important. For example, I have heard from several local people that they are very concerned about illegal dumping in the rural areas. I am determined to find out why this is happening, and to look at the way we pay for refuse and recycling. If people are struggling to pay refuse charges and resort to illegal dumping, is there a way we can help in this situation? I would hope that I could work on biodiversity and habitat protection and continue the battle against single use plastic.”
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Jim McGarry
Jim McGarry - Independent
Jim McGarry is a former Mayor and councillor who was a member of Sligo county council for 29 years. A former member of Labour and the Fine Gael party, Jim lost his seat on the council in 2014 and is running as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections. Placing a greater emphasis on local issues and making the council more accessible to citizens of Sligo are some of his main goals. The main issue Jim wishes to tackle if elected is affordable housing.
In their own words...
“Affordable housing would be my main priority. I’m sure everyone knows the situation nationally but locally we are not better off. Sligo County Council built 16 social housing homes in 2016, a deplorable figure. More young people are remaining at home as they are unable afford a suitable home due to ever increasing rents and lack of availability. We, as a Council, can change this by ensuring supply is increased. This can be done with a clear budgetary policy and local development plan, along with strategic use of property already owned by Sligo County Council.”
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Gino O'Boyle
Gino O'Boyle - PBP
Councillor Gino O'Boyle is running for election for the first time after being co-opted in 2015, following the passing of his father, Councillor Seamus O'Boyle. Born and raised in Forthill in Sligo, He has been a county councillor for the last three years and has also served as Deputy Mayor in that time. Gino lists healthcare and housing at the top of his agenda if successfully re-elected.
In their own words...
“Housing is always going to be a major issue until we start developing public housing. We wasted €2 million in administration on Irish Water, why could that money not go into housing? We have given around €1 billion so far to private landlords when that could have gone into building affordable housing. Where does it end?”
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Finbarr Filan
Finbarr Filan - Renua
Finbarr Filan is a Sligo native and is running for election for the first time as a Renua Ireland candidate. He isqualified as a Manufacturing Engineer and has had over 25 years experience in industrial, retail and town centre Management. He is married to Geraldine and has 3 children. Finbarr manages his family owned Centra in Castle Street Sligo which employs 22 people. He says Sligo is his passion and is running in the election because he wants to make a difference for his home town. Finbarr hopes to focus on building the town's economic and tourism potential if he is elected.
In their own words...
“Lower Connaughton Road has to be resolved – for everyone. The ongoing disagreements creates such a negative perception of our town and is a situation that will have a positive impact for everyone involved if resolved. In 2014, I discovered that we had very little in the way of stats and figures on our tourism performance. Also our reputation in the coach sector was not good and that we had not been to a tourism industry sector for 10 years. So, working with the council for 18 months, I was delighted that Sligo won the first coach-friendly town in Ireland. I have worked on the trade show stand for Sligo for the last three years and I just finished the land use survey which for the first time mapped every building in the town centre with IT Sligo Architects department. This is such an important piece of work and one that will help Sligo in the years to come."
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Declan Bree
Declan Bree - Independent
Coucillor Declan Bree has been a political activist for over thirty years. He is the longest serving member of Sligo County Council, having been first elected to the old Sligo Borough Council in 1974 and retaining his seat at each subsequent election. If re-elected, Councillor Bree's main goals will be to tackle issues around employment, housing and the environment.
In their own words...
“Housing will be one of the priority issues I will be working on if re elected. In addition to building new houses we need to consider using compulsory acquisition of long term vacant houses. There are currently 4,727 vacant houses in Co. Sligo. Setting carbon reduction targets is another priority. Employment is an important issue. The Long-Term Vacant Property Incentive Scheme was established to promote job creation and encourage the use of vacant shops and commercial properties. The scheme has been successful in other counties It provides an incentive by way of a grant, related to the level of rates payable on the property. In addition to promoting employment it will help reduce the negative visual impact of empty commercial properties in Sligo. Legislation was also enacted in 2014 to give discretion to councils to vary the level of rates refunds that apply. If a Refund Scheme was introduced in Sligo it could provide additional €1 million income per year for the Council.”
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Chris MacManus
Chris MacManus - Sinn Fein
First elected to the former Sligo Corporation in 1999, Councillor Chris MacManus, has been active in Republican politics his whole life. Councillor MacManus is an active community worker and has been involved in many national and local campaigns, such as the Right2Water campaign. He is also the only local councillor to currently hold weekly clinics. If re-elected, affordable housing is one of the main priorities for Councillor MacManus.
In their own words...
“Affordable housing for those caught in the private rented sector and struggling to gather a deposit. A fast-tracked programme of social housing for the thousand plus families on the Council’s housing list. Action on both issues will take the pressure off an overheated local private rental sector that has seen rents spiraling upwards and forced many families to live in overcrowded or unsuitable conditions. On a personal note, two projects that I have long promoted – the Sligo East and Cranmore Regeneration plan and the need for a new Sligo Central Library worthy of our community will continue to be priorities for me.”
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Blaine Gaffney
Blaine Gaffney - Fine Gael
Blaine Gaffney is running for election for the first time as a Fine Gael candidate in the Sligo-Strandhill electoral district. Despite being one of the youngest candidates in the upcoming election, Blaine has a wealth of experience in politics. He obtained masters degree in Politics from Queens University, Belfast, and has worked as an assistant with MEP Mairead McGuinness in the European Parliament, as well as working closely with TD Tony McLoughlin in Sligo. If elected, Blaine's some of his main aims are to promote Sligo and tackle the high number of empty commercial units within Sligo.
In their own words...
“I want to focus on promoting Sligo. There is enough people who want to talk negatively about Sligo, I want to talk about all that is positive. I want to bring a greater level of political accountability to local government through new communication methods. People are saying that social media will change things, but the fact is social media has already changed things and people want to see the work that is being done. The empty commercials units is an issue which needs to be tackled, I would like to create opportunities for micro businesses who could open in these premises but have faced difficulties due to the rates.”
Ballymote-Tubbercurry
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Willie Gormley
Willie Gormley - Independent
Willie Gormley is an independent candidate running for election for the first time. Willie is the nephew to the late Cllr. Margaret Gormley and grandson of former Cllr. Willie Gormley and he hopes to carry on the family name in local politics. Willie has worked in IT for the past twenty years across Ireland, the UK and Canada, he returned to Sligo, in recent years, as he and his wife Emma wanted to raise his children in the Yeats county. Improving the N17 and upgrading the water treatment plant at Lough Talt are top of Willies priority list if elected.
In their own words...
"My family has been a voice in local politics for nearly 80 years and I would like to continue the vigorous work, which Margaret fought for progress on, such as upgrading of the N17, upgrading of the water treatment plant at Lough Talt, rural regeneration, third party roads, decimation of rural services and the farming community. In addition, I would like to focus on improving transport link for rural areas, increased access to high speed broadband services for all schools and see 5G introduced into county Sligo. Investment by government and the County Council has seen a positive rise in job creation and new tourism attractions in Sligo. As a remote worker, I was delighted to see the successful Grow Remote Conference in Tubbercurry, highlighting the job opportunities that are available now and the future plans of the South Sligo Smart Community Committee.”
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Romauld Mullarkey
Romauld Mullarkey - Fianna Fail
Romauld Mullarkey is a first time candidate in the upcominmg elections. Coming from a farming background in Cloonacoool in County Sligo where he has lived and worked most of his life. He started his business Mullarkeys Furniture in Tubbercurry in 1995 and says that as a result he is aware of the hardships faced by business and the farming community alike. Romauld says that Rural Ireland is not getting a fair deal, and the push to run for election came when Basta closed in the town after over 60 years in business. The main issue Romauld wishes to tackle if elected is current issues at the Lough Talt water treatment plant.
In their own words...
“The big local issue here is Lough Talt water. It is being kicked about here by Irish Water, the council and Europe. I am hoping that it will be sorted and in the meantime I would be pushing for a mobile unit for people to have clean running water. We are not a third world country and the people of south Sligo deserve to have clean running water."
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Paul Taylor
Paul Taylor - Fianna Fail
Paul Taylor was elected as a Fianna Fail councillor onto Sligo County Council at his first attempt in 2014. He’s from Gurteen in County Sligo. A former inter-county GAA star with Sligo over many years, he is the current Sligo Senior Football manager. If re-elected Paul hopes to continue to the progress that has been made on rural issues and services in south and west Sligo.
In their own words...
“I feel to help change you must first understand the problems that we encounter in our everyday lives. I do understand and recognize the support and help that need. I will continue to fight for people on a personal and private level and I will continue to ensure that we see progress on all issues in this county. Water, broadband, schools, roads, tourism and to support families and farmers and work together are my key priorities,”
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Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke - Independent
Councillor Michael Clarke has been an Independent member of Sligo County Council since 2009. He hails from Dromore West and is a former publican. He stood an as Independent candidate in the General Election in Sligo-Leitrim in 2011. Councillor Clarke hopes to be re-elected for the second time in the upcoming elections and the creation of jobs and the improvement of infrastructure in rural areas as some of his main goals.
In their own words...
“We need to remove the restrictions surrounding rural house planning. We need new life to come back into our areas to keep schools and shops open to protect and enhance our rural way of life. Scenic routes must not be a blocking tactic in planning applications but a stepping stone to injecting life back into our beautiful County. Protected structures need financial support to enhance and further protect them from decline. The next year may be a difficult year for all of us depending on the fall out from Brexit. We need to keep focus on small businesses to help them survive and flourish. Government needs to be pressured to stop the drain on rural Ireland and give us the chance to stay local. Agriculture and, in particular, grant aid for suckler cows needs to be targeted to help the sustainability of the farming community. I will continue to campaign for rural families.”
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Martin Connolly
Martin Connolly - Fine Gael
Martin Connolly is a first time candidate from Moylough. He works as a postman, has been married for 33 years and is a father of five. Martin has been Involved with Fine Gael for over 25 years and has held various positions at branch, district and constituency level. He is an experienced campaigner having worked closely with former councillors Michael Fleming and Joe Cawley. Martin lists the need for strong representation in Tubbercurry and the surrounding areas as his main reason for running. His election priorities include the upgrade Lough Talt water supply, Tackling rural isolation, upgrade to N17.
In their own words...
“If elected as one of the 18 councillors I will work as a strong member of this team to promote Sligo, to lobby the relevant ministers and nation government for investment in our county. I will help to increase employment, tourism, infrastructure and education opportunities for young and old alike. I will showcase our area to ensure we are not left out. Our communities have the ability to lead the way and be the envy of others.”
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Martin Baker
Martin Baker - Fianna Fail
Councillor Martin Baker was first elected to Sligo County Council in 2004. Hailing from Riverstown, the Fianna Fail Councillor is a local butcher and grocer. He has 15 years experience as a councillor and is current Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council. Councillor Baker lists community involvement as he main reason for putting his name forward for election once more. If re-elected he wants to address issues around health, housing and roads.
In their own words...
“I have several goals which include to lobby for better services on mental health issues and supply adequate changing facilities for adults with disability in the county, the reintroduction of direct funding for class 2 and 3 roads, the releasing of extra funding for more home help hours which will enable people to stay in their own homes and relieve pressure on hospital beds and staff and to lobby on behalf of young people with middle income earnings to qualify for housing loans and extensions.”
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Keith Henry
Keith Henry - Fianna Fail
Councillor Keith Henry is one of the youngest candidates running in the upcoming elections. A native of Killavil, now living in Ballymote, Keith is a secondary school teacher - and has been a Sligo councillor for the last three year. This will be Keith's first time contesting the election after being co-opted to the council in 2016. Health, housing and roads are some of the areas which Councillor Henry hopes to tackle if re-elected.
In their own words...
“Our hospital and health system is at capacity breaking point and as HSE West member I’ve been continuously questioning officials. Our rural roads are in a terrible condition due to the lack of funding provided from government. “Our elderly cannot live at home in comfort due to rural crime and a reduction in housing adaption funding by this government. Many of our young people don’t stay here as they see better opportunities outside of Sligo. Farmers are to the pin of their collar due to big business dictating prices and we can’t even drink our water in most of south Sligo. The rural community way of life is slowly disappearing.”
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Joe Queenan
Joe Queenan - Independent
Councillor Joe Queenan is running for re-election once more after being successful on the past four attempts. First elected to Sligo County Council in 1999, he has 20 years of experience including the chair of SPC Housing, the VEC and cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council. He is a former Fianna Fail Councillor but left the party and is now an Independent Candidate. From Enniscrone and a former Chairman of Sligo County GAA, Joe says that Rural development is a priority for him, with the continued development of roads being the most important issue he aims to continue working on if re-elected.
In their own words...
“There are a lot of exciting projects across the county I would like to continue working on and ensure they keep developing. I would also focus on gaining more funds for our rural roads, doing more for employment in rural areas and doing more for housing."
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Gerard Mullaney
Gerard Mullaney - Fine Gael
Gerard Mullaney is a former Councillor with 10 years experience. First selected for the council in 2004, Gerard lost his seat in 2014 and has decided to run again in the upcoming election. A Sligo native and a farmer himself, Gerard cites bringing change to and creating employment in rural Ireland as his main goals if elected.
In their own words...
“To keep rural communities alive we need to create employment. We live in a very scenic area with huge untapped potential. “I will focus on identifying all types of funding programmes that could support the development of sustainable rural tourism enterprises, providing training and supports for product development and marketing, prioritizing investment in these Green initiatives, as currently only 14% of the allocated Leader budget has been spent in Sligo. We see the success of the Wild Atlantic Way and its positive impact on employment in their local communities and I want to link with this to bring visitors out to our historical and beautiful part of Sligo.”
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Dara Mulvey
Dara Mulvey - Fine Gael
Councillor Dara Mulvey was first elected to Sligo County Council in 2009. He is married to Colette and they have two children. He works is in the retail industry professionally, and is involved in the Coolaney Development Association as well as the Coolaney Tidy Towns. Councillor Mulvey lists improved healthcare for all as one of his top priorities if re-elected. He also hopes to continue promoting Sligo and to help bring expansion to the region.
In their own words...
“There are challenges ahead for South Sligo. My experience and my enthusiasm to advance the quality of life in rural Ireland makes me anxious to be a member of the team who play their part. On May 24 I ask you to allow me to continue that work. I am proud of my record, passionate about our future and will be privileged to continue the good work.”
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Daniel Gallagher
Daniel Gallagher - Sinn Fein
Daniel Gallagher is running for election for the first time. He has been working with the Sinn Fein party for the last 10 years. He is the Chairman of Collooney Tidy Town's Committee and is a volunteer with Collooney Village Redevelopment. Daniel hopes to bring change to the county. listing the Lough Talt situation as an example of why such change is needed. If elected, he vows to work hard as councillor to help the people of Sligo.
In their own words...
“I am not going to make any promises to anybody apart from that I will I work as hard as I can for the people of County Sligo. Any issues brought to me I will help in whatever way I can. I have had people approach me with regard to issues surrounding housing estates, footpaths and roads and I have contacted the council to get those things done. I am one councillor but I will work as hard as I can for the people of the county.”
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Blair Feeney
Blair Feeney - Fine Gael
Blair Feeney is a Fine Gael local election candidate in the Ballymote-Tubbercurry Electoral Area of County Sligo. He is running for election again after narrowly missing out on a council seat in 2014. The businessman and community activist runs Feeney';s Filling Station and Cost Cutters Supermarket in Dromore West. As a secretary of Sligo-Leitrim Fine Gael, Blair believes his status as west Sligo's only candidate associated with a party can make a difference in bringing issues affecting the community to the highest possible level of government.
In their own words...
“As a secretary of Sligo-Leitrim Fine Gael, I have built up a great relationship with many Ministers, TDs and senators. I am the only candidate in west Sligo with a political affiliation and I will be able to bring the issues facing the local government to a higher level. Through my day to day work, I am able to meet with and listen to the people of the area on a daily basis. I hear their concerns, I hear their problems, but I also hear the positive aspects and what the people believe needs to be done to better the environment they live in.”
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Barry Gallagher
Barry Gallagher - Independent
Barry Gallagher, from Curry, Co. Sligo, is an Independent candidate seeking a seat on Sligo County Council in the Ballymote/Tubbercurry Municipal District. Barry runs an electrical and security company and has been chairman of Curry GAA club for the past six years. This is Barry's first time running for election and he made the decision after being involved in a number of different community initiatives. If elected, Barry hopes to address issues surrounding youth disconnect, housing and other issues for farmers.
In their own words...
“My main goals in the first year will be our youth, to educate them in the opportunities in our local communities. I will encourage our farmers to join the Sligo Beef Plan Movement and work with them together to help them in getting better prices from the Co-ops, insurance companies and suppliers. I will look for accountability in relation to our boil water notice. I will push to get the Safe Town project in Tubbercurry up and running and get this system installed in other local towns.”