Michael Burke seeks re-election in Ballinrobe
FORMER Ballinrobe councillor, Michael Burke, has announced his intention to run for local election next year – and the auctioneer is confident he can regain his seat.
It looks set to be a hotly-fought contest in south Mayo after the re-drawing of boundaries announced last week, which will see the Ballinrobe Electoral Area lose a seat to Castlebar and amalgamate with Claremorris to become a six-seater area.
The Ballinrobe area is currently served by Councillors Patsy O’Brien (FG), Damien Ryan (FF), and Harry Walsh (Independent), but under the new arrangement the Ballinrobe and Claremorris electoral areas will come under the one umbrella.
Mr Burke served as a councillor from 1993 to 2004, but failed to be re-elected in the 2004 local elections, though the party vote increased substantially.
“We were beaten through very poor management the last time. Everyone was allowed to canvass the town and my own neighbours were canvassed by all the nominees, including those from my own party,” the former councillor told The Mayo News yesterday (Monday).
Mr Burke said that his party colleague Patsy O’Brien had lost some ground due to the boundary changes, but was now one of ‘the best-located councillors’ as he is living close to the Claremorris area. Mr Burke denied that his nomination would spell trouble for Cllr O’Brien, saying the Robeen man was ‘in a safe position’.
Mr Burke said it seemed likely that Fine Gael would nominate four candidates for next year’s election in the new electoral area. “I have been urged by several former associates, and a wide range of local people, to put my name forward again, in the interest of the Ballinrobe area in general, and the town in particular,” said the Ballinrobe auctioneer.
“Many of those who contacted me in recent months stressed the importance of a strong, experienced and focused voice at the Council table to advance key issues such as the Ballinrobe bypass, local industry issues, and the need for a nursing home in the town.
“I am confident I can advance crucial local issues that have been left unresolved for far too long. With committed local support, and the assistance of party colleagues, I believe I can regain my seat.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Patsy O’Brien has said the people of Ballinrobe will not lose out under the new boundary changes – if they vote correctly.
“It is important that Ballinrobe continues to gain the same support that it has in the last five years. With the right representation there will be nothing to stop that continuing,” said the Fine Gael councillor.
“Some sitting councillor has to move out. Nobody is safe so it is important for voters to look at who is going to stand up for the area and make sure they are not deprived of funding in any way and that there is a fair share for each area.
“Ballinrobe has fared very well over the last number of years in a number of areas. We have two new car parks, the Town Development Plan will come into effect shortly, €300,000 has been allocated for the Bower’s Walk development and the route selection for the Ballinrobe bypass has been completed.
“We have a strong voice and the voters have to make the decision who they want to go forward and continue on the good work. We won’t lose out provided we have a strong voice into the future,” he said.
