Flannery speaks out

Flannery has ‘ten years’ work ahead’ if elected

Michael Commins

FORMER Charlestown Fine Gael councillor John Flannery says he’ll have ten years’ work to do if he’s returned to Mayo County Council next June. The controversial and outspoken ex-councillor has stopped short of officially declaring his intention to seek a party nomination but admits he is ‘coming under a lot of pressure’ to stand again. Flannery (pictured) was edged out for the last seat in the Swinford Electoral Area four years ago after serving 25 years as a councillor.
“I’ll have five years’ work to do that wasn’t done for a start and then my five years to do for those who will have elected me again for another term, that’s if I’m successful of course,” he said at the weekend.
No stranger to the headlines, John Flannery could never be accused of being a ‘yes man’ for his party. At a public meeting in Castlebar in advance of the Lisbon Treaty referendum some weeks ago, he lambasted members of his Fine Gael for being so pro-active on the ‘Yes’ side.
“I told them straight out I was fed up of listening to ráiméas. I voted ‘No’ and had every good reason to do so. A lot of the party were not listening to the grassroots. I believe we were being hoodwinked into something that we knew nothing about and was being kept from us. People are fed up of dictation.”
Flannery, who has expressed reservations about the party leadership of countyman Enda Kenny, has often been at loggerheads with sections of his own party. However, he confirmed to The Mayo News that he will not stand as an Independent.
“My uncle wore the blue shirt and walked from Kilmovee to Balla and there aren’t many in Mayo County Council who can say that. I won’t go as an Independent. I won’t change for anyone. If I have something to say, I say it, whether the party likes it or not. I was never afraid to challenge the officials in Mayo County Council either. They know that.
“Éamon Ó Cuív (FF) is one man I have a good time for in the current government. I get on well with him. I still make representations for people from the area on a regular basis,” he said.
Should Flannery go to convention, as looks increasingly likely, he will possibly find himself in a four-way contest for three spots alongside outgoing councillors Joe Mellett (Swinford) and Eugene Lavin (Kiltimagh). There is also much speculation that JJ O’Hara form Foxford may seek a Fine Gael nomination as well.
“Certain things went against me the last time and I still nearly made it. The addition of Aghamore will be of some help to me if I go. I know a lot of people there over the years and I would have no fear at all of taking on all comers again,” says the man who appears to be on a comeback mission.