McHugh running

Pat McHugh to seek re-election

Michael Commins

FIANNA FÁIL councillor Pat McHugh will be a candidate for the party nomination in the new Claremorris six-seater constituency. The Ballindine man finally put an end to speculation with regard to his intentions when he confirmed to The Mayo News on Friday that he had made a firm decision to contest next June’s local elections.
“I am aware that there has been a lot of speculation over the past year as to whether or not I would run again. I gave the matter very serious thought and made a decision to wait until the boundaries review was published by the Commission.
“When they decided to amalgamate the Claremorris and Ballinrobe areas, a lot of my former stomping ground was back in with Claremorris for the next election. People from that area close to Hollymount and the top end of Garrymore encouraged me to go forward again. People above Seefin and around Lehinch and this side of Hollymount have a more natural affinity with Claremorris than Ballinrobe.
“I had a letter from Fianna Fáil headquarters this week seeking expressions of interest in next June’s election and I have formally replied that I will be in the contest. The new constituency line-up has given me a new impetus and a fresh pep in my step. I still enjoy politics and find it a form of relaxation,” said Pat.
The decision by Pat McHugh to formally declare his intentions creates an interesting scenario for the Fianna Fáil race. There have been strong demands in the Claremorris town area for the party to field a town or parish candidate to arrest the significant slide in the party vote in the town boxes. Young Gerard McHale from Dromineen has been mentioned as a possible candidate in dispatches, while former councillor Sean Fitzpatrick may also be tempted to seek a nomination at the back end of the year.
Pat McHugh was co-opted to Mayo County Council in 1988 and first elected in 1991. He was successfully returned at the elections in 1999 and 2004. His late father also served as a member of Mayo County Council.