Candidates weigh up future as local elections loom

The next local elections across the country are due to take place in a year’s time, in May 2024, and sitting councillors will likely be deciding in the next few weeks whether to throw their hats in the ring again
At last month’s meeting of Mayo County Council, last year’s Cathaoirleach, Cllr Michael Smyth, let it be known that he would not be seeking reelection. He cited abuse that his family members have received as one of the main reasons he was walking away from public life.
Other experienced members of the council are also weighing up the future after years of sterling services. Among the most experienced is Cllr John Cribbin, who announced this week that he will not be seeking reelection.
The Ballyhaunis-based councillor has been a cornerstone of the council for some 24 years, and there is no doubt that the Fine Gael party and east Mayo in particular will miss his representation.
The problem now facing all political parties is how to replace these figures. The fact is there may not be a long line of candidates looking to take on these roles
Many elected representatives have been vocal in recent times about how abuse, particularly on social media, has made public life unpalatable. Slip-ups, they say, are pounced on by keyboard warriors, who don’t hold back on their criticisms.
Being a county councillor is also time consuming position. Special Policy Committee meetings, local municipal district meetings and monthly council meetings mean a lot of time on the road for elected representatives.
A representative’s mobile phone is also likely to be hopping most days, with constituents looking to get in touch about a whole host of problems – with many expecting an answer to their problem as soon as possible.

Election buzz
However, the election-time buzz can be appealing, and serving your community can be very rewarding. Take a look at first-time councillor in Ballina, Cllr Mark Duffy, who ran a superb campaign in the north Mayo capital last time out to secure election as an Independent. He has made a great impression during his first four years on Mayo County Council.
Cllr Duffy’s face was beamed around the world this month as he appeared on stage outside St Muredach’s Catherdral to welcome US President Biden home to Ballina, and there is now very much a local drive to get Duffy’s name on the ticket for the next general election.
Serving time as a county councillor is not a pre-requisite to becoming a TD, but two of our sitting TDs – Michael Ring and Rose Conway Walsh – both spent many years as a councillor before getting elected. It is one surefire way of getting to know the real issues on the ground before bidding for Leinster House.
The next general election is not due until March 2025, but An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has hinted that autumn 2024 may be a more realistic option if the current coalition survives until then.
But for now, our county councillors are weighing up whether they want to try to retain their seats in Aras an Chondae. It does seem likely, given the level of service amongst them, that some will likely follow in John Cribbin’s footsteps and decide to call it a day.