McCormack wants to bring positive change for the betterment of the Westport community

Well-known artist Niall McCormack is looking forward to next Friday's local election and feels despite his deafness, he would be well able to contribute to the Westport area, improve community life and make the town a safe environment to ensure it remains a place where people want to live, work and visit.

In an statement to The Mayo News, Mr McCormack feels he could make a huge difference to Westport.

“There have been a number of key issues I have prioritised during my campaign. These matters greatly concern me, and I firmly believe they need immediate attention.

“My top priority is supporting Irish families, particularly mothers with young children, and advocating for those who feel marginalised in our society. Addressing the disparity between our fellow Irish citizens and immigrants/refugees through more inclusive policies is crucial to me.

Furthermore, I am concerned with addressing the shortage of social housing for native Irish individuals, including those on the waiting list, and providing support for returning emigrants. Ensuring easy access to assistance for elderly, disabled and vulnerable Irish citizens is also vital.”

Another key focus of Mr McCormack's campaign has been the need to support small Irish businesses and creating an environment where aspiring entrepreneurs can thrive.

“This involves providing necessary resources and abolishing carbon taxes for farming and businesses. I will also work towards reducing business rates for shop owners and other Irish enterprises.”

Preserving the area's cultural heritage is another issue close to Mr McCormack's heart.

“I firmly believe that our historic buildings, especially those of aesthetic significance, must be protected and preserved. Demolition should require prior approval from the council to maintain our rich cultural heritage.”

Mr McCormack lives in Westport but was born in Castlebar and moved to Westport with his family in 1973. He attended schools for the deaf in Dublin and was the first deaf pupil sitting the Leaving Certificate examination in his school. He studied architectural technology at Bolton Street, College of Technology and attended Dun Laoghaire School of Art and Design for a one-year education in Visual Education. He was offered a place to study Fine Art majoring in Painting at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin. He was also the first deaf student studying Fine Art there and was awarded a BA degree in Fine Art. He taught deaf children Art in Stillorgan, Dublin for a few years before he left Ireland in 1990.

“I spent many years living in London and contributed a lot to the deaf community in the UK by leading art workshops, delivering gallery talks in various art galleries including Tate Modern, mentoring some aspiring artists as well as I worked from a studio in central London painting. I have had a major solo exhibition in London. I have shown my works in various galleries and art venues in the UK.

“I was invited to have a solo exhibition at Custom House Studios Ltd in 2002. It was an honour to be asked to be the first artist to have a solo show. In 2007, I moved back to live in Westport permanently. Within a few weeks after my return from London, I became a successful artist. I have had several solo shows at the Molesworth Gallery and other art centres in Ireland. I am a nationally recognised artist in my right. I am currently painting full-time from my studio at home.

“Ten years ago, I organised big weekend events for deaf visitors from all over Ireland and abroad here in Westport. Despite my lack of experience in organising big events, we had a dinner gala, day trips, talks, designing cards, doing artwork. I got assistance from a dedicated team of three individuals from Dublin and Meath. I am proud to have achieved my capabilities in organising these big events. I have liaised with some locals and the hotel staff to ensure the events went smoothly. A large number of deaf visitors to Westport have positively contributed to the economy of the town.”

Mr McCormack concluded by saying he was thrilled to have embarked on this journey and he would be honoured to serve as a representative for the Westport LEA on Mayo County Council.