Duffy and O’Hara set to retain seats in Ballina

CLLR Mark Duffy looks set to be comfortably re-elected in Ballina, according to Fine Gael tally figures. 

The Independent, who nearly topped the poll when he ran for the local elections for the first time in 2019, is currently tallying at 16.5 percent based on 66 percent of boxes tallied. Fine Gael's Cllr O'Hara, who topped the poll in the Ballina Local Electoral Area at the last local election, stands on 17.5 percent.

Fianna Fáil newcomer David Alexander has also shown well, coming in at 8.8 percent with a strong showing in both boxes in Killala NS, where sitting Fine Gael councillor Jarlath Munnelly (8.5 percent) is based, as is Sinn Féin's Úna Morria (4 percent). Ballina-town based Fine Gael candidate Hugh Rouse has tallied 3.6 percent and looks set to struggle for a seat on the six-seat Ballina Municipal District Council. 

Long-serving councillor Annie May Reape (FF) is on course to be re-elected on 10.5 percent, while her party colleague and current Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Michael Loftus stands on 8.7.

Well known local soccer manager and Mayo Football League administrator Joe Faughnan (Independent) has polled strongly in some rural areas and stands at 8.2.

The Knockmore native is aiming to re-take the seat vacated by two-time Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach Séamus Weir, who did not seek re-election. The former Fine Gael member held the seat since 1999.