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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Support. Taoiseach Simon Harris wants Michael Ring to run again for Fine Gael in the next general election.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has backed long-serving TD Michael Ring to run for the Dáil yet again. Deputy Ring has yet to confirm whether he will contest the next general election despite months of speculation. The Westport native did not respond to a request for comment when contacted by The Mayo News.
Describing Deputy Ring as ‘one of the most effective, hard-working TDs’, Taoiseach Harris said that ‘really hopes’ that the former government minister will stand for the Dáil again.
“He’s quite the legend. He’s someone I consider a friend. I have huge respect for him. He brings a real honesty to politics in terms of just saying it as it is. These are decisions for him,” the Fine Gael leader said on The Tommy Marren Show on Midwest Radio. “As with [Minister] Alan Dillon and [Senator] Paddy Burke, I really hope he does run, but these are matters for Michael and his family. He is an incredibly hard-working individual.”
Deputy Ring was first elected to the Dáil in a by-election after serving as a member of Westport Urban District Council and Mayo County Council. He continued to serve as a TD and a councillor until the abolition of the dual-mandate in 2004. Deputy Ring took an unsuccessful legal challenge against its abolition.
Between 2017 and 2020, Deputy Ring served as Minister for Rural and Community Development under Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
He was overlooked twice for a cabinet position during the term of the present government. The Fine Gael TD subsequently refused the offer of a junior ministry from the current Taoiseach, citing uncertainty over whether he would seek re-election.
Speaking to The Mayo News, one Fine Gael councillor said they believe that Deputy Ring is thinking about running for the Dáil again. “I’d say he’s giving it serious consideration. And with the polls looking the way they are I’d say he’d be elected no problem,” they said.
“He’s telling everyone he’s not running, but I’d be more surprised if he didn’t run,” another well-placed Mayo Fine Gael source noted.
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