Fine Gael confirm Martina Jennings will contest General Election in Mayo

Fine Gael have confirmed that the CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Martina Jennings and Ballina-based councillor Mark Duffy will join the party ticket to contest the General Election.

Neither Cllr Duffy nor Ms Jennings contested the Mayo Fine Gael party selection convention in September but have been added by party headquarters to join sitting TD and Minister of State, Alan Dillon and Westport-based Keira Keogh as the party's four candidates to contest the General Election in the Mayo constituency.

Mayo Roscommon Hospice also confirmed that Ms Jennings will take a leave of absence from her role as Chief Executive of the organisation to contest the next General Election.

There has been speculation for a number of months that Ms Jennings will be added to the Fine Gael ticket and this morning it was confirmed the Hollymount resident will contest the election.

“I am deeply honoured to be Fine Gael’s General Election candidate for Mayo. As a proud native of South Mayo and with a background in farming, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities,” Ms Jennings said in a statement released by Fine Gael this morning.

“Over the past eight years, serving as CEO of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, I’ve worked closely with families and communities to deliver vital healthcare services, and I am committed to continuing that work for the people of Mayo,” she added.

Fine Gael announced that they have now chosen 68 General Election candidates in 41 constituencies.

Former Independent councillor Mark Duffy announced on Tuesday that he will join Fine Gael in a bid to win a seat in Dáil Éireann. He said he decided to join Fine Gael after getting firm commitments from An Taoiseach Simon Harris on 'the delivery of long sought after projects for Mayo'.

“I am delighted to be contesting the upcoming General Election in Mayo on the Fine Gael ticket. Over the past week I have held extensive negotiations and discussions with Fine Gael members, the Fine Gael organisation locally as well as Taoiseach Simon Harris to get firm commitments on the delivery of long sought after projects for Mayo.

“Young people from Mayo have been forced to migrate and emigrate for better opportunities and quality of life. Improving the supply of housing and living standards will help us realise the potential of our great county.

“While I have proudly served as an independent councillor on two occasions, I believe that joining Fine Gael will enhance my ability, if elected, to deliver more effectively for the people of Mayo,” he said.

Minister of State Alan Dillon welcomed both Cllr Duffy and Ms Jennings onto the party ticket and looked forward to campaigning with them when the election was announced.

“I am delighted to welcome both Cllr Mark Duffy and Martina Jennings to the Fine Gael team for the upcoming general election.

“Their experience and commitment will be invaluable as we work together to deliver for the people of Mayo. I look forward to working alongside both.”

He added: “Our shared goal is to maximise the Fine Gael vote in Mayo and to ensure the best possible representation for our county. With the combined strengths of Keira Keogh, Cllr Duffy and Martina Jennings, I am confident we will be a great team."

Mike Smith, Chairperson of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation confirmed this morning that Jennings will be taking a leave of absence from her role as Chief Executive from today to run in the election.

“The care and well-being of patients at Mayo and Roscommon Hospices, as well as in the communities, remains our top priority. Our focus will continue to be on funding and providing and developing our Palliative Care Services. I want to assure our users and supporters of the continuation of care to families in both Mayo and Roscommon. We wish Martina every success in her campaign,” he said in a statement released this morning.