Westport would be foolish to lose its TD – Ring

WESTPORT and west Mayo would be foolish to lose a TD in the next General Election according to Michael Ring who ended his 45-year political career last week.

The Westport-based Fine Gael TD was first elected to Dáíl Éireann in 1994 following a by-election and since then he has been ever present in Leinster House having been elected at every general election since.

His decision not to contest the General Election on November 29 will mean that for the first time since 1989 that the name Michael Ring will not appear on the ballot paper for a General Election in Mayo.

Speaking to The Mayo News Ring admitted his final week in Dáíl Éireann was a lonely one but is now determined to ensure that Westport holds onto its seat and urged people to back his successor Keira Keogh.

“It was a lonely time after 30 years in the Dáil but there comes a time when you have to leave. I am now 100 percent behind Keira Keogh to win a seat and I hope people give her the same support given to me since I was elected in 1994 and give her a chance. Westport and West Mayo need to hold onto its TD and it would be foolish for it to lose a TD.

“Places like Westport, Achill and Erris need to hold onto its TD. The other big towns in Mayo will have a TD and Westport is a big town and it would be foolish to lose it. Westport was long enough without a TD and it's important it keeps hold of it,” he said while canvassing for Keogh in the heart of the Erris Gaeltacht on Monday afternoon.

Ring was first elected as a councillor in 1979 when he was elected to Westport Urban District Court and was elected to Mayo County Council in 1991. He failed to get elected to Dáil Éireann in the old West Mayo constituency in the 1992 General Election but surprised many when he won the 1994 West Mayo by-election.

Ring ended months of speculation in the summer when he confirmed he would not put his name forward for reelection. He said that since then he has been inundated with people wishing him well and asking him to reconsider his decision.

“I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Dáil and people have been very gracious to me in the last week with good wishes and sending cards. I am here in Eachléim at the moment and nearly every door I knock on people are saying why don't you go again. It is lovely to hear but I have made my decision and I am happy with it,” he said.

In one of his final actions in Dáil Éireann last Wednesday, Ring filled in the role as An Cathaoirleach Gníomhach (Acting Chairman) during a private members motion on Carers Allowance brought forward by Sinn Féin.

During the contributions, Kerry TD Michael Healy Rae took time to pay tribute to the Fine Gael TD saying he is a legendary figure in Irish politics.

“I want to put something on record of the Dáil, and I am very proud to say this. Even though we would be from different sides of the political fence, I never held Deputy Ring in anything but the highest esteem. I personally believe that his loss to Irish politics will be vast and great given his experience and ability to put effort into his constituency.

“Nobody could ever polish his shoes for the effort, drive, energy and determination that he put into his role as a public representative. It will be remembered forever. He is a legendary figure in Irish politics and I mean that - a legendary figure,” he said.

His party colleague, Minister of State and Mayo TD Alan Dillon was among the people to pay tribute to Ring on his retirement presenting him with a Mayo GAA jersey to mark the occasion.

“I want to wish my friend and colleague Michael Ring the very best in his retirement following today's end of the 33rd Dáil,” Minister Dillon wrote on his Facebook page.

“Since my election in 2020, Michael has been a tremendous supporter, dedicating 45 years to standing up for his constituents and staying true to his beliefs.

“He'll be missed by all of us in government and, most of all, by the people of Mayo,” he wrote.