Chambers issues election shot

Chambers issues election shot


Edwin McGreal

In what can be seen as a clear shot across the bows of her Fianna FΡil running mates, Lisa Chambers, a candidate for the party in the Castlebar electoral area, has called on people to remember that she stood forward when no one else would and ran for the party in the 2011 General Election.
Chambers, along with sitting county councillors Al McDonnell and Blackie Gavin, forms a three-candidate ticket for Fianna FΡil in Castlebar but, as the election draws close, she has made a few pointed remarks.
She asked party supporters ‘to continue the work we started in 2011’ which, a press release sent on her behalf, says ‘is a direct reference to the General Election of 2011 when the 27 years old barrister stepped forward at short notice to fly the flag for Fianna FΡil in the general election’.
“It was a crisis time for Fianna FΡil in 2011,” said Chambers. “Our party was on its knees. Our people were dispirited. Morale was at an all time low. It was an open secret that we were in danger of even failing to have a candidate on the ballot paper.
“It was at that stage that I agreed to step forward and take up the challenge on behalf of  Fianna FΡil. And although I was a new candidate, and although the time was short, the people of Mayo rallied behind me and helped secure the very creditable vote which in turn ensured the return of Dara Calleary to DΡil Éireann” she said.
Her approach softens somewhat after that as she seeks a strong Fianna FΡil representation on Mayo County Council.
“I am calling on every single party member and supporter to come out and show that Fianna FΡil is still a force to be reckoned with in Mayo. Our party has never been short on loyalty, and I am calling on every single member to make their votes count on Friday and help deliver a Fianna FΡil majority back on Mayo County Council,” she said.
“In particular, I am calling for us to build on what we started in 2011, and to help me and my colleagues in making our party effective, relevant and ready for the future,” she concluded.