FF leader kicks off nationwide tour in Taoiseach’s county

DRIVE FOR SUCCESS?Deputy MicheΡl Martin presents the car won by in the National Fianna FΡil draw to members of the Balla Cumann. ?Pic: Henry Wills

FF leader Martin launches nationwide tour in Mayo


Whistlestop tour of the county by Martin

Austin Garvin

The Fianna FΡil Leader MicheΡl Martin kicked off a nationwide tour in Co Mayo last week. On the first of his visits to all constituencies across the country, Deputy Martin spent Thursday and Friday in Ballina, Westport, Castlebar and Balla.
He visited Balla to make a presentation of the car to the local Cumann who had won it in the national Fianna FΡil draw.
Deputy Martin visited the grave of the late Fianna FΡil TD and IRA activist Dick Walsh and laid a wreath on his grave.
He visited the local National School, and met Principal Nessa McGowan before taking part in a question and answer session with the students of fifth and sixth class.
Later, he marched down the town led by Benny Canavan, a piper with the local pipe band, and canvassed local residents on the way.
Deputy Martin was accompanied by members of Balla Cumann and many Fianna FΡil activists from all over the county.
He was welcomed to Balla by the Chairman of Balla Fianna FΡil Cumann Noel Langan.
Speaking in the Community Room in Balla, Deputy Martin was scathing in his remarks regarding the lack of investment in Mayo in recent years.
“From speaking to local businesses, to families and older people over the two days since I came into Mayo, I get a strong sense that people here are yet to see any benefit of economic recovery,” said Deputy Martin.
“There seems to be a distinct lack of delivery in the county. Knock Airport which is in the centre of the Taoiseach’s constituency is a case in point.
“People feel that despite having four Government TDs, including the Taoiseach and a Minister elected in this county, Mayo has suffered more than its fair share of cuts to local services, cuts to local public services, a loss of jobs and a lack of investment,” he added. Deputy Martin pointed to his party’s commitment to Mayo in the past.
“We have delivered to Mayo in the past. We did very well here in the local elections. The party has a strong social conscience, and are committed to people who have suffered through the loss of medical cards, cuts in a raft of state supports and a litany of new taxes they have to pay,” he said.
Speaking at the grave of the late Dick Walsh, Deputy Martin referred to him as a towering figure. “Community is very important. The late Dick Walsh was dedicated to his country, his county and his community,” he said.
He delivered a very impressive resume of Dick Walsh’s life and times.
After presenting the keys of the car at the Monument in the Square, everyone went to the Olde Woods for dinner.
On Friday, Deputy Martin opening a new  headquarters for the Fianna FΡil party in Castlebar.