Gallagher announces she won't seek nomination for Fine Gael in general election

Mayo Fine Gael councillor Alma Gallagher has announced she is withdrawing her name as a candidate in the party's general election selection convention.

The Ballyhaunis-based councillor was due to contest Sunday's Fine Gael general election selection convention but she announced she was withdrawing her candidacy.

Cllr Gallagher stated that she was withdrawing her name in order to concentrate on her role as a local councillor having been elected for the first time in June's local election.

“I am deeply honoured to have been nominated for consideration, but my focus remains on the unfinished business that I have pledged to complete for the people who elected me,” said Cllr Gallagher. “The completion of the Ballyhaunis Primary Health Care Centre, the renovation of the old convent national school, the provision of social and affordable housing, and the reinstatement of funding for the N60 are all priorities that require my full attention.”

Cllr Gallagher's withdrawal follows the decision by former TD and senator, Michelle Mulherin to also withdraw her candidacy from the party selection convention which is due to take place in the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre on Sunday.

The Ballina-based solicitor stated that withdrawing her nomination was “not an easy decision for me as I really enjoyed being a public representative and the cut and thrust of politics.”

The withdrawals of Gallagher and Mulherin from the race leaves just three names – sitting TD Alan Dillon, Cllr John O'Hara from Bonniconlon and Westport-based candidate Keira Keogh – to contest the convention.

It is expected that the three remaining candidates will be all selected to run for Fine Gael in the Mayo constituency in the next general election with speculation that a fourth name may be added to the ticket at a future date.

While she has opted out of running for the general election this time, Cllr Gallagher stated she remains open to future opportunities.

“For now, my heart is in delivering the work I pledged to do locally. But as they say, never say never.”

She also extended her best wishes to her Fine Gael colleagues who are seeking nomination at the selection convention .

“I would like to wish all our nominees every success at the convention and in the general election campaign. I know they will represent our party and the people of Mayo with great dedication.”  

Fianna Fáil announced that sitting TD Dara Calleary and former TD and current senator Lisa Chamber will be their party’s general election candidates while Rose Conway-Walsh will also defend her seat for Sinn Féin. Former Fine Gael councillor Patsy O’Brien has also confirmed he will contest the election as an Independent.