Deputy John O'Mahony pictured with his party leader Taoiseach Enda Kenny

John omahony to seek fg nomination in galway west

Outgoing Mayo Fine Gael Deputy John O’Mahony has announced that he will seek the party’s nomination to run in the five-seat Galway West constituency in the next general election.

In a statement issued to The Connaught Telegraph, the former Galway GAA senior team manager said: “I have decided to seek a nomination to contest the general election for Fine Gael in the Galway West constituency.

“There are a number of good reasons for this decision that I have taken following extensive consultation with the Fine Gael party and beyond.

“I have worked hard to represent the interests of constituents throughout Mayo in the last two terms. The pitch for the next general election has changed, however. The Mayo constituency has reduced from five seats to four and boundary changes mean that approximately 8,000 voters in south Mayo, where I have received considerable support in the past, will move into the Galway West constituency.  

“I believe I can provide strong and effective representation for the interests of constituents in the reshaped Galway West constituency, as my record shows I have done for Mayo.  

'I have cooperated closely with my colleagues in both constituencies and have consulted widely on the issues arising across boundary lines. Indeed, both constituencies share similar issues that I have worked on during my time in Dáil Éireann. I look forward to applying that knowledge and experience in working for the constituents of west Galway.  

“I have been privileged to represent the people of Mayo in the last two terms. In this context, I also want to make it very clear that I remain absolutely committed to my mandate to represent the people of Mayo until the next general election. I will continue my full duties to the people of Mayo and my full-time office in Claremorris will be maintained. I also intend to open an office in Ballinrobe.  

“I have always been a team player and if I receive the nomination to contest the general election for Fine Gael in Galway West, I will look forward to joining the impressive Fine Gael team in the constituency.

“I believe my participation in the Galway West contest will be positive for voters. I also believe that this is in the best interests of Fine Gael. I am committed to my part in helping the party to win the maximum number of seats in the next general election so we can continue our job in government in the best interests of the Irish people.

“I look forward to continuing to work for the people of Mayo and to the challenge of the campaign in the reshaped Galway West constituency.”

Fine Gael has two outgoing TDs in Galway West, namely Sean Kyne and Brian Walsh.