Fine Gael HQ adds female candidate in Castlebar area

FINE Gael HQ has added a female candidate to its local election ticket in Castlebar.

She is Donna Sheridan, a native of the Balla area. A teacher by profession, she is involved with the TUI.

Donna joins outgoing Councillor Cyril Burke, Ger Deere and Eugene McCormack on a four-strong team.

Tom Curran, general secretary, visited Castlebar last Tuesday to pave the way for Ms. Sheridan's candidacy to ensure the ticket meets gender balance requirements.

However, it is understood the move caught the local organisation by surprise as a strategy had already been worked out with three candidates after the selection convention earlier this month.

A formal announcement of Ms. Sheridan's candidacy is imminent.