Minister Ring denies speculation next election will be his last

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has decided political suggestions that the 2020 general election may be his last.

The hard-working Westport-based representative, who celebrated his 66th birthday yesterday, told The Connaught Telegraph he has not made any decision about his future plans despite speculation to the contrary.

He said: "I have never said next year's general election will be my last.

"I intend serving my constituents to the best of my ability as long as I have the good health to do so.

"I continue to enjoy the challenges of my ministerial and TD roles and am proud to have been in a position to direct investment to this region, most notably a sum of €240 for a new dual carriageway between Castlebar and Westport.

"Those waiting to replace me as a TD for Mayo will have to wait another while." he stated.

Minister Ring, who has served Mayo in Dàil Èireann since 1994, said the experience he gained as an urban and county councillor during the early years of his career served him in good stead when he first became a minister.

"It was a great learning curve and was of great help to me in understanding how the system worked," he added.