Plenty of talking points in a changing Mayo political landscape

HEAD ON THE BLOCK: A political viewpoint by The Tallyman

Ballina Independent Mark Duffy is almost certain to be a candidate in the next general election in Mayo.

He made the right decision last February by opting out of the race as the Sinn Féin surge began to reveal itself.

Having registered 2,095 first preference votes on his first outing in the 2019 local elections – just 28 less that poll topper, Fine Gael's John O'Hara – he righlty took time to further develop his stature through his council work as well as his commitment with the Ballina Clean Up Group, which has had a major impact in the north Mayo town.

Now, due to the altered political landscape in Ballina, caused by Dara Calleary's ministerial setback and Michelle Mulherin missing out on reclaiming a Dáil seat for Fine Gael, Councillor Duffy is widely regarded as a hot political property.

It may happen that Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil or Sinn Féin come knocking on his door over the coming months to get them to join their ranks.

In fact, it's an open secret that Fianna Fáil was advised to do so before the local elections in May 2019, but did not proceed.

The Fine Gael organisation may or may not give Mulherin another chance, if she is still interested.

The other contenders would Councillor Jarlath Munnelly and the aforementioned Councillor O'Hara.

Speculation over a Sinn Féin approach cannot be ruled out either as the party is seriously considering running a second Mayo candidate to join Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh.

But sources close to the Duffy camp suggest he intends to retain his independent status while keeping his options open, a wise strategy indeed.

Ballina is not the only district in which Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have big decisions to make in the months ahead.

Let's start in Westport where Fine Gael must put a succession plan in place as long-serving TD Michael Ring won't be contesting the next general election barring an unexpected U-turn.

The retirement of the former minister presents his party with a huge challenge in terms of retaining a significant percentage of his vote cultivating abilities.

In fact, the search for his replacement is unlikely to be confined to Westport and its surrounding districts.

Castlebar is also starting to throw up quite a few political talking points, particularly in Fianna Fáil quarters.

While Senator Lisa Chambers will unquestionably be nominated as a candidate to the selection convention, she may have to brace herself for a battle.