Mark Duffy confirms his status as the rising star of Mayo politics

If Ballina Independent Councillor Mark Duffy has national political aspirations, he could not have planned a better launching pad than prime television coverage introducing two heads of state to speak at a major event in his home town.

But that's exactly what transpired last Friday as the young public representative was chosen to extend a warm Ballina welcome to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and US President Joe Biden as they prepared to address the huge gathering on both sides of the River Moy at St. Muredach's Cathedral that was screened live by RTÉ on this side of the Atlantic Ocean and on CNN on the other side.

This was not an easy gig for somebody unaccustomed to such pressure. But he did it with assurance, confidence and style, three of the key qualities required for a politician with their eyes on serving in the Oireachtas.

Those around the county who may not have known Mark Duffy before Friday night certainly know him now.

He will be recognised everywhere he goes and his face and name will register with people when they enter the ballot box to vote in the next general election in two years’ time.

That star quality goes a long way in Mayo politics.

One suspects he will receive calls for party representatives seeking to get him on their ticket.

Sinn Féin, for example, would love to get him on their team despite Mark being based within close proximity to Erris-based TD Rose Conway-Walsh.

Based on current predictions, joining Sinn Féin would, if elected, give him a place on the government benches after the next general election as they appear to be odds-on to win the most seats.

But the indications are he is happy to retain his independence for the foreseeable future at least.

In the event of opting to run as a general election candidate in 2025, it would have implications for outgoing Minister of State Dara Calleary and place greater pressure on him to retain his seat.

Councillor Duffy, however, will not be thinking beyond next year's local elections when he will be seeking to top the poll in the Ballina Municipal District for the second time.

Another strong endorsement there will almost certainly confirm his candidacy for a Dáil Éireann seat, a prospect that would certainly have a telling impact on the existing political landscape.

Make no mistake.

Mark Duffy is very much the rising star of Mayo politics.