West Mayo farmer chosen to run for FG in local elections

There was a large attendance at the Fine Gael selection convention for the Belmullet electoral Area held last night at the Broadhaven Bay Hotel, Belmullet.

Maria Walsh, MEP for Midlands-Northwest, was guest chair of the convention which heard from several speakers including Deputies Alan Dillon and Michael Ring, both of whom gave updates on current issues at a national level.

Incumbent Councillor Gerry Coyle, and new candidate Pat Chambers from Tiernaur, were proposed, seconded and ratified at the convention to stand as Fine Gael’s candidates for the 2024 Local Elections.

Mr. Chambers, a co-ordinator of the Mayo Blackface Group, spoke about his almost 35-year involvement in farming in the county.

A fourth-generation hill farmer, he has been a strong advocate for farmers across the county through his involvement with the Irish Farmers’ Association and as the Mayo representative on the organisation’s Hill Farmers Committee, which represents over 20,000 hill farmers nationwide.

Pat is a member-farmer of the Ólas Hill Farms collective, which he helped establish in 2004.

From an initial membership of 40 farmers, the collective now counts over 400 members across Mayo.

Recently, Mr. Chambers advocated for fair treatment of Achill Farmers when he headed a delegation from the island to meet with Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue in Donegal to discuss a reversal of the decision to reduce payments as a result of wildfires in the area.

Councillor Gerry Coyle spoke passionately about his track-record of delivery and thanked his family and the people of the area for their sustained support since he was first elected in 1999.

“I have done my very best for the area I have had the privilege of representing for almost 25 years in Mayo County Council. I look forward to continuing that important work and delivering for our people if re-elected next year” said Cllr. Coyle.

The meeting also heard tributes to the late Michael J. Carolan whose first anniversary occurs this month.

Welcoming Mr. Carolan’s family to the convention, Michael Ring described him as “the most loyal and dedicated member of Fine Gael over many years and somebody who is sadly missed by everyone who knew him."

Commenting following the convention, chairperson of the Mayo Fine Gael Executive, Jim Higgins said: “I am very pleased to welcome Pat Chambers to the ticket to stand alongside sitting Councillor Gerry Coyle.

"Pat has already proven himself as a strong advocate for farming families across Mayo and will undoubtedly bring this drive and knowledge into the election next year.”

“Councillor Coyle has built a proven track record of delivery, of public service and an unwavering commitment to the communities that he represents so passionately.

"This is a very strong ticket for the Belmullet area next year and the Mayo Fine Gael Executive looks forward to working with both candidates to win two seats for the party," Mr. Higgins concluded.

Fine Gael’s two remaining selection conventions are due to take place before Christmas.

PHOTO: Alan Dillon TD, Pat Chambers, Maria Walsh MEP, Cllr. Gerry Coyle and Michael Ring TD pictured following the Belmullet Fine Gael Local Election Selection Convention which took place in the Broadhaven Bay Hotel. Image: Tommy English