Fine Gael appoint Mayo director of elections for presidential campaign

Fine Gael have appointed Darragh Loftus as director of elections for the upcoming Presidential election,

The Castlebar man served as the party's director of elections in the county for last year's the local, Europeans, general and seanad elections, completing the grand slam of elections in six months.

The former vice-president of the European Parliament, Mairéad McGuinness' name will go forward for ratification as the party's candidate in September.

Stated Mr. Loftus: "First of all its a huge privilege for me to be once again trusted by the National Fine Gael Executive Council to lead the team in Mayo for the presidential election.

"I'm sure it is a record that on individual has presided over all five major elections in Mayo.

"Regarding next November's election, my thoughts immediately go towards planning.

"And while we have not yet officially ratified Mairead McGuinness, my work will start next week when I sit down with the constituency chair Jim Higgins when we will look to forming my team on the ground in Mayo.

"The party is fully behind Mairead who has has had exceptional career in TV, media and rural affairs.

"Mairead also represented Ireland as an MEP and was instrumental in the key negotiations of the Common Agricultural Agreement. Mairead was also a formidable EU Commissioner for Financial Services under President Ursula Von Der Leyden.

Darragh Loftus spoke to The Connaught Telegraph about his experience working on the Common Agricultural Policy for former MEP Jim Higgins in the European Parliament in Brussels as well as with Mairead McGuinness

He said: "The European Parliament dynamic is an institution that it poles apart from what many people would be familiar with in the Irish political system.

"For the most part all Irish MEPs work together and wear the green Jersey. In 2013, Ireland held the presidency of the European Union and it was Ireland's responsibility to lead the negotiations on the new Common Agricultural Policy for Europe.

"Minister Simon Coveney was a constant presence at the trialogue talks between the European Council representatives, EU Commission representatives and the EU Parliament representatives week in week out and would take advice regularly from Mairead McGuinness, Jim Higgins and Sean Kelly.

"For the context of the reader, the new Common Agricultural Policy deal was seen as a major opportunity for Ireland and developing countries."

Darragh continued: "For me Mairead is the voice of rural Ireland. She represent a lot of what makes up our constituency through her values and understanding of rural life and demands.

"Mairead has always shown leadership in every walk of life and we in Fine Gael believe that she will be someone that we may need as a vital source of advice should unchartered and difficult times arise"

Mayo Fine Gael constituency chairJim Higgins said he is delighted that party HQ have decided to appoint Darragh Loftus to direct the Mayo Fine Gael party and elected representatives for the upcoming presidential election.

"It is an endorsement by the party of the tremendous job he did at the local, Europeans, general and senate elections. Не brought to the table an irrepressible energy and ambition as well as an innate skillset.

"I saw first hand his abilities and skillsets when he worked in my office in the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg.

"In relation to our candidate, Mairead McGuinness, she's strong. I worked closely with her for 10 years in the European Parliament,.

"She is an exceptional talent, her confidence and suitability for president will become increasingly clear as the campaign progresses"

Former Mayo TD Michael Ring has also extended congratulations to Darragh on his appointment, praising the exceptional job he did in last year's elections.

"This is a resounding endorsement of his capabilities. I wish Darragh the best of luck in this role and I will be behind him all the way."