FF official hits back at claims party in Mayo county town 'lacks direction'

A young member of Fianna Fail in Castlebar has hit back strongly at media suggestions that the organisation in the county town is 'unorganised and lacks direction'.

In a clear signal of his intentions to help spearhead the revitalisation of the party in the county town, Harry Gaughan, an officer of the local cumann and Connacht regional organiser for Ógra Fianna Fáil, said in a statement issued to The Connaught Telegraph that nothing could be further from the truth.

He explained: "I have attended every cumann and Comhairle Ceantair meeting since the last election.

"Each one has been engaging and optimistic. Members have been open-minded, constructive and focused on what comes next.

"Fianna Fáil is Ireland’s largest and most successful political party. It is a party rooted in a proud republican tradition and historical legacy with a wide ranging appeal across all segments of Irish society.

"It is a party that is pro-business while also possessing a social conscience and has always made an effort to look after the less fortunate in our society.

"It is undeniable that there is a history to be proud of for Fianna Fáil in the town of Castlebar and in Mayo.

"The party has long played an important role in shaping the life of the town and representing the values of community, service, and progress that define us.

"Castlebar stands as the envy of many other towns due to its infrastructure and development, the vast majority of which was delivered during periods of Fianna Fáil government.

"I was incredibly proud to be a member of Fianna Fáil during the last general election.

"What struck me most on the campaign trail was the sheer commitment and passion of the party membership.

"Throughout the wet and dark evenings of October and November, supporters came out in force to cover every inch of the district. Whether we were in Castlebar, Balla, Ballyheane, Ballyvary, Breaffy, Islandeady, Turlough, or Glenisland, I was inspired by the enthusiasm and energy of the party faithful.

"A huge amount of effort was put in, and the dedication of volunteers who gave up their own time to support the party they believe in deserves massive recognition from all who are involved in the organisation.

"Without a doubt, Fianna Fáil’s greatest asset is its grassroots membership. Local activity drives local interest, and the party is nothing without the people on the ground who keep it moving.

"That spirit is well understood here in Castlebar.

"Of course, it was a major disappointment for all of us when Fianna Fáil did not secure a seat in the county town. There is no denying that.

"But what matters now is how we respond. To move forward, the party needs to stay positive, united, and organised.

"It needs to be present on the ground, working for local people, and it needs to showcase what Fianna Fáil has always been: the party that delivers, the party that you can count on, the party that is willing to make tough decisions to improve the lives of others.

"Yes, the result was an extremely bitter pill to swallow. But it was a setback, not a defeat.

"What has been abundantly clear since then is that the local organisation has not lost heart. Ever since, there has been an unwavering sense of determination and purpose among members to rebuild and take positive action for the people of Castlebar.

"In recent months, some have suggested that Fianna Fáil in Castlebar is unorganised and lacks direction. Nothing could be further from the truth.I have attended every Cumann and Comhairle Ceantair meeting since the last election. Each one has been engaging and optimistic. Members have been open-minded, constructive and focused on what comes next.

"The discussions have not been about looking back; they have been about building forward."

Mr. Gaughan, a son of former Mayo TD Beverley Flynn, said as Connacht regional organiser of Ógra Fianna Fáil, the party’s youth wing, his role is to represent the members of Connacht on the party’s central officer board and to grow the party in the region.

He elaborated: "Through this role, I have seen first-hand how committed the local membership is to encouraging young people to get involved. The attitude of experienced party members has been particularly refreshing in this regard.

"They have gone out of their way to support and mentor young people, helping them find their place within the organisation.

"Many assume that young people today have no interest in politics but that simply is not true.

"The reality is that in Castlebar today, there is a genuine appetite among young people in the town to become involved in Fianna Fáil.

"A perfect example of this was the Mayo Ógra AGM held in The Ivy Tower Hotel last July. As Connacht organiser, I have attended many meetings across the country, but I have never seen anything quite like it.

"The turnout was incredible. Every chair in the room was taken. The room was so full that some members had to stand up at the back.

"I may be too young to remember the iconic local Fianna Fáil meetings of the ‘80s and ‘90s, but I imagine they were quite similar to this.

"The discussion that night was inspiring. We were reminded that young people are the future of the party, and that through getting involved, we can help shape a better tomorrow for our communities.

"The membership of the Castlebar Comhairle Ceantair also deserves huge credit for attending the event and for offering guidance and encouragement to those joining for the first time. It is important to note that Fianna Fáil has the largest and most active political youth wing in Ireland. Other parties just simply don’t have anywhere near the same level of youth representation.

"Supporting young people is essential to the party’s future success in Castlebar, and our vibrant and committed youth base continues to be one of Fianna Fáil’s key advantages."

In a strong indication that he is considering entering the political arena in the near future, he said: "By the next local elections in 2029, it will be vital that new, young candidates are on the ballot. This is a positive step. Young people bring new ideas, energy, and an understanding of the issues and concerns facing their generation.

"The party in Castlebar is in a promising position. The youth wing is full of motivated people eager to make a difference, and the senior organisation brings invaluable knowledge, expertise and experience.

"Together, they form a strong partnership that will be integral in achieving Fianna Fáil’s goals in the town.

"From infrastructure and development to community investment and public services, Fianna Fáil’s record in Castlebar is one of tangible progress and responsible leadership.

"Fianna Fáil has always been the party that delivers real results for Castlebar and the county of Mayo.

"Looking to the future, there is every reason to believe that it will continue to do so."