Mayo TD hits out after his experience of parish pump politics in the county
Mayo Aontú TD Paul Lawless has claimed he was used as 'a punchbag' by fellow elected representatives who objected to him operating across the full Claremorris local electoral area after his election to Mayo County Council in June 2024.
Speaking at a public meeting he organised in Bar Square, Ballina, Deputy Lawless said he received 'pushback' from councillors who accused him of ‘going into other people's areas’.
He elaborated: "I was elected for the Claremorris electoral area and it was my plan all along to represent people from right across the municipal district.
"I said I would work for the people of Ballinrobe, The Neale or wherever in the Claremorris district - and I did just that."
Deputy Lawless, who was elected to the council on the seventh count before using that momentum to win a Dáil seat in November 2024, said he had no interest in parish pump politics.
"There is a parish pump element of politics that needs to go. I was elected for the constituency of Mayo and I want to represent all of the people of County Mayo," he said.
He said many council meetings had descended into point-scoring rather than addressing the issues raised by him.
"I think there was unnecessary political scoring instead of addressing the points I made. There were many meetings that became more about pushing me back than the substantive issues."
The Aontú TD said he would have preferred a more collegiate approach from his fellow representatives.
"We are all elected to serve the people and the area, irrespective of the person raising the issue. I want to see us put on the green and red jersey and work together."
Deputy Lawless pointed to the cross-party effort to save bus route 52 as an example of what could be achieved. "For the moment it's saved, that's the type of cohesiveness we need from all of our representatives."
He said he had received calls from constituents in Kimaine, The Neale, Ballinrobe and Cong and regarded it as his responsibility to respond.
“"People are hurting out there at the moment,” he told The Connaught Telegraph after the meeting.
“People who have never phoned a politician’s office before are doing so now. If there is a problem in Belmullet or in Westport, councillors should be working for the greater good. I would urge all councillors to take up that mantle - as many do, and that is important to state."
Fianna Fáil Councillor Damien Ryan, who was chair of the Claremorris/Swinford Municipal District when Lawless sat on it, played down any lasting tension.
"There's no animosity from me towards Lawless, no personal begrudgery.
"We were trying to sort and get a solution to emergency provision in Ballinrobe at the time. It wasn't a personality issue, it was an emotive issue and everyone wants to protect their own territory."
Councillor Ryan said the matter had been resolved. "We brought about closure in that facility."
He wished the TD well on a personal basis and acknowledged his right to canvass beyond his own base.
"He's entitled to go into any areas, as I am to go into Knock," he added.