Edel Cadden

Edel running for FG National Executive Council

MAYO woman Edel Cadden is seeking election to the Fine Gael National Executive Council.

The election will take place at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis on November 17.

Born into a loyal Fine Gael family in north Mayo, Edel now lives in Crossmolina and works for the Rehab Group in Castlebar.

Over the last few months she has been encouraged, she says, by numerous members of Mayo Fine Gael to contest the Connacht Ulster Panel to represent Fine Gael on the National Executive Council.

She explained: “It is many years since north Mayo had a representative on the National Executive and as a female and active Fine Gael member I am confident if elected that I can represent the views and concerns of all Fine Gael members.

At present there are three elected representative for the Connacht Ulster region to the National Executive. At the Ard Fheis I will be one of four contesting for the three positions.

Over the years Mayo has had many representatives on the National Executive. Paul Waldron (RIP) and Eileen Hoban (RIP), Lizzie Munnelly, John McHugh and presently Willie Geraghty. I would consider it a great privilege to continue the good work that all previously elected representatives have done in the past.”

Edel joined Fine Gael at the age 18 and has been an active member ever since. For the last four years she has been chairperson of the Crossmolina FG Branch and is also a member of the Mayo FG Constituency Strategy Committee, and delegate to the Ballina Fine Gael District.

A familiar face in organising and canvassing large areas of north Mayo for all Fine Gael candidates, she was very involved in the general organisation and canvass of the Ballina region for the 2011 general election when the party secured four seats out of five, which was never achieved previously.

Said Edle: “I am passionate about politics, and equality and inclusion for all in our community is something that I promote and encourage. Working in the disability sector in the west of Ireland I have first hand knowledge of the many challenges facing the most vulnerable members of our society.”

For the past seven years, in conjunction with Mayo County Council and The Connaught Telegraph, Edel has been involved in organising the Mayo People of the Year Awards.

She reminded delegates attending the Ard Fheis that to be able to vote they must have a voting delegate card from their own branch, a current Fine Gael membership card and photo ID.

She added: “If you are not in a position to give me your first preference vote then can you please give me your next highest preference vote. In return I promise to represent all views and concerns of the members of Fine Gael through the region.”