Fianna Fáil HQ adds candidate to Westport ticket

THE Fianna Fáil party has added one candidate to the ticket in the Westport Municipal District for the local elections on May 24.

Louisburgh-based member, Chris Maxwell, joins outgoing Councillor Brendan Mulroy in the race.

The move is designed to challenge the recently-selected Fine Gael candidate in the west Mayo seaside parish, former councillor Austin Francis O'Malley.

But it is certain to cause disappointment to FF party supporters of Fahy-based Tommy Duggan, who had contested the selection convention before losing out narrowly to Councillor Mulroy.

With just four seats up for grabs, the Westport Municipal District election is destined to be very competitive.

The FIanna Fáil duo are joined in the race by Fine Gael's Tereasa McGuire (outgoing), Austin Francis O'Malley and Peter Flynn, along with outgoing Independent Councillor Christy Hyland.  

Sinn Féin is also expected to field a candidate.