Local elections 2014

The FFers have selected their local elections candidates for the Ballina electoral area over the weekend. They are sitting councillors Annie Mai Reape, Jimmy Maloney and Johnnie O’Malley, along with Michael Loftus from Crossmolina, Michael Smith from Swinford and Eamon Moore from Killala.

FG dream team to be decided and to include sitting concillors Seamus Weir, Ja Munnelly, John O'Hara and Eddie Staunton. Joe Mellett is in this amended electoral area as well.

It is interesting to note that the strength of FG lies in the South and East of the county and this hindered FG in the north of the county. It was assumed that MM or Ja Munnelly would secure the chairmanship of the county council in 2009 to provide a base for the general election in 2011. This never materialised and what would have been interesting is MM appointment as Chairman given that there has ony been one female chair in the past.

Nevertheless she did secure a seat agin the odds. Will Winters, Egan and McLoughlin throw there hats in to the ring?

What are the issues that the candidates will be facing?

For me;

1. N26 Upgrade
2. Employment
3. Infrastructure - roads, lighting, hedge rows
4. Policing
5. Managing cutbacks across a number of areas - education, health etc.
6. Accountability

I reckon SF will run at least 2 candidates if not 3. Not sure if there will be a Ballina based one or not?


There will be a number of independents given that the TC has 3-4 namely Cllrs Ginty, Clarke & Kelly. A big ask for them to secure enough votes.



Some heavy hitters (& hitting ) in there to take the 6 seats and there will be some dented egos for the losers.


Who will they be and what are the key issues?


Time will tell......