Election 2024: Brennan seeks to build on his fine community record

Fianna Fáil candidate in the upcoming local elections for the Ballymote/Tubbercurry/Dromore West electoral area Liam Brennan is a new name on the ballot sheet, but don’t let the word ‘new’ throw you.

In every sense he is a veteran of the political scene having walked step by step for more than two decades with retiring councillor Martin Baker whose shoes he aims to fill in his own way.

Liam, a Fianna Fáil party activist for many years that has been marked by involvement in various local, general and European elections, has campaigned for the last 20 years with Cllr Baker and is keen to continue the brilliant political service the Riverstown-based councillor offered to people in his electoral area.

Liam told the Western People he aims to be a strong voice and representative for his local areas if elected and he knows he is going into a real battle to take a seat.

“I see myself as an underdog going in there at the moment. There are 15 people on the ballot paper, fighting it out for just seven seats. But I’m confident of being in the mix for the last seat, but it won't be easy with four outgoing councillors.

Married to Angela, with four adult children, he lives in the Castlebaldwin/Riverstown area and is a native of the nearby Gleann/Geevagh area.

He says he has a very good understanding of the county council system. 

“I know how it works and what is required, and I would be very confident, if elected, that I will hit the ground running for this electoral area. I accept there is a systematic approach to lobbying and advocating for your area. I understand the process and am willing to work with other councillors to get projects across the line.

“There are community issues, needs and concerns in South, East and West Sligo that have to be addressed and I feel I am well versed in how to articulate the needs of local communities with officials and others to get results,” he said.

Asked what he thought were the qualities that would help him if elected, he responded: “I am already involved in many community groups, and I have always been available to people to assist them.”

Liam's involvement in his local community is well known. One of his most telling contributions locally was as a founding member of the N4 Action Group which helped to secure the €140 million N4 dual carriageway upgrade between Collooney and Castlebaldwin. This new road has significantly improved safety and reduced the risk of fatalities and serious injuries. It will also help to encourage and support existing investment and employment in Sligo into the future.

With the election date less than a week away, Liam intends to continue to canvas what is a vast electoral area, stretching from Geevagh to Enniscrone and Sooey to Charlestown, adding that “every single vote counts”.