Poll-topping Mayo councillor confirms General Election run

Independent Ireland have announced that Westport Municipal District councillor Chris Maxwell will contest the next General Election for the party.

Cllr Maxwell was elected to Mayo County Council for the first time last June, topping the poll in the Westport area with over 19% of the first-preference vote and was the first Independent Ireland representative elected in Mayo.

“Ensuring the survival of rural Ireland and safeguarding our agricultural industry is critical to the future of this country,” he said.

“As farmers, we are the guardians of our land, and it’s vital that we have the support and resources needed to sustain this way of life for future generations.”

His key policy areas include advocating for €1 billion additional funding to support and sustain farming in rural Ireland, addressing the housing crisis by reducing bureaucracy and allowing family members to build on their own land, supporting local tourism, the proposed upgraded of the R335, investment in school transport systems and encouraging sustainable farming practices and common-sense environmental solutions.

Speaking to the Western People last month regarding the prospect of him running, Cllr Maxwell said a 'strong candidate' was needed in west Mayo in the wake of the retirement of Fine Gael TD Michael Ring.

Party Leader Michael Collins endorsed Cllr Maxwell as a candidate.

“Chris Maxwell’s work on the ground for the people of his area has been outstanding for a number of years, whether as an elected representative or a non elected member of the community.” “He listens to his people and he understands the issues that really matter, we are confident that he will bring a much-needed voice of reason and dedication to national politics.”