Speculation over Mayo Seanad seats intensifies
Lisa Chambers may yet seek a return to the Seanad following her disappointing General Election defeat.
Two Mayo councillors have declared themselves out of the running as Mayo contenders are emerging for a Seanad seat.
Popular Erris businessman Padraig Conroy has been selected as the Udaras na Gaeltachta nominee for a seat in Seanad Eireann. The Fianna Fail party previously nominated Mr Conroy as Mayo County Council’s nominee on the board of Udaras.
The publican and undertaker owns the iconic McDonnell’s bar in Belmullet.
“I’m honoured to be selected and would like to first and foremost thank my colleagues in Udaras,” Mr Conroy commented.
He will now undertake a national canvas ahead of the February Seanad elections.
Fine Gael’s Cyril Burke and Fianna Fail councillor Brendan Mulroy have announced that that they will not be seeking a spot in the Upper House.
“I have decided not to contest the Seanad elections on the basis that I put myself forward for re-election to Mayo County Council in June and I wish to continue my work on the ground.
"The voters of west Mayo placed that faith and confidence in me only six months ago and I will not be abandoning my duties to them,” said Cllr Mulroy.
Cllr Cyril Burke said he will be focusing on his council work and his business interests as an auctioneer.
“The business is going very well for me at the moment, and there are a lot of exciting plans in progress for housing developments in the area. I want to play my part in ensuring these badly needed homes are delivered for the people of the Castlebar Municipal District.
There is widespread speculation that Cllr Mulroy’s brother, and long-serving Senator Paddy Burke will not seek a return.
Ballina-based Fine Gael councillor Mark Duffy told the Western People that he is “weighing up his options” and strongly considering a Seanad tilt.
It remains to be seen if Fianna Fail’s Lisa Chambers will emerge from another bruising election and aim to claim back a Seanad spot. She has served as a Senator since 2020 and leader of the Seanad since December 2022.
