Labour election candidates vow to tap into ‘Mayo’s proud history of progressive leadership

Dominic Hannigan, the Labour Party’s European election candidate for the Midlands North West constituency, has spoken of his desire to tap into “Mayo’s proud history of progressive leadership”. 

Mr. Hannigan was speaking before the Party’s selection convention for the local elections, which took place at the Ivy Tower Hotel in Castlebar last night (17.04.19). 

Kamal Uddin was selected as the Labour Party’s candidate for the local elections at the event.

Commenting, Mr. Hannigan said: “Kamal and I are the only two Labour candidates for the whole of County Mayo for the elections this May.  While we may not look like rural politicians of old, we do have a lot in common with one of the giants of Mayo history: Michael Davitt, the visionary social justice campaigner and labour leader.

“Davitt is a personal hero of mine.  Like me, he represented the Meath constituency in Parliament.  And now, like Davitt, I have established roots in Co. Mayo – I run a small business in Tourmakeady.

“Mayo is rightly proud to be the birthplace of Davitt, and I am confident that his progressive legacy lives on in the people of Mayo today.  Through my work in Tourmakeady, I have witnessed first-hand the community spirit of people in this county.  Alongside Kamal, my ambition is to tap into that spirit and to represent all those in Mayo who care about social justice, climate change, equality and workers’ rights.”

Bangladeshi-born and now based in Castlebar, Kamal Uddin is hoping to win a seat on Mayo County Council and become the first Asian-born councillor on the local authority.  Mr. Uddin moved to Mayo nearly 20 years ago and is an Irish citizen for more than a decade.

Speaking upon his selection, he said: “I am delighted to be running for the Labour Party in Castlebar.  I really believe in the values that the Party stands for and I look forward to campaigning alongside Dominic Hannigan to ensure we are both elected on 24th May.”

ENDS