2 September 1998

By AIDAN HENRY

A THIRD Higgins, one of three brothers, could very well be on the ballot paper in the Mayo County Council elections which are due to take place next June.

Businessman John Higgins is poised to add his name to the ballot sheet should his brother, Pat not stand for any reason.

Pat a secondary school teacher is in line for the position of Adult Education Officer with Mayo V.E.C. and will have to resign should he succeed in his application.

Another Higgins family member Jim, a member of Dail Eireann, had been a member of Mayo County Council in the Ballyhaunis area for many years. Jim had to give up his seat when he became a Minister in the last Coalition Government.

John Higgins, a former acting CEO of Western Development Commission confirmed yesterday (Tuesday)"that he would give the matter due consideration should the opportunity arise".

Meanwhile in Claremorris moves are afoot in the local Fine Gael branch to find a new candidate from the area to run in the June elections.

This is due to the recent revamp of the constituencies where the Claremorris area has been changed from a seven to a four seater.

The present sitting Councillor for the area is Jim Mannion who will now have to run in the Ballinrobe electoral area in the next elections.

A spokesperson for the Claremorris Fine Gael branch confirmed yesterday that they would be running a new candidate in Claremorris and that they would have no trouble in getting a suitable person to run.

Although he declined to disclose the names of possible candidates rumour has it that those who will be short listed will include, Jimmy Nally who was the Mayo Fine Gael Director of election for last years general election; Michael Brennan, Brookhill; Sean Gallagher, Ballyhaunis Road; Ray Leonard who ran in the last election; Tom Connolly, Garrawadareen and Jimmy Walsh, Convent Road.

Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - September 1998