Bree out, Cassidy in while Harkin claims independents will be key

It'll be the first general election Councillor Bree won't be contesting since entering politics in 1974 when he was elected to both Sligo County Council and Sligo Corporation.

Cllr Bree won a seat for the Labour Party in Sligo/Leitrim in 1992 when it was under the leadership of Dick Spring and subsequently entered coalition government with Fianna Fáil.

In a short statement issued on Monday evening, Cllr Bree said he made the decision following considerable discussion and consideration among his election workers and supporters. Cllr Bree, who is the current Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, topped the poll in the Sligo-Strandhill area in the recent local elections and was first elected to Sligo Council and Sligo Corporation in 1974

Cllr Bree said: "While activists always look forward to an election campaign, and I acknowledge the enthusiasm of supporters, we have had to take cognisance of the ongoing polls which have consistently indicated that there is not an appetite for significant change.

"The feedback we have been receiving in Sligo town and surrounding area has certainly been extremely positive, however it would appear that in rural parts of the constituency there does not seem to be a demand for serious change.

"While the majority of declared candidates in this constituency belong to the centre right it is important to note that activists who I have worked alongside on numerous progressive campaigns including Gino O'Boyle, Chris MacManus and Martin Kenny will be contesting the election and seeking support," he said.

Cllr Bree married his long term partner, Dr Margaret Connolly, sister of Leas Ceann Comhairle Catherine Connolly TD, in an historic ceremony at City Hall last April.

Meanwhile, outgoing TD Marian Harkin has claimed that independents could be key after the election though opinion polls show strong support for both Fine Gael (22%) and Fianna Fáil (21%).

The latest RED C poll also shows independents at 15%.

Deputy Harkin said

Sligo Leitrim TD Marian Harkin believes that Independent TDs will have a real chance of influencing the formation of the next government and an opportunity to participate in that government.

Speaking at the launch of her election campaign in Sligo Deputy Harkin said, "The figures seem to indicate that after the election no combination of any two of the three largest parties will have the numbers to form a government.

"While this will only be confirmed when the votes are counted, it is increasingly likely that the support of Independent TDs will be critical in making up the numbers."

Deputy Harkin told the gathering she decided to run for election again because of this clear opportunity for Independent TDs.

"If you're not on the ballot paper then you have no chance. When the votes are counted and hopefully I'm elected, I'll be ready and waiting to push for a role for independents in government formation."

Outlining her priorities in any post-election negotiations, Deputy Harkin said her focus was on:

- Balanced regional development and specific investment commitments for the Northwest.

-A commitment to establish a Model 4 hospital at Sligo University Hospital.

-Upgrading the N17 and regional rail services to strengthen connectivity.

-Concrete supports and protection for family farms and businesses in Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal and a refocussing on the tourism industry in this region

-Establishing specific regional housing targets to address local housing needs.

In addition to infrastructure and economic measures, Deputy Harkin said she will demand stronger support systems for family carers and people with disabilities as well as substantial investment in childcare, nursing homes, respite homes and residential accommodation for adults with special needs.

"More Gardai are needed so that people feel safe in their own communities and there is an urgent need for domestic violence refuges within our communities.

"We also have to provide incentives for workers in the healthcare, construction and education sectors to return home and we need a much greater focus on funding our education system.

"If these commitments are agreed upon and written into the programme for government, I will be prepared to support and even be part of the next government if the opportunity arises," Deputy Harkin concluded.

North Sligo councillor Marie Casserly, who previously worked for Deputy Harkin is also contesting the general election.

Cllr Casserly previously ran in the 2016 general election after she was first elected to the county council in 2014. She said she put a lot of thought and consideration into her decision to put her name on the ballot paper.

Cllr Casserly told The Sligo Champion: "Many people have been asking me to run in the general election because of what I have achieved as a Councillor over the past 10 years.

"I feel like I'm just getting started and the North West is not reaching its full potential and as I said in 2014 the North West is worth fighting for.

"I believe that empowering and supporting local communities will transform the entire country, by investing in housing, wastewater infrastructure in towns and villages -the funding is there and it would be transformative.

"I am an energetic and a hard-working mother of a young family and a secondary school teacher who understands the problems people face every day.

"I want to build further on the achievements I have made for the whole area as a councillor and believe people have seen this happen and seen me in action making a real change.

"The North West needs someone in Dublin who takes real achievable ideas and then makes them happen for this region and I think I am the right person to make that contribution.

"My record of accomplishments and ongoing initiatives demonstrates my commitment to building a thriving, accessible, and sustainable region.

"Through these efforts, I will continue to drive progress and support the growth and wellbeing of our community. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for all," she said.