Local Elections: Sligo County Council results

Twenty-nine candidates are seeking to be elected to 18 seats across Sligo County Council’s three local electoral areas in the local elections 2024.

Two members of the McSharry political dynasty are running – Edel McSharry, who was director of elections for her cousin Marc MacSharry in the last two general elections is a first-time candidate in Sligo-Drumcliff. Another cousin, Tom MacSharry, is expected to retain his seat in the Sligo-Strandhill.

Another newcomer with a familiar name is Fergal Nealon, son of the late minister of State and political analyst Ted Nealon, who is running for Fine Gael in Sligo-Strandhill.

Fine Gael doubled its seats to six in 2019 while Fianna Fáil (five) lost two. Sinn Féin held on to its two, as did People Before Profit’s Gino O’Boyle. Four Independents were returned, including Declan Bree, a consistent poll-topper and one of the longest-serving councillors in the State with 50 years under his belt.

Housing has been a major issue, with 16,000 people on the council’s waiting list, and a dearth of homes for rent or sale. Immigration is being raised on the doorsteps, more so in towns where refugees have been accommodated than in rural areas, candidates say. Road safety, the need for regional investment, and a push to reopen the Galway-Sligo rail line are other hot topics.

Only three sitting councillors are women and two of them are not contesting the election. Fianna Fáil stalwart Rosaleen O’Grady is bowing out after 25 years and Fine Gael’s Sinead Maguire is leaving local politics after a decade. Fianna Fáil’s Martin Baker is also stepping away after 20 years.

Ballymote – Tubbercurry: 7 seats

Sligo – Drumcliff: 5 seats

Sligo – Strandhill: 6 seats

[ View 2019 Sligo County Council results ]