Mayo's Seanad contenders begin to line up | Connaught Telegraph

By Caoimhín Rowland

THE race for Seanad Éireann is heating up in Mayo.

A number of high-profile names are eyeing a seat in the upper house amid growing speculation that veteran Fine Gael senator Paddy Burke may not seek re-election.

The Seanad elections, which must be held within 90 days of a general election, are already shaping up to be a contest of intrigue. With just a week left before the initial nominations close, the rumour mill is in overdrive.

Paddy Burke, who has served in the Seanad since 1993, is tipped to step away from the chamber, marking a potential end to a political career spanning over three decades.

Meanwhile, Mark Duffy, a Fine Gael councillor who recently fell short in his general election bid, is weighing up a move to the Seanad. Sources close to Duffy suggest he is carefully considering his next steps, with the upper house offering a strategic opportunity to continue his political ascent.

On the Fianna Fáil side, Belmullet publican Padraic Conroy has thrown his hat in the ring for the Cultural and Educational Panel, seeking election via the Údarás na Gaeltachta route.

The owner of the iconic McDonnell’s pub in Belmullet is a well-known figure across the country and will need to canvass councillors, TDs and outgoing senators for a vote.

Another question mark hovers over Lisa Chambers. The high-profile Fianna Fáil senator has yet to confirm if she will stand for re-election. If she does, it would mark her third campaign in less than 12 months - a gruelling prospect by any measure.

Chambers’ decision will likely hinge on political calculations within her party and her appetite for another round in the electoral ring.