Focused on securing future ministerial role
“This man has his name on a seat in The Showgrounds,” former TD Tony McLoughlin tells one Rovers’ fan while introducing him to Frankie Feighan at the weekend.
It becomes very clear that it is not the only seat the election candidate has his name on.
“I’m in politics 20 years. I’ve huge experience. I was a member of the front bench in 2010 and if Fine Gael are in government I expect to be a minister for Sligo in the North West and I expect to deliver,” says Feighan. The former businessman is under no illusions with the need for his party to secure a seat, but believes in his ability in achieving that task. When it was put to him that some commentary suggests Fine Gael could miss out on securing a seat completely in the region, Feighan refers to his previous track record to dispel this.
“I remember in 2007 I went and people were saying I wouldn’t get a seat, and we got two seats out of three. Every election I’ve contested I’ve always been successful and I’ve always had the name of bringing all candidates elected for Fine Gael.”
Despite polls suggesting otherwise, Feighan believes the momentum is behind his party. “I hope that momentum translates into votes.” Talking of delivery for Sligo, he cites the work of friend and former TD Tony McLoughlin, and former councillor and senator, Imelda Henry. “Imelda and Tony have delivered for Sligo. You have the Collooney Castlebaldwin bypass, the Distributor Road, you’ve hundreds of millions and Tony has been there articulating the needs of Sligo. He’s delivered more than any other politician has for Sligo.” When it is put to him that the opposition has referenced his party using Sligo for little else other than photo calls and PR exercises, the candidate states an investment into the region of €400 million as part of the national development plan.
“I didn’t see too many ministers here the last two weeks, it’s been myself and Thomas Walsh on the ground. Our record [Fine Gael] is a record of delivery.”
Feighan has a positive outlook when looking to the future of the region, and sees Sligo as becoming the new Galway. But, he highlights the issue he will plan to work on if elected, citing housing as a major issue for the county and surrounding area.
“Housing is an issue, to try and get affordable rentals, we need to get more housing, along with greater connectivity to Dublin, we need more trains, a Cath Lab in the hospital and a garda station.”
Sligo Hospital it’s a priority. It’s in the national review and we want it delivered as quickly as possible.
The 2040 Development Plan is the template for the North West getting preferential treatment which it didn’t get since the foundation of this state. That’s a template that is there in government for the next 20 years and no matter who is in government they have to pass head to that plan.