In the county of Leitrim, situated in the region of Co Leitrim, the subjects of immigration and emigration are key issues being addressed in the upcoming elections. There are 35 contenders in the running for 18 seats in three municipal districts, under the governance of the Leitrim County Council.
In the 2019 local elections, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael were the successful parties, securing nearly 60 percent of the vote and equalising with six seats each. Over a challenging five-year term, the two parties have collaborated with four Independents and two Sinn Féin councillors. However, a third of the council’s currently elected representatives are departing.
Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin are eager to take advantage of the vacant seats by fielding seven candidates apiece, while Fine Gael is putting forth five candidates.
Leitrim county, being one of least populated areas in the State, has the pressing issue of a high number of youths leaving. A scarcity of recruitment in the HSE has been associated with a decrease in health jobs, potentially deterring young professionals from residing in the area. Voters back initiatives for greenways and public realm enhancements to attract individuals to invest in towns like Mohill.
Key issues being brought to candidates’ attention include healthcare access, with a particular focus on protracted waiting times at emergency departments and care packages for the elderly. Housing and the cost of living, the standard of rural roads, insufficient public transport, and slow broadband rollout are also being highlighted on a regular basis.
Candidates express concern over voters’ indifference and low turnout levels. The perception is that the Midlands-North-West region’s 27 candidates in the European elections are overshadowing the local discourse.
Elections 2024
– European Election
– Dublin
– Midlands North West
– Ireland South
– Voter App for EU & Ireland
– Limerick Mayor
– Local Elections
– Counties: Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork City, Cork County, Dublin, DLR, Donegal, Dublin City, Fingal, Galway City, Galway County, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, and Sligo.
In Leitrim’s municipal districts,
Ballinamore, Carrick-on-Shannon and Manorhamilton, each district has six seats available.
Explore the recent results of the 2019 Leitrim County Council elections in counties like South Dublin, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow. Complete overviews of both Local and European elections are available, providing a comprehensive digest of the voting process. For a deeper dive into the political environment, tune in to the Inside Politics Podcast. Gain insight into recent political and public sentiments by checking out the latest polls.