RIP Michael J. (Mikey) O'Connor
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07 Sept 2025
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07 Sept 2025
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James Gilmartin, a new Independent candidate becomes the first elected councillor in the Manorhamilton Local Electoral Area.
The second-level teacher has made history as he wins his first election poll.
The Manorhamilton area saw 9615 votes in the electorate. The total 907 votes.
Mr Gilmartin won by a landslide with 1335 votes in his LEA. His 428 surplus votes will now be distributed.
After his win, he said: "I'm tired, I'm shocked, I'm excited but I have to say it's been a fairly enjoyable day."
Speaking to Leitrim Live earlier this year, Mr Gilmartin outlined some of the reasons why he decided to run this year.
Mr Gilmartin, married with three young children, who teaches at second level locally says he "passionately believes in the importance of encouraging young people to achieve their full potential".
He farms on land that has been in his family for seven generations and is an active member of Leitrim Sustainable Agricultural Group and currently a national Farming for Nature Ambassador.
As a suckler and sheep farmer, he believes in robust support for this sector which is the backbone of the rural economy in North Leitrim.
Strong representation to voice concerns at council level is needed to deliver for this sector with improved conditions via support structures such as the Sheep Welfare Scheme and Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme to be targeted at national level.
He continued: "One of the reasons I decided to run was because both as a farmer and as an Agricultural Science teacher locally I am acutely aware of the particular challenges that farmers face in this part of the world and how a one-size-fits-all approach to agriculture cannot work.
"I’ve farmed all my life with my Dad, aged 92, and I currently run the farm with my extended family. The small family farm is a keystone in this area and needs protection. It's about making agriculture more prosperous for young men and women alongside those currently farming - to make it not only a viable career but also one to aspire towards in this wonderful part of the world."
He also pointed out that the retail sector and small and medium sized enterprises are also in need of support. They play a vital role both in employment and in a thriving community oftentimes having to compete with much larger corporations who can absorb increasing costs more easily.
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