Keith Martin declares as Independent Candidate

mayo | politics / elections | news report Monday May 10, 2004 04:11 by Keith Martin - Independent Candidate kmartin at dna dot ie Westport Mayo 086 0691182

Keith Martin throws his hat in the ring

Keith Martin has declared himself as an Independent candidate for a seat on Westport Town Council.

Keith Martin has declared himself as an Independent candidate for a seat on Westport Town Council. Keith has been an active member of the community since his 20s beginning with his petition in 2000 against the development of the Northwoods as an amenity area.

Keith has also raised his concerns over the redevelopment of Westport over recent years and its effects on the Town‘s heritage. He has raised a number of points concerning the changes to Bridge Street and the reduction in the number of parking spaces in the town.

Keith has campaigned for voters rights concerning electronic voting and was part of the campaign calling for a “None of the above” button on voting machines which would give people the right to reject the candidates and measure voter dissatisfaction.

Keith recently debated the use of CCTV, improved street lighting and increased Garda presence in combating late night disorder on RTE’s Marion Finuncane show. He has also been featured on Mid West Radio and Castlebar’s CRC highlighting a range of concerns and his letters have been published often in the Mayo News, Connaught Telegraph and in The Western People.

Keith has also been a very active member of the Pinewoods residents’ association and he currently serves as Chairman of the Pairc Na Coille residents’ association.

Last month Keith was awarded a €2,000 grant by the Heritage Council of Ireland to research the history of a series of war graves which are scattered throughout the county.

Keith is the son of Andy and Mary Martin of the Pinewoods and is a former pupil of Rice College. Keith holds a Higher National Diploma in Print Journalism and an Honours BA degree in Media from Thames Valley University. Keith works as a Branch Librarian at Westport Public Library.

Keith paid tribute to Sean Staunton and Patrick Durcan for their hard work as public representatives over the years. Keith said “Westport was lucky to have had councillors of their calibre. They leave a high standard for other candidates to follow. They will be missed.”