Mayo fuel protest organiser says movement evolving amid political ambitions

A leading organiser involved in the recent Mayo fuel protests has said the movement is continuing to grow in strength, with discussions underway about forming a new political grouping rooted in local communities.

Gerry Tighe, a native of Ballycastle, who is involved with the ‘Common Rose’ initiative, said the group first emerged in Tralee, Co. Kerry, before expanding its reach into Mayo and with plans to grow nationwide through social media and grassroots organising.

He explained that the idea for the group developed after members found they shared similar views on the direction of the country and the need for stronger local representation. A Facebook page was established to connect supporters, before the emergence of the fuel protests accelerated its growth.

Tighe said the Common Rose initiative and the fuel protests are being organised as separate entities, though they share overlapping concerns.

“Our approach would be more power for local communities,” he said, pointing to the abolition of town councils and what he described as a growing disconnect between elected representatives and the public.

“We elect people and they disappear. There’s a feeling that interaction is lacking,” he added.

He stressed that the protests are not aligned with any single political party, but instead reflect widespread frustration across multiple sectors.

“It’s not any one party, it’s everyone affected by the fuel prices – agri-contractors, hauliers and farmers,” he said, noting that rising fuel costs have now extended to kerosene and home heating oil, an area he believes was overlooked by the government when it came to their latest €505 million package.

According to Tighe, the issue has broadened into a wider cost-of-living crisis, with rising energy costs impacting households and businesses alike.

“The increase in fuel prices is affecting everything,” he said. “It’s gone beyond fuel and is now tied into the overall cost of living.”

He also pointed to strong support among those involved in protest-related messaging groups, estimating that around 80 per cent of participants want the campaign to continue.

“There’s a strong feeling that we can’t afford to stop,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that some individuals are reluctant to share personal difficulties publicly, while a smaller number are seeking support for long-standing issues outside the immediate scope of the protests.

Tighe was critical of the government, claiming it has “lost touch with the people” and suggesting that voters need to take a more considered approach at the ballot box in future elections.

“We can’t go out and vote for someone who just sounds good on the day,” he said.

He confirmed that discussions are taking place “behind the scenes” about forming a political alliance, with early organising efforts involving small groups across the country.

Locally, he said there are active groups in areas such as Ballina, Castlebar, Westport, Ballinrobe, Swinford, Foxford and Achill, with representatives coordinating efforts and engaging with communities.

Tighe said the focus will remain on maintaining momentum while also exploring longer-term goals, including encouraging individuals to come forward privately for potentially putting their name forward in future elections.

“We are aware these are working people with families,” he said. “The aim is to keep the protest going while also looking at what comes next.”