Michael Ring (62) was elected for Fine Gael in Mayo West in 1994, on his second attempt, in a byelection caused by the appointment of Castlebar Fianna Fáil TD Pádraig Flynn to Europe. Ring has been elected at every election since, vying with Enda Kenny for the position of polltopper. His political base is Westport, where he was an estate agent and auctioneer. He is an old-style machine politician, known throughout the county but particularly in every west Mayo parish, where his network of loyal and hard-working party activists ensure his high profile. In 2011, he was appointed Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, a reward for long service and for helping to make Mayo a Fine Gael stronghold. He is married to Ann Ring and they have three children.