Fianna Fáil faces rebellion over strategy for election candidates

FIANNA Fáil election high command last night moved to face down a grass roots rebellion in Galway West.

A selection convention for the constituency had to be abandoned on Sunday amid scenes of uproar.

Party activists voiced strong opposition to plans to run three candidates in the five-seater.

Senator Margaret Cox expressed the unhappiness in Galway West over the strategy decided on by Fianna Fáil’s constituencies committee, headed by Finance Minister Brian Cowen.

“A very strong message came from delegates saying ‘listen to what we have to say’. We are not going to be told ‘this is what you have to do’.

“We are smart enough and adult enough to make the correct choice for Galway West and Fianna Fail,” said the Senator who hinted she was now considering whether to stand for a place on the FF Dáil ticket.

After two hours of contentious debate on the matter on Sunday, convention chairman and Labour Affairs Minister Tony Killeen adjourned the selection.

However, Fianna Fáil said there were no plans to alter the three-candidate policy.

Fianna Fáil hold two of the seats in Galway West with Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon O Cuiv and Minister of State at the Justice Department Frank Fahey.

The party adopted the three-candidate strategy in 2002.

However, the PDs look likely to run two rather than three candidates in the constituency next time.

A special committee containing former TD Bobby Molloy is currently examining how best to old onto the PD seat.

Fianna Fáil is set for another bruising selection battle in Dublin South East on Thursday.