Fianna Fáil showdown on delegate ‘parachute’ plan

FIANNA FÁIL was heading for another bruising convention showdown last night as the party’s election high command was warned not to “parachute” a high-profile candidate into Clare over the heads of delegates.

Senator Timmy Dooley expressed widespread disquiet in the constituency that activists will only get to choose two candidates, not three, on Monday night.

The move is being seen in Clare as leaving the way open for a so-called ‘personality’ - a Fianna Fáil standard-bearer to be dropped into the battle later.

Among the names being speculated about as a surprise candidate, possibly at a time closer to the election, is the Banner County’s hurling boss Anthony Daly.

Senator Dooley, who now faces an uphill struggle to make it onto the party’s ticket, made it clear that grassroots delegates would deeply resent not being allowed the final say on further candidates.

“There is speculation so-called high-profile people in the area, who may not even be members of the party, could be parachuted in over the heads of delegates.

“Party members here are not particularly happy with that idea and feel it is their role to pick the Fianna Fáil candidates,” he said.

“That would fly in the face of all the hard work being done here on the ground.”

Junior minister Tony Killeen also expressed surprise at the decision.

Activists had expected he would gain re-selection through his strong mid-Clare base, with Senator Brendan Daly taking the bulk of support from the west of the county and others battling for the eastern wedge of delegates to go third on the ticket.

“I’d say I was surprised more than disappointed by the decision to select two candidates.

“I have a very full work diary at the moment and do not have much spare time to contact delegates between now and Monday,” said the Junior Minister for Labour Affairs.

Fianna Fáil confirmed it was likely a third name would be added later.

“The national constituencies committee decided on two candidates being selected, they will subsequently review that situation and shortly complete the panel of candidates. It is likely there will be a third candidate,” a party spokesman said.

Fianna Fáil has already seen fierce opposition to the way candidates are being selected at conventions in Galway West, Cork North West and Mayo, as it hurries to get its lists in place ahead of the General Election, expected next year.

Hurling coach Mr Daly was unavailable for comment yesterday.