Fine Gael race begins after MEP resigns
A number of names have been floated with Cork North city deputy Bernard Allen heading the list followed by Simon Coveney, TD for Cork South central.
Mr Cushnahan held one of the four Munster seats for almost 15 years and is one of the few to have successfully transferred from Northern Irish politics. He was leader of the non-sectarian Alliance Party and a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly until it was dissolved in 1986.
Juggling demands of local constituents and the prestigious foreign affairs tasks he was regularly given by the parliament and by External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten was a difficult task, he said. Building on his experience in Northern Ireland, he frequently represented the EU in Hong Kong, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka where he earned national praise for his work supervising elections.
The recent deaths of two of close friends and advisors, Richard Greene and Conor O'Callaghan, is also believed to be a factor in his decision.
His relationship with Fine Gael has not always been smooth; John Bruton supported the nomination of Mr Allen in the 1994 European elections.
Mr Cushnahan seconded Gay Mitchell for the leadership of the party last year but he has since had a good relationship with Enda Kenny.
Mr Kenny in a statement praised the MEP for having given outstanding service during his three terms in the job.
The new constituencies to be announced in the next few weeks could make it even more difficult for Fine Gael to win a seat. Mr Allen said last night he will wait to see the boundary commission decision before deciding to put his name forward.
