Coveney to fight European election

FINE GAEL last night chose Cork South Central TD Simon Coveney as their European election candidate to replace retiring party MEP John Cushnahan in the South constituency.

Deputy Coveney, a Dáil Deputy since 1998 and Fine Gael’s communications, marine and natural resources spokesman, was selected by a margin of more than 100 votes over Tipperary-based Rickard Deasy.

Former Limerick West TD, Senator Michael Finucane, who had been considering running, did not seek a nomination at the selection convention in Cork.