FF plays down wooing Blaney

FIANNA FÁIL yesterday played down suggestions it was trying to entice Independent Fianna Fáil TD Niall Blaney, following yesterday’s announcement by Jim McDaid that he will not contest next year’s general election.

Dr McDaid, a deputy for 18 years, confirmed he will stand down next year. The announcement comes a year after his conviction for drink driving and 18 months after he lost his junior ministry.

There has been persistent speculation within the Donegal North East constituency that Dr McDaid’s retirement would pave the way for the Blaney organisation to be merged back into Fianna Fáil.