Crowley escapes sanctions over campaign row

FIANNA Fáil director of elections John O'Donoghue yesterday ruled out taking any disciplinary action against MEP Brian Crowley over his refusal to operate a vote management strategy.

The latest opinion polls show Mr Crowley is set to top the poll with 32% of the first preference votes in the South Euro constituency. But his running mate, MEP Gerry Collins, is in danger of losing his seat with just 14% of the first preferences.

Mr Crowley has repeatedly refused to operate a vote management strategy devised by the party that would allow Mr Collins to canvass exclusively in Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary North, Waterford and Mallow.