Turf wars threaten FF elections success

FIANNA FÁIL'S European elections strategy is in turmoil as candidate infighting over constituency divides in Munster and Dublin threatens the party's chances of success.

Countrywide poll-topping MEP Brian Crowley yesterday defiantly rejected a controversial carve-up of Munster, while Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is intervening to sort out a contentious territory split in Dublin.

The fractious turf wars add to the headaches caused by the grassroots revolt in the North-West, where Fianna Fáil headquarters chosen candidate, Junior Minister Frank Fahey, was rejected in favour of sitting MEP Seán Ó Neachtáin.