FF to run three candidates for one constituency

FIANNA FÁIL is to run three candidates in the Donegal North East three-seat constituency, following weeks of internal disputes within the party organisation.

The announcement that all three sitting TDs, Jim McDaid, Niall Blaney and Cecelia Keaveney, will receive the nomination came on foot of a meeting between Mr Blaney and the Taoiseach on Tuesday night.

Recent controversy had centred on how the party would manage its electoral strategy following the merging of the Independent Fianna Fáil organisation — led by Mr Blaney — with Fianna Fáil and Mr McDaid’s decision not to retire after the next election.

Yesterday, former minister Mr McDaid, who had threatened to run as an independent candidate if he did not receive the Fianna Fáil nomination, said he viewed the three-candidate solution as a “sensible decision” which would bring recent bitterness to an end.

“I am sure we can work together and ensure that Fianna Fáil retains two seats again,” he said. “What I wanted to ensure all along is that the Donegal people would be offered a choice and that’s what they have now. I’m delighted headquarters made the decision to run three candidates and if I end up being the loser, I will accept that.”

Mr McDaid added it would be unrealistic to hope that Fianna Fáil could win all three seats as he viewed Sinn Féin to be in a strong position to win the third.

However, Mr Blaney said that it was not beyond Fianna Fáil’s capabilities to take the three seats, but there was “no doubt” the party would succeed in retaining two.

Mr Blaney said he was reluctant to look back on the past four months since amalgamating with Fianna Fáil because he was intent on “moving forward constructively and collectively.”

Ms Keaveney said she had made suggestions privately that the party should consider running all three candidates as the constituency had proven a stronghold for Fianna Fáil. “It’s good to have clarity on the issue now so that we can get out and start getting the organisation mobilised.”

The Taoiseach yesterday confirmed that Mr Blaney had met with him and expressed the view that the best way to maximise the Fianna Fáil vote in next year’s general election would be for the party to run the three sitting TDs.

Mr Ahern said the National Constituencies Committee had then given further consideration to the matter. The party expects to finalise the integration of the two political organisations later today.