Spring dynasty revival falters at first hurdle

HOPES of rekindling the Spring political dynasty took a knock when one of the family failed to get a nomination to contest next June’s European elections.

Former tánaiste Dick Spring’s nephew, Arthur, was beaten by 276 to 144 votes for the Munster nomination by Senator Alan Kelly. The votes were cast by Labour delegates at the party convention which was held at the Silver Springs Hotel, Cork.

A total of 1,346 party members in Munster were eligible to vote and a higher turn-out was expected at the convention, especially in light of intense rivalry between both candidates in days before the vote.