FF grassroots seek new candidate selection process

FIANNA FÁIL headquarters will have to “examine their consciences” after a decision to select local election candidates through an interview process meant many disgruntled former members won seats as independents.

The FF Councillors’ Forum said up to 30 council seats could have been lost to candidates who stood as independents after being rejected by party headquarters.

The strategy, which was headed by Tánaiste Mary Coughlan, was aimed at attracting female and younger candidates. Ms Coughlan was among a panel who interviewed for candidates replacing the traditional selection conventions held by local branches. The forum said it did not have exact figures of how many of those rejected ran as independents and won seats but chairman, Cllr Arthur McDonald, said party headquarters has “a lot to answer for”.