Fine Gael defers selection of election candidates

FINE GAEL has decided to controversially defer its candidate selection convention in the east Cork constituency until after the new year.

The party’s general election candidates were due to be selected on November 14 but a decision was made by Fine Gael Executive Council to postpone the event until January. In the interim, they intend completing more voter research and polling in the constituency.

It is not yet known whether the party will field two or three candidates in the constituency in the next general election.

Deputy David Stanton, Senator Paul Bradford and county councillors Tom Barry and Pa O’Driscoll have all put themselves forward for nomination.

Constituency chairman and chairman of the East Cork Strategy Committee, Tommy Sheahan, said there had been “no influence by candidates” in the decision to postpone the convention and if anything, it was “annoying” as plans had been made around the earlier date.

“The date had been set in early October and all branches were notified that their nominations had to be in last Monday. The National Executive decision to postpone the convention was the based upon their belief that they needed more time to plan candidates,” he said. “The country is volatile at present. Voters are very cross. We want to make sure we have a good foothold in each constituency.”

A decision is likely in early January on whether the party will field two or three candidates. Local opinions and recommendations will be made by the party’s East Cork Strategy Committee to the National Executive who will have the final say.

The convention is due to be held on January 16.

East Cork Deputy David Stanton last night said he had no issue with the delay “if it meant that more research and polling would take place”.

Meanwhile, County Councillor Pa O’Driscoll said it was “disappointing” as it “meant that the new candidates would have less time on the ground before a general election”.