Fleming throws down gauntlet to O’Donoghue in Kerry

A MAJOR split has developed in Fianna Fáil in Kerry South with a county councillor presenting a challenge to former ceann comhairle and sitting TD John O’Donoghue.

Long-serving Cllr Tom Fleming is to stand as an Independent candidate in the general election. His candidacy will create serious problems for FF and could hamper O’Donoghue’s election prospects.

The ex-minister was nominated as the sole FF candidate in the constituency at a convention on Sunday last. Mr Fleming had also been proposed but had withdrawn his name shortly before the selection convention began.