Son of former minister Smith in tight FF selection race

THE son of former government minister Michael Smith is to challenge outgoing TD Máire Hoctor to run for Fianna Fáil in the general election in the North Tipperary constituency.

Michael Smith Jnr, along with Ms Hoctor and county councillor John Hogan have been nominated to contest the party’s selection convention in The Ragg, Thurles, tomorrow night.

With Fianna Fáil at an all-time low in the opinion polls, the party has decided only one candidate must be chosen as a tactic to maximise votes in the election.