Shock as O’Keeffe quits after 28 years

ONE of the most outspoken and controversial Fianna Fáil TDs in the country shocked his constituents last night when he announced he wouldn’t be contesting the next general election because his party had lost touch with ordinary people.

Ned O’Keeffe, who has consistently criticised the Fianna Fáil leadership of Brian Cowen and Brian Lenihan, told almost 300 delegates attending a party selection convention that he was standing down after serving nearly 28 years as a TD.

The colourful 68-year-old character dropped what most delegates described as a “bombshell” when he addressed the party convention for the Cork East constituency which was held at Midleton Park Hotel.