O’Flynn says TDs must ‘make sacrifices’ for FF

RETIRING Fianna Fáil TD Noel O’Flynn has called on other party colleagues to “make sacrifices” and step aside or move constituency rather than damage running mates’ chances in the election.

In a surprise move, the long-serving Mr O’Flynn announced yesterday that he would not contest the election following discussions on the issue with new party leader Micheál Martin.

Mr O’Flynn, 59, is one of two Fianna Fáil TDs in the Cork North Central constituency but the party did not believe it could retain both seats in the election.

As a result, Mr Martin suggested Mr O’Flynn step aside so as to give the other TD, junior minister Billy Kelleher, 43, a better chance of retaining his seat by not splitting the Fianna Fáil vote.

Mr O’Flynn said yesterday that Mr Martin had not forced him to do anything. Instead, Mr O’Flynn said he realised the difficulty facing Fianna Fáil in the constituency and had therefore decided to make a “big sacrifice” in order to help Mr Kelleher.

He called on other Fianna Fáil TDs in similar situations to do what was best for the party.

“Others will have to make sacrifices if the party is to survive,” he said.

“I’m conscious that Micheál is looking at the number of candidates we are running in some constituencies and I would encourage my party colleagues to put the people and the party first and reconsider contesting the upcoming election if it will hurt Fianna Fáil’s prospects in their constituency. Politics is a tough game but sometimes the hard decisions are the best solution.”

Mr Martin himself made clear that he would be having further discussions with TDs on the issue, saying the party needed to make “the smart choices”.

“I am currently undertaking a review of our election strategy in every constituency around the country and there may be other areas where we will have to be more strategic in our plans for the election,” he added.

Mr Martin paid tribute to Mr O’Flynn, saying the TD had “shown strength in putting the needs of the people and the party first”.

He also said he would be “forever grateful” to Mr O’Flynn for his support, particularly in recent weeks during the leadership battle.

“When I announced my decision to go forward for the leadership of Fianna Fáil, Noel was one of the first TDs to come out and publicly support me,” Mr Martin said.

“I will be forever grateful for the backing he provided.”