Blow to Martin as Blaney suddenly quits election race

FIANNA FÁIL leader Micheál Martin suffered a significant setback last night after one of the party’s best hopes to retain a seat stunned his supporters by announcing he would not contest the election.

Sitting TD Niall Blaney failed to turn up at the Fianna Fáil selection convention for Donegal North East after earlier telling supporters he was not putting his name forward. He cited personal reasons for not standing, but would not elaborate further.

Tourism Minister Mary Hanafin said she was “shocked” by Mr Blaney’s decision not to run.