Allen publicly backs just one of two FG candidates in his area

LONG-SERVING Fine Gael TD Bernard Allen has given a public endorsement to just one of the two candidates in the Cork North Central constituency where he is bowing out of politics.

The outgoing TD announced his plan not to contest the election last month on health grounds, having already been selected alongside Cork County Council member Pat Burton in December.

Although he has denied it, there were suggestions his announcement was prompted by the addition to the ticket by FG headquarters of city councillor Dara Murphy, whose comments about Allen last November angered the veteran politician.