FG allows Cox to join party

FINE Gael’s Executive Council has approved Pat Cox’s membership application — clearing the way for his Presidential nomination attempt.

The former European Parliament president’s application to join the party’s Cork-based St Luke’s Branch was accepted during a meeting of the body last night.

While it has not been official confirmed, it is widely believed that Mr Cox — who is a former member of the PDs — will now seek to be the party’s nomination for President.