Mitchell presidential bid hit by FG contradictions

FINE GAEL’S presidential campaign suffered another embarrassment after party headquarters issued a statement contradicting comments made on behalf of its candidate, Gay Mitchell.

The mix-up will do little to stop talk of tension between headquarters and Mr Mitchell, who was not regarded as the leadership’s preferred candidate.

It was reported yesterday that headquarters had withdrawn its instruction to Fine Gael councillors to block Independent candidates from getting into the race.

It was suggested that this development would help Mr Mitchell, giving him a better chance of obtaining transfers with more Independents in the field.

A spokesman from Mr Mitchell’s team was quoted in the report, saying the block had been “foolish from the word go”.

But yesterday afternoon, party headquarters issued a statement insisting its stance had not changed and that councillors should still block other candidates seeking a nomination.

It’s understood that Mr Mitchell pressed for a lifting of the block so that Fine Gael councillors would have a free hand.

Now, headquarters is insisting that the block still stands — a statement likely to confuse members, as some Fine Gael councillors believed that they had been given a free hand.

One party source summarised the confusion: “You can’t tell councillors what to do. They’ll do whatever they like.”

But Mr Mitchell’s team was adhering to the party line, suggesting that he did not fear rivals.

“We have had great support from the local councillors both in the nomination process and subsequently on the campaign trail, and he’s the Fine Gael candidate. But he’s also made it clear he has no fear of competition in this election,” a spokesman said.