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It was reported yesterday that headquarters had withdrawn its instruction to Fine Gael councillors to block Independent candidates from getting into the race.