Opinion divided over Ó Murchú candidacy

VETERAN senator Labhrás Ó Murchú is no stranger to controversy and his last -minute bid for the Áras has split opinion once again.

The 72-year-old has pushed conservative and ultra-religious policies and some hinted this week, when Ó Murchú launched his bid for the presidency, that the “Tea Party” had taken control of Fianna Fáil.

But his experience, popularity away from politics and ability to rein in loyal followers, has led to his FF party colleagues and those outside the party backing him.

The four-time elected senator and director general of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann told RTÉ yesterday that the election campaign had turned into a circus but that he was approached last week about running.

“I think we need to be able to lift the spirits of people; I think the challenges that they’re facing at the moment are very difficult,” said Ó Murchú, who is standing as an independent. A FF party meeting on Thursday saw open fighting over why leader Micheál Martin and senior members would not back a candidate.