FF considers total ‘close down’ on Áras race
As a fresh split developed over how to approach the race, Micheál Martin is understood to believe Fianna Fáil would be best suited leaving the contest as it is.
He will be in contact with TDs and senators over the weekend to persuade them of his position after a tense parliamentary party meeting on Thursday failed to reach agreement on the issue.
He will also discuss the issue over the weekend with deputy leader, Eamon Ó Cúiv, who was reported as having threatened to resign over how the issue was being handled.
Mr Martin failed to get agreement from his party this week on his position to not nominate any candidate for the presidency and a decision will now be made on Tuesday.
Opinion was divided after long-serving senator, Labhrás Ó Murchú, said he wanted to contest the election. He would run as an independent even though he is a member of Fianna Fáil.
Mr Martin wants the 72-year-old senator to explain how he can credibly and logistically run as an independent candidate while being a member of Fianna Fáil.
A source said: “It’s unlikely that a compromise would be found that would suit the overall aim of the party.”
Mr Ó Murchú said yesterday he didn’t ask for an endorsement from Fianna Fáil but simply asked that the TDs and senators be given an open vote so he could get 20 signatures needed to get his name on the ticket.
He said he would be running as an independent because “a decision had already been made by the party that they would not have a candidate in the field”.
Mr Ó Murchú said he had some “serious approaches” from people both inside and outside of Fianna Fáil. But sources in the party believe he does not have the support he claims to have.
The senator said there was an “opening” to have “different views brought into the campaign” and that the president must “lift the spirits of the people”.
Galway East TD Michael Kitt yesterday endorsed Mr Ó Murchú’s candidacy saying any party member interested in running should be considered.
