Paul O’Donoghue pulls out of election over HQ ‘interference’

Interference “from outside” by Fianna Fáil headquarters led to the shock withdrawal 10 days ago of party stalwart and seasoned councillor Paul O’Donoghue from the election in South and West Kerry.

In adding a candidate without consultation, the party contradicted its own stated aim of giving power back to the grassroots, Mr O’Donoghue has claimed.

Cllr O’Donoghue, brother of former ceann comhairle John O’Donoghue said he felt “demeaned and diminished” by the decision of the national constituencies committee to add a fourth candidate, two months after convention had selected a dream ticket for the sprawling 9-seater of South and West Kerry.