Ireland needs Fianna Fáil more than ever, says Martin

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has told party members that Ireland needs the party “now more than ever”.

Addressing delegates at the party’s selection convention for the Ireland South European constituency, Mr Martin described Fianna Fáil as a “pro-European party,” from the time when the late Seán Lemass first put forward the idea of applying for membership of what is now the EU.

“There are many challenges facing Ireland and Europe and we need MEPs who will represent people’s concerns and play a constructive role in tackling issues,” said Mr Martin.

“Ireland needs us now more than ever, particularly when we need to ensure that a deal is done on debt retrospection.”

The selection of sitting MEP Brian Crowley and anti-pylon campaigner Kieran Hartley from Mahonbridge in Co Waterford took place without a vote after party researcher Adrian O’Higgins withdrew from the race for a nomination.

Mr Martin said after the convention that two seats for the party in Ireland South would be “a very good result”, but admitted it would be “very challenging” to achieve that result.

In his speech, Mr Crowley said members were “crying out” for the party to become strong, and pointed out that “on our worst day, 16% of the people still came out and voted for us”.

Meanwhile, Labour yesterday announced that sitting MEP Phil Prendergast would be its representative for Ireland South in the European elections.

Speaking at the Ireland South Euro Constituency Selection Convention in the Silversprings Hotel in Cork, party leader and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said that Ms Prendergast had been “an excellent representative for the people of Ireland South” and a “a tireless champion of Irish and European consumers”.