Hanafin run kills off any chance of Dáil seat

Former Fianna Fáil minister Mary Hanafin has killed off any chances of contesting a Dáil seat for the party after her decision to defy the leadership and go ahead with plans to run in this month’s local elections.

Sources said she had caused an “irrevocable split” with the party and is likely to be kicked out for running against its chosen candidate in the Blackrock electoral area in Dublin, Ógra Fianna Fáil president Kate Feeney.

“Regardless of whether she wins her seat or not, I’d say she’ll find herself in the manure,” said one senior party source. “That’s what she has gambled on.”