O’Rourke selected to run for FF in next election

Former Government minister and current Fianna Fáil leader of the Seanad, Mary O'Rourke, has succeeded in her bid to become a Dáil candidate for the next election.

The one-time deputy leader will represent Fianna Fáil in the Longford-Westmeath constituency at the next general election after losing her seat to party college Donie Cassidy in 2002.

O’Rourke won by 48 votes to 38 over poll-topping county councillor Kevin “Boxer” Moran.

Sitting TDs Peter Kelly and Cassidy were automatic selections for the party ticket in the redrawn Longford-Westmeath constituency.