Tánaiste 'not in the loop', says MEP Gallagher

Fianna Fáil MEP Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher has claimed Tánaiste Mary Coughlan was "not in the loop" when he was asked yesterday by senior Fianna Fáil figures to stand in this month's Donegal South West by-election.

He says it is understandable why she was not consulted, as she has to consider her own political situation within the constituency.

A difference of opinion has emerged today between Mr Gallagher and Minister Coughlan as to whether he had been approached to run.

Mr Gallagher said senior party figures contacted him on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, but Minster Coughlan said she did not believe that to be the case.