Fianna Fáil adds two senators to Midlands-North West ticket for European elections

In a surprise move, the party confirmed the additions of senators Niall Blaney and Lisa Chambers, who will join TD Barry Cowen on the ticket

Senator Niall Blaney has been added to the Fianna Fáil ticket. Picture: Clive Wasson

Fianna Fáil has added two senators to the Midlands-North West ticket to contest the upcoming European elections.

In a surprise move, the party's National Constituencies Committee today confirmed the additions of Senators Niall Blaney and Lisa Chambers to the ticket for the five-seat constituency. They will join Barry Cowen TD on the ticket.

A former agriculture minister, Mr Cowen won the selection convention earlier this month by a narrow margin of just 70 votes out of 2,267 cast, with Mr Blaney in second position and Ms Chambers coming third.

Lisa Chambers came third in the vote at FF's selection convention. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Voting took place for party members across four polling stations in Galway, Sligo, Meath, and Mullingar.

"I congratulate both Niall and Lisa on their addition to the ticket," said director of elections, Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien.
"This is a very strong, ambitious ticket and represents the best of what Fianna Fáil offers, in the form of three highly committed, hard-working, and able public representatives who are determined to fight for Ireland in Europe.

This is also a very geographically well-balanced ticket, with the candidates strategically spread across a vast geographic constituency. 

"Niall, Lisa, and Barry bring unique and complimentary strengths and abilities to our ticket.

"I know they will individually and collectively work hard to maximise our vote and ensure that we are successful in June.

"I look forward to working with them as we bring our message of how much Europe matters to the people and communities of Midlands-North West."