Blow for Fine Gael HQ as high-profile senator loses out on election selection convention

The winning candidate, Michael Murphy, told the selection convention in Cashel on Monday: 'We know that the General Election will take place by next March and I will be steadfast in my commitment and work to win a seat for Fine Gael in the new constituency.'

Michael Murphy received 246 votes compared to Garret Ahearn’s 214 votes during the convention. File photo: Peter Byrne/PA

Fine Gael headquarters has been dealt a blow after a high-profile senator lost out on a general election selection convention in South Tipperary.

At a selection convention in Cashel on Monday, long-serving Fine Gael councillor Michael Murphy was confirmed as the party’s candidate for the upcoming general election, beating sitting Senator Garret Ahearn. Mr Murphy received 246 votes compared to Mr Ahearn’s 214 votes during the convention, which was chaired by Enterprise Minister Peter Burke.

The selection of Mr Murphy is being viewed as a blow to Fine Gael’s headquarters, with Mr Ahearn having been seen as the party’s preferred candidate for the new three-seat constituency. Mr Murphy said that he was “honoured” to have been selected by Fine Gael members to contest the upcoming election.

“I’m extremely grateful to the Fine Gael grassroots for putting confidence in me for being their standard bearer for the new constituency,” Mr Murphy said.

“We know that the General Election will take place by next March and I will be steadfast in my commitment and work to win a seat for Fine Gael in the new constituency.”

The Clonmel-based councillor said his current focus is on securing two seats for Fine Gael within the Clonmel electoral area at the upcoming local elections.

“We have done a lot of work for the public who elect us here and are determined to continue to serve the electorate and the people who put us into public office in the best possible fashion.

“I hope my track record of effective representation and delivery — tangible achievements — will serve me well in the campaign ahead,” Mr Murphy said.

One Fine Gael source said it would be difficult to see how Mr Ahearn could recover from failing to be selected, citing both geography and gender as reasons why he is unlikely to be added to the ticket.

Mr Murphy was first elected to Tipperary County Council in 2009, retaining his seat in both the 2014 and 2019 local elections.