Fianna Fáil TDs reject idea of Mary Hanafin presidential nomination amid hopes of Frances Black run

Some of the party's newer TDs argued that they did not want 'blasts from the past' running and that a younger voice should be in contention

It is understood that some Fianna Fáil politicians have been discussing whether Senator Frances Black would run for the party or if she could contest the election as an independent candidate nominated by them. File photo: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Fianna Fáil politicians have rejected the idea that Mary Hanafin would run for the presidency amid suggestions that some TDs are discussing how Frances Black could become the party nominee.

Several politicians told the Irish Examiner they would outright refuse to back Ms Hanafin, with one TD stating: “We need as a party to strongly reject that”. There is also a strong belief that the only person who could win the election for Fianna Fáil is Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Ms Hanafin, a former Fianna Fáil TD for Dun Laoghaire, has previously expressed interest in contesting the election to replace Michael D Higgins. In an email sent to the parliamentary party, she asked for their support in seeking a nomination.

“I believe strongly that Fianna Fáil should contest this election to ensure our values are reflected in the debates on the future of our country,” she said. “After 30 years as an elected Fianna Fáil representative, including 11 as a government minister, I would like to express my interest in contesting this election.

“We do not know yet what the selection process will be but I look forward to setting out my vision at that stage. In the meantime, I will continue to attend events around the country, make good use of time and hopefully meet you on my travels.”

However, there is little support in the party for Ms Hanafin, with one TD telling the Irish Examiner there was “not a half an ounce of a hope” of her being nominated. It is unclear if Mr Martin is supportive of the idea, but many Oireachtas members suggested that the ultimate choice on who will run is up to him.

“The one thing I found surprising was that [Ms Hanafin] thought we would have a choice,” one TD said. “She knows it’s all down to the will and preference of Micheál Martin and we will be told what to do.”

Some newer TDs argued that they did not want “blasts from the past” running and that a younger voice should be in contention.

The Irish Examiner has also learned that some Fianna Fáil backbenchers are considering whether there is a way that Senator Frances Black could be the party’s nominee.

It is understood that some politicians have been discussing whether she would run for the party or if she could contest the election as an independent candidate nominated by Fianna Fáil politicians.

Ms Black had been touted as a unity candidate for the left-leaning parties, but the Social Democrats and People Before Profit weighed in behind Catherine Connolly.

“She would be excellent,” one Fianna Fáil TD said. “She's got the public reputation. She's done good humanitarian work. She's political.

Whether Government likes it or not, Gaza, Occupied Territories, all of that stuff, is going to be front and centre of this campaign.

There is also growing concern in Fianna Fáil about the lack of information on the process and candidate.

One TD said that they “respected” the fact that Ms Hanafin was “willing to put herself forward in the absolute absence of any engagement or interest from our party leadership”.

They added: “The majority of other players already have their candidate picked and I believe it's a matter of urgency to get our candidate selected.”

Other names in the mix for the Fianna Fáil nomination include Ulster Unity professor Deirdre Heenan and former footballers Packie Bonner and Niall Quinn.

As reported earlier this week by the Irish Examiner, Éamon Ó Cuív has not ruled himself out of the race.