TD urges Fianna Fáil to hold open contest to decide presidential nominee 

Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD for Wicklow-Wexford, said the party does want to run a candidate.

Fianna Fáil should have an open contest to decide on its nominee for the presidential election, a party TD has said.

Malcolm Byrne, a Fianna Fáil TD for Wicklow-Wexford, said the party does want to run a candidate, but it is not yet clear whether that will come from within its own ranks or an outside name.

“I think that a contest for the Fianna Fáil nomination could be healthy, because I think that would allow for debate and a discussion around the type of presidency that we’d like to see before we select a candidate,” Mr Byrne said, speaking on RTÉ Radio.

He said it appeared Fine Gael has “missed a trick” not having a contest, with former social protection minister Heather Humphreys’ level of support likely to deny MEP Seán Kelly’s chances of getting on the ballot.

The TD said that by having an open contest within Fianna Fáil, it would allow possible nominees to set out their stall.

“I think it’s critical then that we hear how a candidate will understand the role and its opportunities,” Mr Byrne said.

Potential candidates

A number of possible Fianna Fáil candidates have been floated in recent days, including former taoiseach Bertie Ahern, former ministers Mary Hanafin and Éamon Ó Cuív, as well as former president of the European Court of Human Rights, Síofra O’Leary.

Questioned if the party would support Mr Ahern, Mr Byrne said if selected, Fianna Fáil would row in behind him. However, he declined to declare his support for any prospective candidate. 

Mr Byrne acknowledged issues surrounding the Mahon Tribunal and payments to accounts connected to Mr Ahern would come up, but it would also focus on his role in the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process.

“It’s like anybody’s political career. The good and bad are going to be balanced. I certainly wouldn’t have been happy with some of the findings … I think they’re well known,” Mr Byrne said.

“I think when the decision comes to an election, people will look at all the candidates and they will decide who will be best able to represent us nationally, internationally.”

Asked if there was a possibility Fianna Fáil could opt to back Ms Humphreys in the election, Mr Byrne said he would not.

He said the wider parliamentary party would have a similar view.

“Heather Humphreys is a very fine candidate but she is the Fine Gael candidate for the presidency. I want to see us running a Fianna Fáil candidate.”