Family connections to the fore in Midlands seat

The battle for Longford-Westmeath once again highlights Ireland’s curious tradition as a Republic that often takes comfort in voting for the hereditary principle when choosing elected representatives.

Family connections are to the fore in the Midlands seat where Gabrielle, the sister of recently deceased TD Nicky McFadden, is up against Aengus, the son of former minister Mary O’Rourke. The by-election was caused by the death of Ms McFadden at the end of March after a long battle with motor neuron disease.

Fine Gael top brass moved quickly to hold the Dáil showdown (and one in Dublin West) on the same day as the local and Euro polls, and clearly hope a mixture of family name recognition, and sympathy for the late and popular TD, will help secure the seat for the dominant Government party at a time of deep dissatisfaction with the Coalition.