Mary Lou unlikely to contest Gregory seat

SINN FÉIN’S Mary Lou McDonald last night appeared unlikely to contest the by-election for the late Tony Gregory’s Dáil seat if the poll is held on the same day as European elections.

The MEP said no decision had yet been made over whether she would stand in the Dublin Central constituency, but she stressed her main focus was retaining her European seat.

With speculation that the by-election will be held on the same day as the European poll in June, it would be a very high-risk strategy for Sinn Féin to run Ms McDonald in both contests.

Ms McDonald failed to land the inner city Dáil seat in the 2007 election and now faces a tough battle to keep her Euro seat as the Dublin constituency is reduced to three MEPs.

The by-election is likely to be held on the same day as the one due in Dublin South following the death last July of Seamus Brennan.

Anticipating a voter backlash in light of the economic downturn, the Government is expected to hold the two Dáil battles and the European elections on the day.

Ms McDonald, speaking as Sinn Féin set out its plans to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the sitting of the first Dáil next week, said republicans had a high regard for Mr Gregory.