Eurolink News

Time running out for Fianna Fáil to pick second Euro candidate in North West (30/4/09)

April 30, 2009 at 6:55 pm Leave a comment

Pressure is mounting on Fianna Fáil to find a replacement candidate for the European elections in June to replace outgoing MEP Sean O Neachtain. The surprise decision of the sitting MEP to withdraw from the race on health grounds has left the party in an awkward position, with the closing date for nominations looming on May 11th . While Leitrim-based candidate Senator Paschal Mooney represents the northern end of the constituency, Fianna Fáil needs to choose a running mate from the Galway area to rival Libertas candidate Declan Ganley, who lives outside Tuam. A Fianna Fáil spokesperson confirmed that several leading Fianna Fáil figures from the west remain in the running, including former Minister Noel Treacy, Junior Minister Michael Kitt, TD Eamon O Cuív and Aer Arann Chief Executive Pádraig O Céidigh. Meanwhile Sean O Neachtain’s colleagues have joined the Taoiseach in praising the MEP’s achievements during his seven-year career at the European Parliament, notably his role in ensuring that Irish became an official working language of the EU. ‘We worked together on many issues including aid for sheep farmers and highlighting the problems of Brazilian beef, and I’m sorry Sean is not running,’ said Independent MEP Marian Harkin. ‘It must have been a very difficult decision to make,’ agreed Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins. ‘Obviously as MEPs for the North West we know each other well, and I would like to wish Seán all the best in his new life outside politics,’ he added.

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