Ireland Election News

Link to Original ArticleHARRY McGEE ELECTORAL STRATEGY Even if they all won, the party does not have enough candidates to secure a Dil majority FOR THE first time since its foundation in 1926, Fianna Fil is not fielding enough candidates to win an overall majority. As of last night, 74 candidates had been selected though [...]

Link to Original ArticleSTEPHEN COLLINS FIANNA FIL has selected two Ministers to contest Dn Laoghaire-Rathdown in the forthcoming general election, despite deep misgivings in the party that the strategy could lead to a loss of both seats. Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism Mary Hanafin and Minister of State for Children Barry Andrews were selected [...]

Link to Original ArticleMARY MINIHAN PAUL SOMMERVILLE, a former employee of financial spread-betting operation Delta Index, has said he will contest the general election as an Independent candidate in Dublin South East. Mr Sommerville (43), who has worked in financial markets in London and Tokyo, said the next Dil needed people with economic expertise and [...]

Link to Original ArticleMARY MINIHAN MINISTER FOR Tourism Mary Hanafin and Minister of State for Children Barry Andrews have both ruled out moving from the Dn Laoghaire constituency they share to contest the general election in Dublin South. Ms Hanafin said she did not know where the rumour that one of them would contest the [...]

Link to Original ArticleFianna Fil TDs mostly in their thirties have ambitions to challenge senior colleagues for the party leadership, writes MARY MINIHAN SIX NAMES have emerged as prominent in Fianna Fils so-called gra generation, a group of TDs mostly still in their 30s and elected for the first time in 2007 but now aspiring [...]

Link to Original ArticleHARRY McGEE, Political Correspondent FIANNA FIL leader Michel Martin has confirmed he will not ask either of the partys Dn Laoghaire TDs, Mary Hanafin or Barry Andrews, to transfer to the neighbouring constituency of Dublin South. Minister for Tourism Ms Hanafin became party deputy leader in the new Fianna Fil front bench [...]

Link to Original ArticleA round-up of today’s other stories in brief… Labour to run two candidates in Waterford despite TD retiring The Labour Party has decided to run two candidates in Waterford for the first time in 42 years despite the imminent retirement of one of its most experienced TDs. Following the decision by Brian [...]

Link to Original ArticleTHE NEW LEADER of Fianna FilMichel Martin looks set to return Limerick TD Willie ODea to the front bench ahead of the general election campaign. The former defence minister was at the centre of a scandallastyear after he swore afalseaffidavit, and it is likely that he will feel renewed criticism in relation [...]

Link to Original ArticleBut there is also a threat of a split in the organisation again — just five years after the Blaneys came back into the Fianna Fail fold 35 years after the arms crisis divide. Such is the level of uncertainty surrounding the party that Tanaiste Mary Coughlan’s spokesman was forced to deny [...]

Link to Original ArticleNew Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin indicated yesterday he will make another attempt to get Cabinet ministers Mary Hanafin or Barry Andrews to move constituencies for the general election. Mr Martin will stamp his authority on FF’s election planning by making changes to the candidate line-up. All eyes are on Dun Laoghaire [...]