Ireland Election News

Link to Original ArticleThere was a constant shift in the balance of forces over 3 years, writes DEAGLN DE BRADN, Political Correspondent WHEN THE House assembled for the first time on June 14th, 2007, after the last general election, Fianna Fil held 77 seats (down four from the previous Dil), Fine Gael 51 (up 20); [...]

Link to Original ArticleOTHERSElection will see some politicians from main parties running as Independent candidates, writes MICHAEL O’REGAN, Parliamentary Correspondent TWO OF the eight outgoing Independent TDs, Mary Harney, formerly of the now defunct PDs, and Jackie Healy-Rae, are retiring. Healy-Raes son, Michael, has replaced him on the ticket in Kerry South, where the line-up [...]

Link to Original ArticleLOUTH Justice Minister Dermot Ahern’s retirement and Ceann Comhairle Seamus Kirk’s automatic election leaves FF with a new line-up of James Carroll and Declan Breathnach presumably fighting for one seat. FG’s Fergus O’Dowd awaits the identity of his running mate — potentially Louth county football manager Peter Fitzpatrick. Labour’s Ged Nash is [...]

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 [...]

MARIE O’HALLORAN and MICHAEL O’REGAN Irish Times INDEPENDENTS: INDEPENDENT TDs Michael Lowry and Jackie Healy-Rae have warned that their support for the Finance Bill is “not guaranteed” and that an early election is essential. Kerry South TD Mr Healy-Rae said it was “very unlikely” he would continue to vote with the Government. “What is going [...]