Search still on for FF Galway

Written by Deirdre O' Shaughnessy

Wednesday, 29 April 2009

The search is still on for a Fianna Fail candidate in Galway to run for the European elections, with expressions of interest having come from a number of key figures in the county in recent days.

However, a Fianna Fail spokesperson said no announcement was expected today.

Aer Arann chief Padraig O Ceidigh confirmed to the Galway Independent that he had been approached by Fianna Fail "and one other party" to run for Europe. It is thought the Labour Party may have been interested in Mr O Ceidigh. However, he had made no decision at the time of going to print, saying he was happy with his current situation regarding work and family life, and also that he needed to concentrate on Aer Arann given the current economic circumstances.

Speaking after the Leviathan political debate held in Galway on Sunday, at which he was a panellist, Mr O Ceidigh said it was a "huge honour" to be considered and he had been "totally taken aback" when approached. However, he has never been a member of any political party. If he does go forward, he said, he would hope to "empower people".

He said he expected the matter to be decided "one way or another" by the end of this week.

Former Galway hurler Joe Connolly and former GAA President Joe McDonagh have also been approached, while Galway East TD Michael Kitt and Cllr Michael Crowe have also expressed an interest.

"I would be interested in running for Europe, but the problem at the moment is the margin in the Dail," said Deputy Kitt.

"Should a TD leave a bye-election might cause problems. If we held a large majority in the Dail I would be interested, but a decision would need to be made quickly. Also finances would have to be taken into consideration," he said.

However, he also added that Padraig O Ceidigh "would do a great job in Europe," saying he had "greatly admired" his work. He added that Joe Connolly was "certainly an inspiration on the GAA field". Even before the shock resignation of Sean O Neachtain last week, due to a serious and debilitating chest infection, Fianna Fáil had been seeking independently wealthy candidates who would have their own warchest, as a European campaign is an expensive business.

Libertas leader Declan Ganley launched a billboard campaign in Dublin yesterday, and billboards for the Tuam native are visible all over the constituency.

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