This article is from page 10 of the 2014-04-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
FIANNA Fáil leader Michéal Martin has responded to criticism from within elements of the party in Clare that no new blood was introduced during the selection process for its local election candidates.
The Corkman was the first of the party leaders in town for the local and European election campaign, visiting Kilrush, Shannon and Ennis. “It is a very challenging campaign as the number of county councillors have been reduced from 32 to 28. If you had a larger county council it would be easier to bring in new blood,” he said.
The party leader also responded to criticism relating to gender balance with just two female candidates among the 16 Fianna Fáil candidates contesting the election.
“Despite the loss of large numbers of councillors in the 2009 election, Clare held quite well, so we have the best balance we could realistically have,” he said referring to the fact that the five candidates in the eightseat West Clare area are all out going councillors.
“In West Clare six would have been too many to run in an eight-seater, and some would say even five is too much,” he said.
“We want more women participants at party level and particularly at election. The change needs to come at a cultural level. It is an awful pity we don’t have the urban councils. They are a great option for women and indeed young people to test the water,” he said.
“Clare is losing out, meanwhile Dublin is getting 60 new seats. I believe rural Ireland could be under represented and could suffer,” he said.
He admitted that the party had to “refine” its selection process, which again came under criticism this year for not informing the delegates how many candidates would be selected until after they voted at convention.
Deputy Martin also denied that any deal was done with former Green Party Councillor Brian Meaney, when he joined Fianna Fáil.
Cllr Meaney was added to the Ennis ticket after convention, and Mr Martin said that the party was anxious “sitting councillors would get to run wherever possible”.