This article is from page 3 of the 2006-07-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 3 JPG
FIANNA Fáil has finally shown its full hand for next year’s general election with the announcement last night that west Clare politician Senator Brendan Daly is to run again.
More than three months after the party convention, Fianna Fáil Headquarters issued a statement saying “the National Constituencies Committee cleared the way for his candidacy after closely consulting the local party organisation.”
The former minister said the move followed the passage of unanimous resolutions by Clare Comhairle Dáil Cheantar and Kilrush Comhairle Cheantair.
“The assurances I have received on a number of important issues for the county and the commitment of leadership to expedite the development of the county hospital in particular, has given me confidence to contest the election and I am confident of being elected and bringing these issues to fruition,” he told The Clare People .
With more than 30 years experience, Senator Daly will be 66-yearsold when he contests the election.
“While there may be comment on my long service as a public representative, it is important to point out that it has given me comprehensive detailed knowledge and experience of parliamentary business and many personal connections in Government departments and in local and Dublin administration . . .
“We must have a strong Fianna Fáil team in Clare to help secure the 24-hour accident and emergency services in Ennis General Hospital, progress sewerage schemes in the county and protect workers’ jobs in Shannon Airport.”
Senator Daly was critical of independent and Green Party candidates.
“At the last election, voters were misled into thinking that voting for an independent candidate would help meet challenges such as Ennis General Hospital and the Ennis by-pass. I believe people in Clare have now recognised the futility of electing an independent candidate who has achieved little for the county and has nothing to offer at this stage.
“There are many changes taking place in agriculture. Fianna Fáil has always made the interests of the farming community a hot priority.
“A change of government, which might be dictated to by a few green TDs, would spell disaster for Irish agriculture,” he added.
He will join Senator Timmy Dooley and Junior Minister, Tony Killeen.