This article is from page 4 of the 2006-05-23 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
IN A week when a major poll suggests the electorate favour an alternative government, Clare is providing a major test of leadership skills for the potential Taoiseach, Enda Kenny.
While Mr Kenny has said he will “not get involved” in the candidate selection process in Clare, many within the party believe he has already promised his close colleague, Madeleine Taylor-Quinn, a place on the ticket, following her performance in the European Election.
The former Clare TD and senator received 22,000 first preference votes from within the county, in the 2004 European vote. Unlike many of the new faces elected in 2002, she has amassed front bench experience as spokesperson on Marine, Defence and European Security. Many believe this would be invaluable in a Fine Gael-led Government.
The party seems split, however, on who, if anybody, should be added to the ticket.
While some elements claim that Cllr Taylor-Quinn should be added, others say she cannot be added, as Cllr Joe Carey polled ahead of her, coming in just three votes behind Cllr Tony Mulcahy who was elected to the ticket.
Fine Gael Head Office said the National Executive would make the decision on a possible third candidate in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Labour are preparing for their own convention. So far the selection process is a two horse race, with East Clare County Councillor Pascal Fitzgerald and the chairman of the Ennis branch, Paul O’Shea in the running for the red ticket.
Cllr Fitzgerald, who is being proposed by the Shannon branch and his own Parteen branch, was first elected to Clare in 2004.
Paul O’Shea is no novice when it comes canvassing, having unsuccessfully contesting the last local election.
Party sources said they were confident of success and were not just making up the numbers.
To secure a seat, the party must keep ahead of the Green Party in first preference votes. Labour will then hope that the Fine Gael, Green and Labour pact will come into play, securing the Labour candidate the Green’s and any possible protest independent candidate’s transfers.
The party will meet next week to discuss the convention further.
It is likely to take place in September, according to Constituency Secretary, Noel Hogan.
Labour last had a Clare TD when Dr Moosajee Bhamjee was elected with 5,113-fist preference vote.
The out-spoken TD secured his position with transfers from Fine Gael and Independents.