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20/09/2011
FF Won't Back Presidential Candidates
Fianna Fail (FF) has decided that they will not back independent candidates in the Irish Republic's Presidential election.
It follows a row in Fianna Fáil over the party's presidential election strategy.
Party Leader Micheal Martin put forward the motion, which was seconded by his Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív.
The news will come as a bitter blow to prospective candidates including David Norris and Dana Rosemary Scallon, who were hoping that individual Fianna Fail TDs would nominate them.
Meanwhile Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú withdrew his name from the potential candidate list.
In a statement, Senator Ó Murchú said that he would not continue to seek nominations from individual Fianna Fáil members.
"In the absence of such nominations, I could not achieve the 20 nominations required," he said.
The Background
Election strategy has been an ongoing debate for the party in the last few weeks. Yesterday Mr Martin met with Mr Ó Cuív in Dublin to discuss the party’s stance on supporting an independent candidate or candidates.
Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú’s bid to get a presidential nomination prompted a bitter and inconclusive debate within the party.
At a six-hour party meeting,on Thursday last, Mr Ó Cuív threatened to resign as deputy leader if Mr Martin went ahead with a motion that would have prevented Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators from nominating any presidential candidate.
But Mr Ó Cuív later denied suggestions that he was directly challenging the party leader.
For more information on Ireland's presidential election see:
FF Leader And Deputy 'Talk Presidency' and Dana Seeks Support For Aras Election
(LB/BMcC)
It follows a row in Fianna Fáil over the party's presidential election strategy.
Party Leader Micheal Martin put forward the motion, which was seconded by his Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív.
The news will come as a bitter blow to prospective candidates including David Norris and Dana Rosemary Scallon, who were hoping that individual Fianna Fail TDs would nominate them.
Meanwhile Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú withdrew his name from the potential candidate list.
In a statement, Senator Ó Murchú said that he would not continue to seek nominations from individual Fianna Fáil members.
"In the absence of such nominations, I could not achieve the 20 nominations required," he said.
The Background
Election strategy has been an ongoing debate for the party in the last few weeks. Yesterday Mr Martin met with Mr Ó Cuív in Dublin to discuss the party’s stance on supporting an independent candidate or candidates.
Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú’s bid to get a presidential nomination prompted a bitter and inconclusive debate within the party.
At a six-hour party meeting,on Thursday last, Mr Ó Cuív threatened to resign as deputy leader if Mr Martin went ahead with a motion that would have prevented Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators from nominating any presidential candidate.
But Mr Ó Cuív later denied suggestions that he was directly challenging the party leader.
For more information on Ireland's presidential election see:
FF Leader And Deputy 'Talk Presidency' and Dana Seeks Support For Aras Election
(LB/BMcC)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
