European polls

Parties to conduct polls on possible European election candidates

Áine Ryan

INTERNAL POLLS to determine who is most likely to be elected to the European Parliament in the Connacht-Ulster constituency are due to be held in the coming weeks by both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. However, there is still confusion over the legal status of the new constituency boundary – which also includes Westmeath and Longford – due to Ireland’s failure to carry the Lisbon referendum. 
The Mayo News understands that, along with the present MEPs – Jim Higgins, Marian Harkin and Sean Ó Neachtain – possible names on the sample ballot paper will be Dana, Declan Ganley, Paschal Mooney, Fidelma Healy-Eames, Michael D Higgins and Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher. Deputy Michael Ring, who is reportedly considering running for Europe, will not be included on the ballot paper, according to the Fine Gael source.
“These are to test the grounds and to assess how well Jim Higgins will do in these polls,” the source said.
When contacted by The Mayo News, Deputy Ring declined to comment about the matter, but Jim Higgins said last night (Monday) that it was a matter for Deputy Ring if he wanted to go to convention next October. He said he was not aware of any plans for internal polls in this constituency.
“I don’t think Michael Ring will be imposed but it’s a matter for him if he wants to go to convention. Last time around myself and Madeleine Taylor-Quinn got a vote of 101,000,” observed Mr Higgins.
He also told The Mayo News that Deputy John O’Mahony will raise the issue of the applicability of the new boundaries in the Dáil next week
“Our number of MEPs is meant to be reduced to 12 as part of Lisbon. In light of the referendum results I believe John O’Mahony has a question down seeking clarification on the matter,” said Mr Higgins. He added that he was already canvassing, however, in the two new counties.
The present Connacht-Ulster constituency is comprised of Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan; the new carve-up also includes Longford and Westmeath. If Lisbon is ratified, Ireland is due to lose one MEP, leaving the number at 12 rather than 13.