Higgins may end up going solo

Higgins may end up going solo in North West


Michael Commins

FOR the second time in a few months, Fine Gael has encountered stumbling blocks in selecting the party ticket to contest the North West constituency in the European elections arranged for June 5. News emerging from Leitrim at the weekend suggests that former TD Gerry Reynolds has now decided to withdraw his name.
Party strategists were ‘almost certain’ up to recent days that Gerry Reynolds would line out alongside outgoing MEP, Jim Higgins from Mayo, in the June elections. “This leaves the party with a very limited option at very short notice. While we may decide to run Jim on his own, this can be a dangerous strategy in political terms. We were sure Gerry was on the ticket but I understand he has informed Enda Kenny that he is not available,” said a party source at the weekend.
Last summer, it was expected that Ballinasloe-based doctor, John Barton, would join Jim Higgins on the ticket but he indicated sometime ago that he was no longer interested in letting his name go forward.
The newly-extended three-seat constituency includes the five counties of Connacht, Clare to south, Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan in the Ulster region, and Longford and Westmeath in Leinster.