Chambers loses out in Fianna Fáil EU Parliament selection race

MAYO-based Fianna Fáil senator Lisa Chambers has lost out to TD Barry Cowan in her bid for party’s nomination to stand in the upcoming European elections. 

Senator Chambers must now await a decision from her party whether they will add a second candidate to their ticket for the Midlands North West constituency. 

The former TD and county councillor received 570 votes from her fellow party members, finishing third behind Senator Niall Blaney and Deputy Cowan. 

Following her elimination, her votes distributed almost evenly between the two remaining candidates, with Deputy Cowen winning an extra 248 votes to finish with 1,140 compared to 1,070 votes for Senator Blaney who received 268 transfers.

Voting took place across four polling stations in Galway, Sligo, Meath and Mullingar, with the selection convention held in the Mullingar Park Hotel.

Donegal-based former MEP Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher had earlier withdrawn his name from the process. 

Commenting, Fianna Fáil Director of the European Elections, Minister Darragh O'Brien TD, said paid tribute to Senator Blaney and Senator Chambers for running ‘excellent campaigns’.

The Midlands North West constituency - which is due to become a five-seater - is currently represented by Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan (Independent), Chris McManus (Sinn Féin) and Colum Markey and Shrule native Maria Walsh (both Fine Gael). 

Fianna Fáil has not held a seat in the Midlands North West constituency since Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher lost his seat in the 2014 election.