Donie withdraws from FF Euro selection race

Former Longford-Westmeath Dáil deputy Donie Cassidy has told the Westmeath Examiner that he will not be putting himself forward at Fianna Fáil’s forthcoming selection convention.

Addressing a very well attended Fianna Fáil meeting at the Downs GAA Clubhouse on Monday night, the former Seanad Éireann leader said: “I have been making a strong case that North Leinster and Cavan should have a Fianna Fáil candidate in the forthcoming European Parliament elections in May.

“I welcome the decision by the Fianna Fáil National Executive that two candidates are now to be chosen. The confirmation today that Meath Senator Thomas Byrne is to seek a nomination to represent this area I also welcome, and I wish him well at the convention.

“I also wish sitting MEP, Pat the Cope Gallagher from Donegal – who has made an outstanding contribution in Europe – every success at the forthcoming convention.

“For these reasons I will not be putting myself forward as a candidate, and I am grateful to the Westmeath organisation; Deputy Robert Troy; Paddy Hill, the Fianna Fáil leader on Westmeath County Council, his Council colleagues; the chairman (John Dermody) and members of the M J Kennedy Cumann, Castlepollard, and the many who offered their great support,” concluded Mr Cassidy.