FF hopeful not to run as Independent

A prospective Fianna Fáil candidate in Tipperary South has dismissed speculation that he will contest the general election as…

A prospective Fianna Fáil candidate in Tipperary South has dismissed speculation that he will contest the general election as an Independent if he is dropped by the party following a court appearance yesterday.

Speaking outside Clonmel District Court where he was charged with public order offences, Cllr Mattie McGrath said, "I am innocent until proven guilty", and, "I look forward to the earliest opportunity to vindicate my good name".

He is due to appear in court again on May 8th.

Cllr McGrath confirmed he had received a letter from Fianna Fáil headquarters and will go to Dublin next week to explain his situation.

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He dismissed local speculation that he will contest the election as an Independent candidate if he is dropped by Fianna Fáil.

He claimed to have "the backing of the Taoiseach [whom he met during Mr Ahern's visit to the constituency last Friday] and Minister Brian Cowen" but accepts that no Fianna Fáil candidate has been ratified yet by the party's ardchomhairle. He added that the Taoiseach had "wished all candidates well and urged them to go out and work hard until ratification date".

Cllr McGrath (49) topped the poll at the Fianna Fáil selection convention for Tipperary South ahead of Senator Martin Mansergh and Cllr Siobhán Ambrose. All three were selected to run in the three-seat constituency in the next election.

Cllr McGrath is a member of South Tipperary County Council, of South Tipperary VEC and chairman of the Adult Education Board.

Tipperary South is a three-seat constituency. Of the sitting TDs, Noel Davern (FF) is retiring; Tom Hayes TD (Fine Gael) and Séamus Healy (Ind) are standing again. Other declared candidates are Cllr Phil Prendergast (Labour) and Liam Browne (SF).