The likelihood of Dana Rosemary Scallon running as an independent candidate in Galway West in the forthcoming election has been increased by the results of a private Fianna Fáil poll, according to sources close to the MEP.
As yet Ms Scallon has not decided whether to stand, but has been considering it since the abortion referendum, after which her supporters claimed credit for a significant proportion of the No vote.
The private Fianna Fáil poll gave her 15.9 per cent of the first preference vote in the constituency, according to her sources. This would virtually guarantee her a seat.
However, because she has not declared as a candidate, Ms Scallon's name is unlikely to feature in any published version of the poll. This would leave the status quo virtually intact.
Meanwhile, a Mayo doctor who is heading up the helicopter emergency medical service campaign (HEMS) is to stand as an independent.
Mulranny-based Dr Jerry Crowley said he is standing because of the refusal of the Taoiseach to allocate extra funding to the Western Development Commission to tackle the infrastructural deficit in the west.
Dr Crowley is also responsible for the St Brendan's Village project in Mulranny. This is a project where older people are looked after in the community through sheltered housing.
St Brendan's is recognised in the EU as a model of best practice. It employs 65 people, making it the largest employer in the area.