FG three say waste is not a burning issue

Fine Gael's three candidates in the Galway West constituency believe their party's "zero waste incineration" policy will have…

Fine Gael's three candidates in the Galway West constituency believe their party's "zero waste incineration" policy will have particular appeal in the election.

Galway was the only region where incinerator sites have been identified - as part of the Connacht waste management plan - and environmental groups campaigning under an umbrella group, Galway for a Safe Environment, say Galway city's successful recycling system obviates the need for thermal treatment at all.

Fine Gael's three candidates live with 10 miles of each other, in a bid to consolidate support for its one sitting TD, Padraic McCormack, who said last week that no official "divvy-up" has been agreed and: "We are having a collective canvas."

Mr McCormack chairs the Fine Gael parliamentary party and is regarded as a hard-working TD in his constituency - where he was first elected in 1989. Joining him on the canvas are Fidelma Healy-Eames, the party's first woman candidate in Galway West, and Michael McDonagh.

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Ms Healy-Eames describes it as an "attractive blend" of experience (McCormack), youth (McDonagh, who is 28) and gender balance (as in her self). Ms Healy-Eames is a lecturer in teacher education. She is married to a farmer and has two children, and believes her experience will appeal to young, middle-class voters, particularly parents with children of school-going age.

Mr McCormack is closely associated with health issues, and expects this to be the priority. Ms Healy-Eames says insufficient priority is being given to preventative medicine - specifically, the lack of health education programmes in schools. She also says the situation of carers is bordering on neglect.

Mr McCormack has done public walkabouts at night in Galway to observe the worsening public order situation. He has proposed staggering night clubs' closing, to avoid crowds where rows erupt.

He expects up to 16 candidates to run in the constituency and says: "Everybody will be elected on transfers".