Fine Gael is expected to announce today that it has recruited the Independent TD from Wexford, Dr Liam Twomey, to its ranks, providing a boost for the party on the eve of a two-day meeting of its TDs and senators in Kilkenny. Mark Brennock, Chief Political Correspondent, reports.
The party leader, Mr Enda Kenny, is expected to make the announcement today at a press conference which has been called to announce details of the meeting. Dr Twomey would bring Fine Gael's Dáil strength to 32.
Fine Gael would not comment on the matter yesterday and Dr Twomey did not return calls. Their silence is believed to be due only to the party's desire to have the party leader announce the move today.
The Fine Gael MEP and former Wexford TD, Ms Avril Doyle, yesterday said she hoped the reports that Dr Twomey was to join were true, and that she "would welcome Liam Twomey into our parliamentary party".
Dr Twomey (37) was elected as an Independent TD at the last General Election, having campaigned on a platform of improving the health services. He took a seat from Fine Gael, reducing the main opposition party to just one seat for the first time since Wexford moved from being a four-seat to a five-seat constituency in 1977.
He would improve Fine Gael's chances of regaining a seat in Wexford, one of many constituencies targeted for gains by the party.
Dr Twomey, from Rosslare, would fit into a geographically balanced ticket with Enniscorthy-based sitting deputy Mr Paul Kehoe and Gorey-based Cllr Michael D'Arcy, the son of former deputy and minister Mr Michael D'Arcy. The expected recruitment of Dr Twomey is a further fillip for the party after good local and European election results in June.
Wexford FG to embrace new man: page 5