THE decision by Mr Pat "the Cope" Gallagher not to contest the general election for Fianna Fail has dismayed his supporters in Donegal South West. They see him as a competent worker with a good track record in delivering - for his constituents. They say that without him, the constituency has little chance of ministerial glory.
Mr Gallagher would have preferred to keep both his Dail and European seats but that option was rejected by party leader, Mr Bertie Ahern. The elevation of North Donegal's Dr Jim McDaid to the Fianna Fail front bench has scuppered Mr Gallagher's chances of a junior ministry if Fianna Fail gets into government, as it is considered unlikely that two ministers will come from Donegal.
Part of the rationale behind Dr McDaid's elevation is that it will help running mate Ms Cecilia Keaveney to retain the seat she won in the by-election which followed the death of Mr Neil Blaney.
Mr Gallagher's subsequent decision to stay in Europe has presented the party with a difficult problem. At least 11 runners have emerged as possible candidates for one of the Fianna Fail's safest seats. Although most have a background in local politics, none is seen as having a strong claim to the scat. The internal strife between them over the next few weeks will not be a pretty sight, although it may be an entertaining one.
The candidate is expected to come from the northern end of the constituency. Front runners include Mr David Alcorn, an elected member of Udaras na Gaeltachta who is a rate collector and is well known in the constituency. Other contenders include Mr Feardorcha O Colla, chairman of the Gweedore group of cumainn; a councillor in the Glenties area, Mr Francis Brennan; and party activist Mr Enda Bonner, who is based in Letterkenny.
The absence of an immediately identifiable strong candidate in Donegal South West throws into relief the party's difficulties in finding young, attractive candidates to replace long time stalwarts who have opted out. The problem is not confined to Fianna Fail but is at its most acute in that party, where nine sitting TDs have now said they will not stand for re election.
In Galway West, Ms Margaret Cox looks increasingly likely to be selected as the candidate to replace Mrs Maire GeogheganQuinn. Debate in Galway is more muted, as whoever is chosen is unlikely to win a third seat for Fianna Fail. Ms Cox is something of an unknown quantity as she was co-opted on to Galway Corporation following the death of her late father, independent councillor Mr Tom Cox.
Mrs Geoghegan Quinn's departure means the traditional Galway West dogfight will not now take place. The result is much more easy to predict.
Fianna Fail is certain of two seats. Mr Eamon O Cuiv will probably top the poll, followed by Senator Frank Fahey. Mr Padraig McCormack is likely to hold a seat for Fine Gael, and Mr Michael D. Higgins looks safe for Labour.
Both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will target the last seat but Mr Bobby Molloy looks much the safer bet for the Progressive Democrats. If he is elected then the relative strength of the parties in the constituency will remains unchanged.