Attempts by Fianna Fáil headquarters to impose its candidate strategy in the North West constituency continues to meet strong resistance from the party's outgoing MEP, Mr Seán Ó Neachtáin.
The party favours running two candidates in the European elections: the Galway-based Minister of State, Mr Frank Fahey, and the Donegal-based Minister of State, Dr Jim McDaid.
However, Mr Ó Neachtáin, whose base is Mr Fahey's Galway West constituency, has refused to stand aside. He said yesterday: "I am more determined than ever to put my name before the selection convention. I am more convinced than ever that I have the support of the organisation. There is a perception among delegates that there was an attempt to have a hatchet job done on me."
He said he had received several calls from delegates urging him not to stand down. "Since becoming an MEP, I have worked tirelessly. I have a full-time office in Galway and I have maintained contact with the party organisation throughout the constituency.
"A lot of what is going on are manoeuvrings relating to junior ministers. To tell you the truth, it is disgusting."
In a bid to buy time, party headquarters late on Friday postponed today's selection convention in Castlebar. No new date was fixed.
Mr Ó Neachtáin, from Spiddal, replaced Mr Pat "The Cope" Gallagher as an MEP when the Donegal-based Minister of State returned to domestic politics in 2002.
Fianna Fáil believes a Fahey-McDaid ticket could challenge for two seats. The other two seats are held by Mr Joe McCartin, of Fine Gael, and the Independent, Ms Dana Rosemary Scallon. Dr McDaid was reluctant to run but agreed on the urging of senior party strategists.
Meanwhile, the Cork South Central TD, Mr Simon Coveney, has declared his interest in seeking a nomination for Fine Gael in the South constituency.
Mr Richard Deasy, a Tipperary-based farmer, has also announced he will seek a nomination. He worked as a senior EU official for 22 years. There is also speculation that the Limerick West senator and former TD, Mr Michael Finucane, might throw his hat in the ring.
