There was much talk in the European Parliament this week on how colleague Mary Banotti was faring at home and how they might have Jim Mitchell there in her stead next month. As running mate in the 1992 Euro election he automatically succeeds; but if he prefers the Dail to the attractive perks of Strasbourg, a substitute list, drawn up by FG after the election, does exist.
The next names are Terence Cosgrave of Rathmines, Tom Morrissey of Castleknock and Colin Brophy from Killiney. One problem here, though - Tom Morrissey joined the PDs last spring. At least one of the two ahead of him better be prepared to take on the ardours of Europe and save FG huge embarrassment.