The newly selected Fine Gael candidate for Tipperary North, Mr Noel Coonan, has said it was "absolutely essential" the party enter into a vote transfer pact with former minister Mr Michael Lowry. Mr Coonan, who last weekend became the first candidate selected by Fine Gael to contest the next general election, said he would be advocating "full co-operation" with Mr Lowry.
The statement is the latest indication of improving relations between Fine Gael and Mr Lowry, who resigned as a minister in the rainbow coalition led by Mr John Bruton following revelations about his financial affairs.
Two weeks ago, the Fine Gael leader declined to rule out the possibility of Mr Lowry returning to the party as a candidate. Asked if Fine Gael would welcome Mr Lowry back into the party if he cleared his tax debts, Mr Bruton said: "I have no problem with anybody who complies and demonstrates their tax affairs are in order. Anybody whose tax affairs are in order is entitled to be a candidate."
At present there is no Fine Gael TD in the three-seat Tipperary North constituency. Mr Lowry was elected as an Independent candidate at the 1997 general election, along with Fianna Fail's Mr Michael Smith and Mr Michael O'Kennedy.
It is expected Mr Coonan will be the only Fine Gael candidate in Tipperary North at the next election. The Labour Party will be attempting to regain a seat with the Nenagh-based Senator Kathleen O'Meara.
The Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, will be contesting for Fianna Fail. There is uncertainty over Mr O'Kennedy's future.