Calls are being made for Clare Fianna Fáil members to be given a say in who should run for the party in the next General Election.
After Dr. John Hillery withdrew from the race for personal reasons last Friday, the party must now find a running mate for Deputy Timmy Dooley.
Party headquarters has told Clare FM that it is Fianna Fáil’s National Constituencies Committee, and not local members, who will make the decision.
There was controversy at the party’s initial selection convention in April, when the strategy mandated by the party meant that some members here did not have a vote on the night.
Councillor Cathal Crowe, who withdrew his candidacy on that night, thinks they should get a say now.
Meanwhile, Rita McInerney – who was defeated by Dr. John Hillery at the initial selection convention in April – has said she wants to make a bid at the Dáil.
In a statement to Clare FM, the Doonbeg businesswoman has said she’s “ready to face the challenge of a General Election”.
