‘A strong voice is needed in Europe’

Cavan-Monaghan TD Brendan Smith has been selected by the Fianna Fáil party membership to contest for a seat in the upcoming European elections.
The former Minister for Agriculture earned over 260 votes more than his nearest rival, Donegal TD Niall Blaney, at the convention for the Midlands North West constituency in Longford last Friday, March 15.

Deputy Smith also saw off competition from John Comer, former president of the ICMSA and Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte, among others, to fight to regain the party seat lost by Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher in the constituency in 2014.
Nine candidates had initially sought nomination, but Westmeath-based Senator Aidan Davitt and Kildare county councillor Naoise Ó Cearúil withdrew from the race.
Speaking following his selection, Deputy Smith commented: “I would like to thank the members of Fianna Fáil across the 15 counties within this European constituency. I am honoured that they have placed their trust in me. This region has been without a Fianna Fáil voice in Brussels and Strasbourg for too long.”
He claimed also that the “chaos in Westminster” and the “uncertainties” of Brexit meant that “a strong voice is needed in the European Parliament – I will be that voice.”
Deputy Smith has had a finger on the pulse of Brexit since before the Referendum result of June 2016, voicing fears of a return to a hard Border and impact that would have on peace and business.
Along with holding Ministerial roles in Education, Justice, and Health and Children, Deputy Smith also serves as the party’s chair of the Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence Committee, and sits as a member of the Cross-Border Policing Committee.

 

Strong candidate - Martin
Speaking following the convention, party leader Micheál Martin paid tribute to Deputy Smith for the work he has done. “In Brendan, we have a candidate who will represent our party and the Midlands North West with distinction. I wish to congratulate him on his selection and I look forward to working with him in the months ahead.
“Brexit represents the single biggest challenge of our time and when the new European Parliament begins its work in July, I hope we have a strong Fianna Fáil team to speak for the people of Ireland.”

Murray to contest locals
Meanwhile at local level, and also set to face the voting public on May 23, former Cavan County Councillor Gerry Murray has been added to the Bailieborough-Cootehill by Fianna Fáil party headquarters.
It comes following the decision of sitting councillor Fergal Curtin to step down.
It’s understood Mr Murray emerged as the unanimous choice from the panel due to his vast experience, having previously served as a councillor for almost 30 years.
He has also served as chair of the Dublin North East Health Forum, and the former health board.