FF in rude health ahead of election ‘challenge’

The biggest story from Fianna Fáil’s selection convention in Cootehill last week is just how many people turned up for what was a complete non-contest.

As predicted, three names stood above all others. They were sitting TDs Brendan Smith and Niamh Smyth in Cavan, and Monaghan Senator Robbie Gallagher with the party going for a three candidate strategy that they pursued in both 2020 (with the same candidates) and 2016.

Yet almost every town and parish across Cavan-Monaghan was represented at the Errigal Hotel on this dark and wintry Tuesday evening (October 29).

The other interesting tale-of-the-tape is where the party might find itself in another five years. Several nominated names who withdrew from the race this time out spoke in magnanimous tones whilst also preening for a prospective future bid themselves.

Remarkably, just 10 minutes before the convention was due to start only about a half dozen people stood looking lost amid a sea of empty chairs. One man assured, despite evidence to the contrary, there would “be a big crowd”.

He was true to his word and to the adage that ‘Cavan time’ often runs different. By half eight all the main players had arrived and with them more than 100 faithful.

Until then the most recognisable face was that of former one-term TD, Margaret Conlon.

Others joined her. Cavan councillors Clifford Kelly, John Paul Feeley and Niall Smith greeted Danny Brady, a Cavan representative for 47 years and at one time the longest serving councillor in the county. Nathan Galligan, who stood in the Ballyjamesduff area last local election, shook their hands warmly.

The first to arrive was Deputy Smyth with daughter Juliet and loyal entourage in tow.

Next was Senator Gallagher, followed by Upper House colleague Diarmuid Wilson, who, along with Cllrs Feeley and Philip Brady, had all received nominations.

Cllr Brady chatted with Patricia Walsh, and from the opposite side of the constituency Cllrs P.J. O’Hanlon and Raymond Aughey rubbed shoulders with Mullingar Senator Aidan Davitt.

Cllrs Áine Smith, Seamus Coyle and former Cavan councillor Fergal Curtin found their seats as Michael Smith, a former Dáil candidate and councillor, son of the late former Minister Paddy Smith, and cousin of Deputy Smyth, took up a space near former councillor and Cootehill businessman Michael McCarey.

Former Ceann Comhairle and minister Rory O’Hanlon sat near another stalwart, Senator Francis O’Brien.

Invited chair to the convention, Deputy Leader of Fianna Fáil and current Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers, slipped in quietly to a seat at the top table shortly after Deputy Smith’s arrival. They’d been out canvassing around Cavan Town earlier in the day.

After candidate pledges were signed the formalities got underway, starting with those who withdrew being offered an opportunity to address the room.

Cllr Philip Brady believes the upcoming election is an opportunity for Fianna Fáil to once again become the biggest party in government. But to achieve such a feat requires “unity”.

He said the candidates selected are as “good as anywhere in the country”, and pledged his support for all three.

In four years time it “might be a different story” stated Cllr Brady.

Cllr Feeley opened by saying Fianna Fáil’s decision to enter government was “not from a position of strength but out of necessity”.

His feelings, upon reflection, was they’d made a “positive contribution”. Yet issues remain. Roads for one. “Visiting ministers’ photo ops are no substitute for action.”

He noted Fianna Fáil is currently “hovering” at around 20% in published opinion polls.

“We’re very fortunate the main opposition party is in ‘self destruct’ mode,” he quipped, all the while lamenting the loss of three council seats in Cavan last June. “If we are to survive and prosper we need to review where we are, and find way to make being a party member more meaningful.”

Cllr Feeley gave his nomination “very careful consideration”.

“While this may not be the time, I certainly would like the opportunity to contest a general election,” he suggested. “No one knows what the future holds for any of us, but it is something I will consider in the future.”

Senator Wilson, in his speech, wished outgoing Fine Gael minister Heather Humphreys well in her retirement. He thanked her for her years of service, a legacy that received widespread applause.

He too felt it was not his time to contest, believing the three chosen candidates “can go a long, long way”.

Senator Gallagher thanked those present for coming out in such large numbers.

“Fianna Fáil is alive and well and it’s a great sight,” said the former member of An Garda Síochána and estate agent.

This will be the third time Senator Gallagher has contested a General Election. The first time was in 2002, and then again almost two decades later (2020) when he earned just over 5,000 first preferences.

While in government Senator Gallagher opined that Fianna Fáil hadn’t plumped for the “handy portfolios”. Yet they had played a key role in helping the country navigate a series of unprecedented challenges, from Brexit to Covid, and the fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The housing crisis, he said, was never going to be solved in one term - “Rome wasn’t built in a day” - and he praised the influence of the “game changer” Shared Island Unit, instigated by leader Micheál Martin.

“We should go to the doors with a bounce in our step,” encouraged Sen Gallagher.

Deputy Smith also thanked those present for their “unwavering” support. This will be his eighth General Election outing, first appearing on the ballot in 1992 having served his time as a special advisor to former Tánaiste John Wilson.

“We have faced many challenges together, and forged strong bonds,” said Deputy Smith, who only ever topped the poll once, and for the first time in his lengthy career failed to hit the quota in 2020 after receiving 7,354 first preferences, down 16% from 2016.

He too acknowledged his party’s “accomplishments” with tens of millions spent on new educational and healthcare facilities, more housing, and improved roads as well as stronger social protections.

He accepted the “harsh reality” that the party sometimes cannot “govern alone” – and that coalitions had become commonplace in politics.

“Nonetheless we go into this election on our own platform and with our own distinct and ambitious vision,” said Deputy Smith.

“Together, we can build on our achievements and face the future with confidence.”

Lastly, Deputy Smyth took centre stage, calling for a collective effort, and painting a picture of a future with equality and opportunity.

The Bailieborough native only just fended off Joe O’Reilly in 2016, and retained her place in Leinster House four years later albeit with a reduced number of initial first preferences (-8%) and an extra seat available.

She, like the others, shared her thoughts on the many investments in this region delivered at the hands of party frontbenchers. In particular she highlighted the opening of the Rainbow Lodge Children’s Respite Centre in Monaghan, and more funding for disability services in the region.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support, your guidance, your encouragement over the last eight years,” she told the audience.

“I intend to work as hard and as relentlessly as an advocate for all of you in this room, and for everybody in this constituency.”

Bringing proceedings to a close, Minister Chambers riffled off a blend of personal anecdotes and policy proposals.

At 33-years-old and with two university degrees including one in medicine, Minister Chambers is seen as a rising star in his party, having guided Fianna Fáil to success at the last local elections.

In Cootehill he was described as “one of the finest” young politicians in Ireland. Indeed, he holds the record for being the youngest person to sit at Cabinet in more than 100 years. The other was revolutionary Michael Collins.

With the party’s election manifesto due to be announced, Minister Chamber’s was a typical guts and glory speech.

He criticised how pervasive “negativity” in the run up to the June local elections pigeon-holed Fianna Fáil a “distant third”, before bucking the trend to become the biggest party in local government.

“The big difference was everyone that’s here, our phenomenal council team, our brilliant Oireachtas members, and indeed our wider connection to the public,” said Minister Chambers.

He concluded by saying there is a “real belief” now within Fianna Fáil that the party can pursue its ambition of taking an additional seat in Cavan-Monaghan.

“Why we can achieve greater electoral representative right across the county is if you look at our track-record over the last four and a half years, Fianna Fáil being back in government has delivered real progress for people, communities and the future of our country.”