Cox seeks support from Fine Gael TDs, Senators

NEW FINE Gael member Pat Cox canvassed party TDs and Senators last night ahead of the parliamentary party meeting at which a date was confirmed for a selection convention to choose a presidential candidate.

The party’s electoral college will make its choice on July 9th.

Dublin MEP Gay Mitchell and Ireland East MEP Mairéad McGuinness have so far declared their interest, while Mr Cox said he was assessing support levels within the party and would clarify his intentions within days.

Mr Cox, the former president of the European Parliament and Fine Gael member since Tuesday night, was not entitled to attend last night’s meeting in the party’s rooms in Leinster House, but greeted members of the parliamentary party as they entered the meeting.

“Now that I am a member of the party I intend to begin an intensive round of consultations, assisted by my supporters, my local TD Dara Murphy and Senator Colm Burke, to assess what level of support may exist for my becoming the Fine Gael nominee for the presidency.

“Depending on the outcome of these deliberations I expect to be in a position in the coming days to clarify my intentions,” he said.

Mr Cox said he was delighted that his application to join Fine Gael through the St Luke’s branch in his local constituency of Cork North Central had been approved by the party’s executive committee.

“This reflects a growing relationship between myself and the party, initiated by a request from the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, in the months prior to the general election, to assist with the party’s preparations for government,” he said.

However, Fine Gael Senator Michael D’Arcy last night expressed scepticism about Mr Cox’s chances of success, saying: “Anyone with a European tag is toast with the public”.

Earlier Mr Mitchell said he was glad Mr Cox had joined Fine Gael but emphasised the new recruit’s previous incarnations in Fianna Fáil, the Progressive Democrats and as an Independent. “This is his fourth port of call,” Mr Mitchell told RTÉ Radio One.

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring claimed a fourth person might yet emerge to enter the contest.

“Another person has made contact with me to say they were considering putting their name forward but didn’t want to go public at this stage. We have three excellent candidates now. It gives the party food for thought. How times have changed,” he added.

Fine Gael’s electoral college comprises the parliamentary party, councillors and members of its executive council. The parliamentary party is the most crucial component as it has 70 per cent of the vote. Mr Mitchell’s recent emergence as a potential candidate was unexpected as he had previously ruled himself out when it was thought former taoiseach John Bruton might enter the race.