Dana may stand as Independent in Donegal constituency

Ms Dana Rosemary Scallon is considering contesting the Donegal North East constituency as an Independent at the next general election, according to her brother and campaign manager, Mr John Brown.

The MEP and former Euro vision winner is contemplating the move after the Independent TD, Mr Harry Blaney, told The Irish Times this week that he would not be standing at the next general election if the Government goes to a full term.

"She is giving very serious, strong consideration to standing, especially in light of the fact that Mr Blaney is not running. She would never consider it if he was re-running", Mr Brown said.

He dismissed speculation that the Connacht-Ulster MEP might run in the Galway West constituency, describing Donegal as his Derry-born sister's "natural hinterland". He confirmed that Dana and her husband had recently been looking at property in Inishowen, Co Donegal.

"She herself has substantial support in Donegal, and Donegal people value their independent voice and have a tradition of returning Independents", Mr Brown said. "Even though Donegal has a Minister, it suffers terrible unemployment and young people are still emigrating.

"Something needs to happen to stop Donegal being just a tourist centre . . . There needs to be a refocusing of Dublin's eyes and that needs to start with the most deprived black spot in the country in employment terms."

Donegal North East is a three-seat constituency currently represented by Mr Blaney and two Fianna Fail TDs, the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Dr McDaid, and Ms Cecilia Keaveney.