The former Fianna Fáil TD, Mr Seán Doherty, is to seek a Fianna Fáil nomination to contest Connacht-Ulster in the European elections next year.Mr Doherty said: "I will be seeking a nomination.
While I have retired from the Dáil, I believe I have a contribution to make in Europe."
Mr Doherty, from Cootehall, Co Roscommon, will be paying particular attention to the redrawing of the Connacht-Ulster constituency, which is expected in the autumn. There is speculation that Longford and Westmeath might be included in the revised constituency, giving Mr Doherty a geographical advantage should he get a nomination. He is a former TD for Longford-Roscommon.
The Government is expected to set up an electoral boundary commission in July, under the chairmanship of a Supreme Court judge, with the remit to issue a report within three months.
The Minister of State for Transport, Dr Jim McDaid, who represents Donegal North-East, is also expected to seek a nomination. "I am definitely interested, but I have made no decision yet," he said.
Donegal was the base of former FF MEP, Mr Pat the Cope Gallagher, who resigned his seat last year to return to domestic politics. He was replaced by the Galway-based teacher, Mr Seán Ó Neachtain, who is also likely to seek a nomination. The other seats are held by Mr Joe McCartin, FG, and the Independent, Ms Dana Rosemary Scallon.
There is also speculation that the Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Frank Fahey, who repres;ents Galway West, may throw his hat in the ring.
The Roscommon senator and former TD, Mr Terry Leyden, who returned to the Oireachtas in last year's Seanad elections, has not ruled out seeking a nomination.
Meanwhile, the Mayo senator, Mr Jim Higgins, will be the frontrunner for Fine Gael, with Mr McCartin's retirement. He may be joined on the ticket by the Senator Joe McHugh of Donegal, who is expected to launch a strong bid for a Dáil seat in Donegal North East at the next general election. Contesting the European elections would considerably boost his profile.
