Fianna Fail sources have insisted the party remains united in Limerick East despite the resignation of an official over the selection of a candidate in the forthcoming by-election. Ms Sandra Marsh, PRO of the Limerick GAA County Board, was selected on Saturday to run for Fianna Fail in the Limerick East by-election caused by the death of Mr Jim Kemmy.
However, Mr Noel Gleeson, a member of Limerick County Council, withdrew his nomination and resigned as chairman of the Comhairle Dail Ceanntair because of alleged grassroots criticism of Ms Marsh, a party newcomer, being asked by party headquarters in Dublin to seek the nomination.
Ms Marsh (40) a mother of two, and an Aer Lingus employee in Shannon, received 97 votes from the 185 delegates.
Mr Peter Power, a solicitor and Fianna Fail candidate at the last general election, got 70 votes. A Limerick City Councillor, Mr Jack Bourke, got 12 votes and former Limerick City Councillor, Mr Paddy Kiely, received three votes.
The Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, chaired the convention and appealed for party unity. The Minister of State, Mr Willie O'Dea, said he would work day and night to get a third Fianna Fail seat for Limerick East. He said a party success in Limerick East was necessary to stabilise the coalition. "I'll do my very utmost to secure victory for Fianna Fail. We have the responsibility for winning this seat to ensure the Government is safe," he added.
Fianna Fail will hold its convention to choose a candidate in Dublin North next weekend. The two by-elections are expected to be held in March.