FF select McConalogue and Gallagher in Donegal

Fianna Fáil selected outgoing TD Charlie McConalogue and former minister of state and MEP Pat "the Cope'' Gallagher as its Donegal general election candidates on Sunday.

More than 700 members voted at the selection convention in Letterkenny. Mr Gallagher polled 332 votes followed by Mr McConalogue with 261 and both were elected on the first count.

Donegal will be a five-seater in the election, following the amalgamation of the two three-seat constituencies, Donegal North-East and Donegal South-West.

Mr Gallagher had a long career in politics as a TD for Donegal South-West, minister of State and MEP, before losing his seat in the last European elections.

Mr McConalogue won a seat in Donegal North-East in the last general election.

The convention was chaired by party environment spokesman, Barry Cowen.