MR Michael Lowry's attempt to retain his Dail seat has received a major boost in his North Tipperary constituency as four Fine Gael councillors declared their support for his campaign.
About 1,000 people attended a meeting called by Mr Lowry in Thurles last night. Sources said he got a welcome in excess of that" which awaited him when he resigned as Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications in November. He resigned from Fine Gael earlier this month after the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, presented him with a ultimatum to get his tax affairs in order or his nomination would not be ratified.
Given his widespread support within his local organisation, it is believed Mr Lowry will hold onto his seat at the expense of Fine Gael which has nominated a former councillor, Mr Tom Berkery, to contest the three seat constituency. Fianna Fail is expected to take the other two seats.
Two Fine Gael county councillors - Mr Lowry's brother Phil and Mr Willie Kennedy - have pledged their allegiance to him, and two urban councillors, Mr Henry Young and Mr Martin Ryan have also declared their support. A former Fine Gael, councillor, Ms Mary Ryan, now an independent, has also committed herself to backing Mr Lowry.
Mr Lowry last night invited the meeting to approve a committee to run his election campaign.