Fine Gael ‘abandon’ mid Louth area
WORD has it that former Drogheda Labour Party councillor and ex-Mayor, Peter Hughes is thinking of establishing a new political base. And it could involve a switch from Labour to Fianna Fail. In fact, some say he might even stand as a community candidate next time out.
Close observers of the local political scene will not, however, be surprised by any off this. Hughes, considered by many to have been the major casualty of the June local elections, lost his seat in the Duleek Gate Ward — and although he has never said so publicly himself, his supporters are quick to blame the Labour Party in his downfall.
Labour, after all, ran TD’s wife Betty Bell with him in Duleek Gate. Bell was elected after Hughes transferred almost 50 per cent to her after his elimination. At the time the former Mayor denied any rift but it was obvious relations were strained between himself and the Labour party.
Although Hughes is reluctant to confirm or deny speculation about his political future one gets the impression that the new year will see changes. All he would say this week, was that he was considering ‘certain options’ and refused to elaborate further. Watch this space.
I hear a rare ould battle is looming in the Louth Fine Gael camp. The present scenario is that Fine Gael HQ want to run two candidates in Louth — one in Drogheda and one in Dundalk. And headquarters have provisionally settled on 2 names: sitting T.D. Brendan McGahon and Drogheda’s ex-Labour Alderman Fergus O’Dowd.
Even to the politically uneducated, It can be seen straight away that mid-Louth would be abandoned. An arrangement, I might add, which would eminently suit McGahon. For on previous voting patterns most of the party’s mid-county support would tend to gravitate towards Dundalk and of course favouring the candidate there.
Needless to say, this projected strategy is not going down well at all with prospective FG candidates like Senator Joe Lennon or ex-TD Bernard Markey. The tatter’s local elections vote must put him well in contention for a nomination while Lennon’s traditional party support is expected to be heavily consolidated.
Readers however, should watch out for Drogheda Coir. Pat Carr who will definitely be throwing his hat in the ring. A bookie, many would say. Carr is worth an each way bet.