Malcolm ‘fully intends’ to contest party selection

LOCAL Fianna Fail councillor Malcolm Byrne has said he will contest in the upcoming selection convention next month.

The National Executive of Fianna Fail has decided the party should field two candidates in county Wexford in the next General Election, one in the north of the county and one for the south.

The selection convention will take place on Monday, July 9, at a venue to be decided later, with eight nominees in the running for the two candidate positions – TD James Browne and councillors Malcolm Byrne (Gorey), Joe Sullivan (Castletown), Lisa McDonald (Wexford), Barbara Anne Murphy (Bunclody), Michael Sheehan (New Ross), Michael Whelan (Ballycullane) and John Fleming (Clonroche).

As a sitting TD, Deputy Browne is almost certain to receive one of two places - quite possibly as the party’s candidate in the north of the county, which would be something of a setback for Cllr Byrne.

‘I fully intend to contest the selection convention,’ said Cllr Byrne. ‘I believe that having come close on the last occasion, I can present the best oppor- tunity for Fianna Fáil to win a second seat at the General Election, whenever that happens.’

He added with James Browne now occupying a safe seat, it is essential that Fianna Fáil as a party, pick candidates that are best placed to win votes but also if elected, to be able to contribute to the development of legislation and policy.

Cllr Byrne also thinks it is essential that Fianna Fáil have a strong North Wexford candidate on the ticket.

‘I will be very disappointed if I am not presented with the opportunity,’ said Cllr Byrne. ‘I am grateful for the support that I have already received from the wider public to give me another chance, not just in Gorey but around the county. My ambition though is for community and for my country, it’s not simply about me.’

Fianna Fail ran three candidates in the last General Election – James Browne, Malcolm Byrne and Aoife Byrne, and while the party polled the highest percentage of first preference votes at 26.6%, it lost out in transfers and failed to gain the sought-after second seat lost by Sean Connick in 2011.