FG make approach to Deputy Twomey

December 2003

Independent Deputy Liam Twomey has confirmed he was informally approached about joining Fine Gael, but says he has no reason to join any political party - ‘for the moment’.

‘All political parties are, I would say, sussing me out,’ said the Rosslare-based GP.

‘I was invited to a discussion with someone from Fine Gael, but I didn’t realise the nature of the meeting ahead of it,’ said the Deputy.

‘I don’t know whether they were approaching me for the next election, or for now, ‘ said Dr Twomey, declining to comment on who exactly the meeting had been with.

Deputy Twomey said, however, that he had no qualms about joining either of the main political groupings – whether FF or FG – if it meant an improvement for Co. Wexford, be that in local hospitals, the county infrastructure, or in education.

‘I would still hold the point of view that I am always open to discussion if I think any position can improve matters for County Wexford,’ he said, also expressing surprise that any political party should seek to recruit him.

‘As an independent, you have an open mouth, and you can do and say what you like. I probably wouldn’t be able to do that to the same degree if I was a member of a political party. I would have to think about it very carefully,’ he said.

- Twomey subsequently joined Fine Gael nine months later, in September 2004