Varadkar says FG councillor support for Mitchell rivals would be bizarre

THE MINISTER for Transport has said it would be “bizarre” for Fine Gael councillors to facilitate the entry to the presidential election of candidates who would oppose Gay Mitchell.

Leo Varadkar said Mr Mitchell was the person Fine Gael wanted to win and party councillors should not help other candidates get on the ticket.

“It would be bizarre, I think, if Fine Gael councillors around the country nominated a candidate they’re against when they can nominate the candidate who they support, who is Gay Mitchell. So the logical thing for councillors to do around the country, if they have a vote on this issue, is to vote to nominate Gay Mitchell.”

Mr Varadkar was speaking on RTÉ Radio in response to Independent TD Stephen Donnelly, who said Fine Gael members should “hang their heads in shame” over their approach to the contest.

Mr Donnelly is supporting Independent Senator David Norris in his nomination bid. Michael D Higgins is Labour’s candidate.

Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to surround Fianna Fáil’s approach to the upcoming election.

Party councillors have been involved in backing Independent candidates Seán Gallagher and Mary Davis, as well as Mr Norris. Party leader Micheál Martin has permitted councillors a free vote in a departure from tradition.

However, the parliamentary party has yet to decide on whether the party should support an Independent or run its own candidate.

Former minister Éamon Ó Cuív, a grandson of Éamon de Valera, has said the party should have a candidate and is widely believed to be interested himself.

A party spokesman said a decision would be taken in due course.

Potential Independent candidates require the support of 20 Oireachtas members or the backing of four councils. So far, Mr Gallagher has secured five councils, Ms Davis four and Mr Norris one.

Mr Norris is also attempting to secure support from within the Dáil and Seanad. Mr Norris and Ms Davis will visit Kerry County Council tomorrow.

Businessman Pádraig Ó Céidigh has also expressed an interest in running as an Independent.