LIMERICK DISPUTE:LIMERICK WEST Fianna Fáil TD John Cregan pulled out of the election campaign yesterday following his constituency colleague's promotion to the party's front bench by new leader Michael Martin.
Mr Cregan, Fianna Fáil’s deputy whip, said “my playing field is now no longer level” after Niall Collins TD was elevated to the position of spokesman on defence.
“While I fully respect the party leader’s right to appoint his own particular choices to his front bench, I believe that in doing so he sent out a very clear signal to me and indeed the constituency that he was strongly favouring one candidate above the other,” Mr Cregan said.
He said Fianna Fáil headquarters had advised that, “despite all” the party could secure two seats in the three-seat constituency. “The chances of retaining a second seat have, I believe, been considerably diminished by Fianna Fáil. His [Mr Martin’s] appointments were clearly an attempt to endorse, promote and enhance the electoral chances of those selected and the leader did not put his confidence in me.”
First elected in 2002, Mr Cregan (49) is the 38th TD to confirmed he will not contest the election. Mr Martin said he regretted Mr Cregan’s decision, but said there were not enough positions on the front bench for everyone.
“I regret John’s decision, it’s a very difficult and personal decision for anybody to decide not to contest an election and defend their seat. I just wish John health and happiness and the very best,” he said.
Mr Cregan will retire on a TD’s pension of less than €20,000 and a pension lump sum of approximately €57,000, along with a series of termination payments and a lump sum. His chairmanship of an Oireachtas committee will increase his entitlements.