FF TD's daughter may seek to fight election

With Fianna Fail's Michael O'Kennedy departing from the Tipperary North political landscape, the party's selection convention…

With Fianna Fail's Michael O'Kennedy departing from the Tipperary North political landscape, the party's selection convention there for the next general election is shaping up to be an interesting event.

Michael O'Kennedy's daughter, Orla O'Kennedy, has said she may seek a nomination, joining three county councillors who are expected to put their hats in the ring.

With the Independent TD, Mr Michael Lowry, expected to top the poll in the next general election, and the Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, assured of a nomination at the Fianna Fail convention and likely to hold on to his seat, the constituency's third seat is up for grabs.

Noel Coonan, a councillor and auctioneer from Templemore, is the Fine Gael candidate and will hope to pick up some of his party's traditional support while counting on Mr Lowry, as an Independent, to reduce the Fianna Fail vote.

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Traditionally, Labour has been able to pick up a seat in the constituency and Senator Kathleen O'Meara will be relying on this support and her constituency work to regain a seat left vacant by John Ryan in 1997.

Ms O'Kennedy, a legal secretary and childcare worker, has run her father's constituency office in Nenagh for two years, but she will face a challenge from the other prospective candidates.

Maire Hoctor, a councillor and teacher, has decided to go before the 280 delegates who will vote for two nominees on September 30th.

Other councillors, Mattie Ryan, a farmer, and Tom Harrington, a creamery manager, are also known to be interested, although one may opt out if the other decides to run.

Ms O'Kennedy, however, will face opposition from at least two councillors who will cite their experience and record as reasons for being put forward for the second nomination.