Thirty-THREE years ago when Fiona O'Malley was just a baby her father Des was selected as a general election candidate for the first time in Limerick. Last night it was Fiona's turn when she was selected by a two-vote margin to represent the Progressive Democrats in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.
Ms O'Malley won the nomination against fellow Dun Laoghaire Rathdown councillor Victor Boyhan by 18 votes to 16 at the selection convention.
It was, her father said, the first step on a road which he hoped would see her enter the Dail as a TD at the next general election when he intends to stand down, after more than three decades in politics. If successful Ms O'Malley will ensure the continuance of the O'Malley political dynasty in Leinster House which began in 1952 with the late Donogh O'Malley.
The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, said she would make a "terrific" candidate and would win a seat in that very important constituency.
According to those who attended the meeting, the defeated candidate, Mr Boyhan, made an excellent speech; however the apparently strong backing of Ms O'Malley by the party leadership and her family name had secured the victory.
Mr Boyhan, a founder member of the party, said that he had been defeated very narrowly and had always known that he was up against the O'Malley name which had huge respect.
"Fiona will make an excellent candidate and do an excellent job. I am just sorry it was not me," he said, adding that there was a seat to be won for the party in the constituency and he would fight for that.
The vacancy arose as a result of the defection of Senator Helen Keogh from the party to Fine Gael. Previously it had been expected that she would be the party's candidate.