FIANNA Fail sources remained adamant yesterday, the party would hold its two seats in South Kerry, despite the decision by the colourful local county councillor, Mr Jackie Healy Rae, to run as an Independent.
But Mr Healy Rae, a publican from Kilgarvan, and a national figure within the party organisation, insisted he would win a seat. "I would not be a candidate otherwise," he told The Irish Times. "I expect to be a TD, and it could be at the expense of Fianna Fail."
The Fianna Fail seats are held by the party's spokesman on justice, Mr John O'Donoghue, and Mr John O'Leary, and the third seat by Labour's Ms Breda Moynhan Cronin. Mr O'Leary is retiring after more than 30 years in the Dail. His son, Mr Brian O'Leary, a Killarney based auctioneer, was chosen at a selection convention to replace him as the second candidate, defeating Mr Healy Rae.
Mr Healy Rae, who is in his 60s, took his defeat badly and unsuccessfully lobbied party headquarters to be added to the ticket. A party activist for 40 years, and director of elections in South Kerry for 10 elections, he was a close friend of the late Mr Neil Blaney.
In the last election, Fianna Fail did well to retain its two seats, given that its vote was down by 7.7 per cent and it had, just over 1.8 quotas. Mr, O'Leary's vote has been declining, and Mr Brian O'Leary is, seen to be most vulnerable to "what is agreed locally will be a very strong campaign by Mr Healy Rae.