Loyal supporters respond angrily to `forced' resignation

IN the mud. Three words sum up Fine Gael headquarters' image in Tipperary North this weekend, and that's the polite version of comment yesterday on the "forced" resignation of Mr Michael Lowry.

"Forced" from the party he was, said Fine Gael councillor, Mr Willie Kennedy - one of at least two local politicians who will also relinquish membership, if needs be, to canvass for their sitting TD in the next general election.

"You know, they didn't consult us, they wouldn't even think to lift the phone," Mr Kennedy said of Fine Gael head office yesterday. "Michael Lowry was given a deadline which he couldn't possibly meet. I believe he has his tax affairs in order, but it's not his fault if the Dunnes Tribunal hasn't finished its work yet."

In Thurles and Templemore, there was unequivocal support for the former Minister for Energy as people discussed the latest instalment in his life and times. There was little doubt that he would run again for office as an independent candidate.

"A critical factor here has been overlooked by Dublin," one senior party source said. "There is a great cynicism towards big political parties now, and so Michael Lowry will garner the protest vote. He'll be like the Green candidate."

The president of Thurles Chamber of Commerce, Mr John Gleeson, agreed. An auctioneer and "a political by necessity", he believed Mr Lowry would stand a good chance of being re-elected as an independent.

Though the chamber of commerce is not due to meet till early next week, it would support "anyone who had helped in the past", he said, and Mr Lowry had "certainly done that". The new third-level college for Thurles, renewed employment at Lisheen mines, and a drainage scheme talked about for the last 20 years at Newport bear the Lowry stamp. Thurles is to get a shopping centre before Easter. Ironically, the anchor tenant is Dunnes Stores.

"He's strong-willed, and could be one of five or six independents'

who play a crucial role in the next Dail," Mr Gleeson said. "I don't believe he's isolated at all." He did not believe that Fine Gael had a chance of taking another seat.

And the party could be begging him to come back? "Well, there won't be any animosity if we keep our heads," Fine Gael councillor, Mr Noel Coonan, said in Templemore as he confirmed that he was one of two names seeking the party's North Tipperary nomination. Mr Coonan, a farmer, said he and the Roscrea councillor, Mr Denis Ryan of Roscrea, intended to come to an agreement.

"One of us will go forward for selection. We're still talking about it. Either way, the party would be mad to nominate a Fine Gael candidate in Thurles itself, because that is Lowry territory."

Chances of success alongside Lowry are limited. An internal poll taken last week, which listed Lowry as independent, recorded 34 per cent for him and strong support for two Fianna Fail seats.

Mr Coonan also expressed "disappointment" at the lack of consultation by party headquarters. "I had heard rumblings, but I sincerely hoped that this could never happen. When it did, well, it's disheartening after all the work that many people have put in locally, that we hear the news on the airwaves."

Fine Gael councillor and teacher, Mrs Mai Quinn, who initially stated she would not be "a sacrificial lamb" in seeking to run against the former Minister, said last night that she was not ruling herself out yet. She would certainly not resign from the party to join Mr Lowry on the hustings. But she dreaded the long-term effect.

"We had a very conciliatory meeting on Thursday night, but the truth is that elections will bring out bitterness. Belonging to a party is a bit like being in an extended family, and they will be regarded as traitors for not standing by Michael. Yet we haven't been given any choice. We are all in a no-win situation here."