The Taoiseach’s special adviser, Dr Martin Mansergh has been selected as a general election candidate for Fianna Fail in the Tipperary South constituency alongside Minister for State, Mr Noel Davern.
Mr Davern was elected on the first count with 97 votes. Dr Mansergh received 52 first preference votes and 24 over Mr Davern’s transfers ensuring that he had a comfortable margin over his rival councillor, Mr Barry O’Brien.
Dr Martin Mansergh was one of the key players in the negotiation of the Belfast Agreement and before becoming special adviser to Mr Ahern, Dr Mansergh had similar roles with former Fianna Fáil Taoisigh Mr Albert Reynolds and Mr Charles Haughey.