McDowell silent on speculation over FG

REPORTS ABOUT EX-TÁNAISTE: FORMER PROGRESSIVE Democrat leader Michael McDowell has refused to make any comment on reports that…

REPORTS ABOUT EX-TÁNAISTE:FORMER PROGRESSIVE Democrat leader Michael McDowell has refused to make any comment on reports that he is considering running for Fine Gael in the next general election.

When contacted by The Irish Times, Mr McDowell said he had "no comment on or off the record" in response to speculation about his political future.

The leader of Fine Gael, Enda Kenny, described as “speculation” suggestions that the former Tánaiste will run for his party at the next election.

Speaking at the launch of his party’s local and European election candidates in Limerick yesterday, Mr Kenny also denied that any talks had taken place with the former Tánaiste and Government Minister.

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It was reported over the weekend that Mr McDowell had been in recent talks with the Fine Gael party.

It is believed these talks were about standing for the party in the Dublin South East constituency where he lost his seat in the last general election.

When asked if he would welcome Mr McDowell back into the Fine Gael party, Mr Kenny replied: “I wouldn’t comment on that at all.”

The Fine Gael leader said he was more interested in “dealing with facts”.

He said over the next three weeks he planned to meet personally with his party’s 769 candidates that were standing in the local elections.