FF convention contesting Longford candidate postponed

A special convention of Fianna Fáil’s Longford branch which looked set to select a candidate in defiance of party headquarters has been postponed.

The convention had been called to discuss the ongoing row about the nomination of Connie Gerety-Quinn as the Fianna Fáil candidate for the Longford end of the Longford-Westmeath constituency.

Two other candidates had sought a party nomination, Pat O’Rourke and Séamus Butler, but a directive issued by party headquarters said that one candidate from the county be selected due to gender quota rules.

It is understood the unofficial convention, held in protest, has been postponed until after Fianna Fáil officially ratifies Ms Gerety-Quinn’s selection.