'Significant minority' in FG undecided on candidates

A “SIGNIFICANT minority” of Fine Gael parliamentarians remain undecided on which of the four competitors for the party presidential nomination to vote for on July 9th, according to a prominent backbencher.

Dublin Central TD Paschal Donohoe said former European Parliament president Pat Cox, MEPs Gay Mitchell and Maireád McGuinness and former minister of state Avril Doyle acquitted themselves well at a special party meeting in Leinster House yesterday.

“I’m none the wiser, to be honest. All four spoke well. They all performed well. Just talking to colleagues there’s still a fair quantity of people who haven’t decided yet. I still have an open mind about what I’m going to do,” Mr Donohoe said.

“I think there’s all to play for still. My judgment is that there’s a significant minority that’s more than ample to sway it in any way.”

Although Taoiseach Enda Kenny was not present, senior party figures who attended included Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan, Minister for Jobs and Enterprise Richard Bruton and Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald. Minister for Finance Michael Noonan was also there for a time.

Mr Cox’s contribution was widely praised, with his inclusion of references to personal family matters and involvement in voluntary organisations impressing many. One member of the parliamentary party said Mr Cox had managed to dismiss fears that he would not be interested in “the cuddly stuff that a president has to do”. He struck a “humbler” tone than many had expected.

Senator Cait Keane said: “I heard good feedback after the meeting on Pat Cox. One person said ‘I think people will warm to Pat after today’. He did come across well, warm and likeable.”

Mr Mitchell’s contribution was singled out by a number of those present as being particularly passionate and political, with many pointing out that he “played the Dublin card to good effect”.

Mr Mitchell’s emphasis on his electoral track record and warning that Labour’s Michael D Higgins would scoop up votes in Dublin if he was not in the race resonated with many.

Many said Ms McGuinness “made no mistakes” and looked impressive. She emphasised her appeal to rural and urban voters as well as non-Fine Gael voters. “She was good. The perception is she’s ahead,” one of those present said.

Ms Doyle’s contribution was described as “uncharacteristically flat” by a small number of parliamentary party members, while others felt her stress on her long involvement with Fine Gael might help her cause.

Some TDs and Senators claimed there was no outstanding candidate. “If it was a soccer match it would’ve been a nil-all draw with four teams on the pitch,” said one.