Fine Gael is operating a cautious policy in preparing for the end of the dual mandate, writes Michael O'Regan, Parliamentary Reporter
Two Fine Gael TDs have indicated they will not be giving up their county council seats this summer following the end of the dual mandate.
This is in contrast to the strategy adopted by Fianna Fáil and Labour, whereby TDs and senators are being "encouraged" and "advised" to stand down soon to make way for a replacement who would have a year to build an electoral base in advance of the 2004 local elections.
Mr Tom Hayes, who represents Tipperary South, told The Irish Times he had been elected by the people of the Cashel electoral area to serve a full term on the council. "I intend to do that. If the legislation means that I cannot seek re-election to the council next year, I will be happy to stand aside then."
The Kerry North FG TD, Mr Jimmy Deenihan, a former minister of state, said: "I will serve my full term as I was elected to do by the people."
However, Mr Hayes and Mr Deenihan are not opposed personally to the end of the dual mandate, whereby members of the Oireachtas can no longer serve on local authorities. The legislation paving the way for the measure is expected to pass its final stages in the Dáil early next month.
Labour is already holding conventions to find replacements for Oireachtas members, and Fianna Fáil is planning a similar strategy. Mr Chris O'Malley, a former Fine Gael MEP, has been chosen to replace Mr Eamon Gilmore on Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Last night, a selection convention was held in Killarney to find a replacement on Kerry County Council for the Kerry South Labour TD, Ms Breeda Moynihan-Cronin.
A Fine Gael spokeswoman said the party was awaiting the passage of the legislation and would be dealing with possible local authority replacements for TDs and senators on "a case-by-case" basis.
The party's reluctance to pursue the strategy employed by Fianna Fáil and Labour may well relate to the threat by the Mayo TD, Mr Michael Ring, to challenge the constitutionality of the legislation in the courts. He shares the same constituency with the party leader, Mr Enda Kenny.
Mr Ring told The Irish Times yesterday he intends to pursue the matter in the courts if the President, Mrs McAleese, does not refer the Bill to the Supreme Court.
"Have no doubt about that," he added.
Meanwhile, there are expected to be some bitter battles, particularly within Fianna Fáil, at the local co-option conventions as TDs and senators stand aside in line with the wishes of party headquarters.
Family dynasties are expected to expand as Oireachtas members seek to block off any threat to their Leinster House positions.