Clare candidates indicate Labour interest

LABOUR is flying high in the polls and a number of potential candidates have indicated they would like to stand, or are at least open to the possibility of standing, for the party in Clare.

While there has been speculation that the party would bring in a “celebrity candidate”, possibly someone well known from the sporting arena, several local party members have said they would be against this.
Labour’s only member of Clare County Council, Pascal Fitzgerald has already said he wants to run again, after an unsuccessful foray in 2007, while Shannon Town Councillor Tony McMahon and Ennis Town Councillor Paul O’Shea have also expressed some interest. Constituency secretary Seamus Ryan declined to say whether or not he is interested in standing, while it is understood that one female party member, based in West Clare is interested.
Councillor Fitzgerald said he would oppose any move to bring in a candidate who is inexperienced in politics.
“Why should we do it, when I’m a county councillor who has been there for a number of years? Fine Gael did that with George Lee and he lasted nine months. You need someone who knows politics and loves it.”
Councillor Tony McMahon said he “wouldn’t be adverse” to running, in the correct circumstances. He also said he wouldn’t be in favour of someone from a non-political background running on behalf of Labour. “Just because you can kick a ball straight or something like that is no indication that you will be a good political representative.”
The last time Clare elected a Labour TD was 1992, when a certain Dr Bhamjee upset the odds but Councillor McMahon said that the wheel may be about to turn again.
While Councillor McMahon said he wouldn’t agree with a celebrity candidate being thrown in, he didn’t rule out giving his support to another individual.
Constituency secretary Seamus Ryan refused to rule himself in or out of the race. However, he said that the party has made significant strides over recent years and would be in with a shout the next time Clare goes to the polls.
Paul O’Shea was elected to Ennis Town Council in 2007 and got some attention for himself when he suggested urine wardens be introduced to the county town’s streets.
This week, he told The Clare Champion he is considering looking at securing a Labour nomination to run for the Dáil, although he has still to make a final decision.
While he hasn’t been a public representative for very long, he feels he has a lot to recommend his candidacy.
“I have been very active on the ground on a local level. I’ve been involved with things like the anti-headshop campaign. I’ve also been a long standing member of Labour,” he said.
Councillor O’Shea also said he hoped someone already active in the party in Clare will be chosen to stand.
It’s understood that a final decision on who will stand for Labour in Clare will be made by the party HQ, although there will be consultation with the membership.