Senator Eugene Murphy awaits key decision
The Fianna Fáil Selection Convention for the Roscommon-Galway constituency, which was held on Thursday, October 3rd at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon Town, has been at the centre of intense political debate, with a number of developments emerging since the vote.
Build-up
Initially, five candidates were nominated for the contest, but in the days leading up to the event, three withdrew: Councillors John Keogh and Paschal Fitzmaurice, and party activist Malachy Hand.
This left a two-way contest between Senator Eugene Murphy (a former TD) from Strokestown, and Martin Daly, a Ballygar-based GP who is a long-time Fianna Fáil activist. Senator Murphy, who narrowly lost his seat in the 2020 General Election to Sinn Féin’s Claire Kerrane, had been a strong contender with significant support across the constituency.
Results
On the night of the convention, Dr Martin Daly emerged victorious, defeating Senator Murphy by just eight votes (106 to 98). This slim margin reflected how close the race had been, with both candidates working hard to secure delegate support in the build-up.
On foot of the convention outcome, there were immediate calls from the floor from Cllr Sean Moylan, Malachy Hand and Bernie Kearney for Senator Murphy to be added to the ticket.
Since the convention, speculation that Fianna Fáil might opt for a two-candidate strategy has been growing, with the general consensus from pundits and delegates being that adding Senator Murphy to the ticket in the interest of geographic representation, particularly for voters in the north of the constituency makes the most sense.
Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, Senator Murphy said he consistently backed the idea of a two-candidate strategy. He congratulated Dr Daly on his win, while expressing his gratitude to the delegates who supported him from both the north and south of the constituency.
Following his selection at the convention, Dr Daly took to X.com (formerly Twitter) to say: “Thank you to members of Fianna Fáil Roscommon-Galway CDC for participating in the selection convention… I am deeply humbled by decision of the convention to select me to be their candidate in the next General Election”.
Gender balance
Like all parties, Fianna Fáil is grappling with the national gender quota requirement. Party Leader Micheál Martin highlighted the challenge during a recent interview, noting the need for 40% female representation in constituencies nationwide.
According to a local political analyst and former county councillor, Ivan Connaughton, this could lead the party to opt for a female candidate alongside Dr Daly, potentially ruling out Murphy’s addition despite his strong local support base. It’s an issue that many Fianna Fáil delegates, particularly in the north of the constituency, say should not have a bearing on the party’s decision.
Developments
As of October 8th, the Fianna Fáil Constituencies Committee was confirmed as being due to meet this week to make a final decision on whether to add a second candidate, potentially Senator Murphy or a female candidate, to the Roscommon-Galway ticket.
Senator Murphy has publicly stated he is “extremely humbled” by the backing he has received from delegates, both in the north and south of the constituency, and hopes the party will choose to ensure representation for the north. He has remained vocal about his support for a two-candidate strategy, which he believes is key to winning back the seat for his party.
As the party deliberates on this issue, it remains to be seen whether or not Senator Murphy will be returned to the ballot; if Fianna Fáil will choose to balance the ticket by nominating a female candidate to meet national gender quota requirements, or if they will stick with the one-candidate strategy. With all options still on the table, the final decision will shape the party’s approach to the upcoming General Election in this highly competitive constituency.
