Senator Eugene Murphy has left Fianna Fáil to pursue an independent bid for the Dáil, following the party’s decision not to add him to their General Election ticket in Roscommon-Galway. The move comes after a tight contest at the party’s selection convention, where Murphy lost to Dr Martin Daly by eight votes, with Daly receiving 106 votes to Murphy’s 98.
Fianna Fáil General Secretary Seán Dorgan confirmed to Murphy that the party would proceed with a single-candidate strategy in the constituency, effectively closing the door on Murphy’s hopes of re-entering the Dáil under the party banner. Murphy, who has been a steadfast Fianna Fáil member since his teenage years, expressed both disappointment and frustration at the party’s decision, viewing it as a failure to represent the diverse communities within Roscommon-Galway.
Murphy’s history with Fianna Fáil is long-standing. Entering politics as a councillor at the age of 24, he secured a Dáil seat in 2016 at a time when Fianna Fáil faced challenges in the constituency. Despite this track record, Murphy expressed dismay at the party’s decision, remarking, “Fianna Fáil are refusing to give the people of Roscommon a choice… from one end of the county to the other”.
As he prepares to stand as an independent, Murphy acknowledged the significance of his departure, particularly given his deep-rooted ties with local organisations and communities, including the GAA, to which he pledged his continued loyalty. “I don’t think anyone can question my allegiance to the Primrose and Gold,” he said, underscoring his dedication to Roscommon and its people.
Murphy’s defection is likely to shake up the political landscape in Roscommon-Galway, offering voters an independent choice as he steps away from the Fianna Fáil party he has served for decades. His decision to run independently reflects his belief that the constituency deserves broader representation than a single-candidate approach can provide. As Murphy stated, “It’s not the end of the world for me, but it’s crucial for the people of Roscommon to have a choice in the upcoming election”.
