*Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG) with Minister Heather Humphreys (FG). Photograph: Ruth Griffin.
FINE GAEL’s top brass in Clare remain in the dark as to the future intentions of Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG) days ahead of the close of the nominations for their selection convention for the General Election.
Treacy’s West County Hotel will host the selection convention as Fine Gael unveil its ticket for the next General Election. This convention is to be held on September 6th at 8pm.
This Monday evening at 5pm is the close of nominations for the selection convention and Fine Gael’s officers in the county have no idea if sitting TD, Joe Carey (FG) will be letting his name forward.
In March of last year, Deputy Carey was rushed to hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties and he has been treated for cardiac issues. He spent several nights on a trolley at University Hospital Limerick’s (UHL) emergency department before being moved to the cardiology unit.
Carey has not been in the Dáil since this health scare, missing a vote of confidence in the Government in December and also the election of Simon Harris (FG) as Taoiseach.
Deputy Carey made a rare public appearance for Clare’s All-Ireland success in Croke Park last month where he was seated alongside the Taoiseach. Harris later told The Clare Echo that they did not discuss Carey’s political future on this occasion.
During his time out of work, the Clarecastle TD has not been in contact with the local media and on Wednesday The Clare Echo were once again unsuccessful in efforts to speak with Deputy Carey.
“Nobody is prepared to throw their name out until they know what the reality is with Joe Carey. Everything hinges on what Joe will do,” a Fine Gael source outlined.
Ger O’Halloran who is Carey’s parliamentary assistant told The Clare Echo, “Given that the nominations close on Monday it would not be unreasonable to expect that we will have an announcement by the end of this week”.
On August 6th, Fine Gael’s Director of Elections Geraldine Gregan told The Clare Echo “An announcement from Deputy Joe Carey as to his intentions is imminent”.
Speaking to The Clare Echo on Wednesday, two weeks on, Geraldine stated, “the closing date for nominations is Monday, we’re not saying anything at the present time. I understand an announcement is imminent from Joe Carey so we will respectfully wait for that”.
When asked how imminent is imminent considering it was the same rhetoric used a fortnight ago, the Clarecastle woman said, “the closing date is Monday so that will tell a lot, there’s a few days left, I’d imagine in the next day or so we will have an announcement”. She added, “People will make up their mind based on the decision the sitting TD will make”.
Having had seventeen months to line up alternative candidates, the party is now under pressure given the lack of information from the Carey camp. Gregan insisted Fine Gael does not to be worried. “There’s plenty of votes for FG in Clare, we’ve had two seats in the recent past. There is Fine Gael support in Clare, I don’t think we should worry”.
Senator Martin Conway (FG) confirmed to The Clare Echo that he intends to allow his name forward for the selection convention. He contested the 2020 General Election and polled 2,285 first preference votes and was eliminated on the sixth count prior to Cllr Rita McInerney (FF).
Ennistymon native Conway said he is proud of his track record in the Seanad but added, “if an opportunity comes to become a TD I will embrace it with two arms”.
Former Mayor of Clare, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) admitted the prospect of his name appearing on the ballot paper for a General Election would be “highly unlikely”. When speaking to The Clare Echo, he was unaware the deadline for nominations was on Monday evening but said he would give the matter some consideration over the weekend.
A Senator from 2011 to 2016, Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) has ruled out a General Election bid. An unsuccessful General Election candidate in 2011 and 2016, he made his political return after a five year hiatus when winning the seventh and final seat in the Shannon Municipal District in the local elections in June.
Cllr Mulcahy told The Clare Echo, “We all come to a stage in our life, all politicians think about stuff, it’s a long time ago. It is a savage commitment even the campaign, I’ve had a few medical challenges and I’ve decided not to go forward”. The Shannon representative committed to work with any of the candidates that are put forward.
Current Leas Cathaoirleach (Deputy Mayor) of Clare County Council, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) told The Clare Echo she will not be seeking any nominations for the selection convention. Bunratty farmer, Joe Melody who is viewed as a future Dáil candidate has said he will not be contesting the next General Election for the party.
Names that have been mentioned as potential candidates alongside Senator Conway include David Quinn, the Managing Director of Hyland’s Hotel, the Ballyvaughan man is the son of former Clare TD, Madeline Taylor Quinn (FG). Managing Director of Eoin Gavin Transport, Eoin Gavin based in Sixmilebridge is also a name touted and has impressed during his time as the President of Shannon Chamber.
One active Fine Gael member in the county told The Clare Echo, “I would expect that Deputy Carey will make a statement announcing his departure this coming week. After being absent now for over two years, it is simply absurd that he would consider contesting the upcoming election. There is also a growing sense of frustration and disappointment among the Clare Fine Gael membership at Deputy Carey and his team’s lack of clarity about his intentions, which has grown considerably since his decision to attend the All Ireland final as a guest of An Taoiseach. The Clare Fine Gael membership are grateful for the Carey family’s long years of service but now the general sense is that a new candidate and fresh approach is needed to retain the party’s seat in Clare”.
