McNamara eyeing up run for European elections

*Michael McNamara TD. Photograph: Eamon Ward. 

CLARE TD, Michael McNamara (IND) is weighing up throwing his name into the ring for the European elections.

Ahead of the June 7th European and local elections, Deputy McNamara is said to be very close to allowing his name on the ballot paper to try become one of the five MEPS for the Ireland South constituency.

Since becoming a TD for the second time in February 2020, the national profile of the Scariff native has increased considerably, aided by his stint as Chairperson of the Oireachtas’ COVID-19 committee.

Last month, Deputy McNamara was nominated to chair a special Oireachtas committee on drug use.

This coupled with his performance in opposition had him as a leading contender to top the poll in Clare for the next General Election.

Sources close to the barrister and farmer have said he has been contemplating entering the race for the European elections for a number of weeks. The decision of Leo Varadkar (FG) to step down as Taoiseach which is likely to delay a General Election is a potential factor in swaying the Scariff man towards Brussels.

When contacted by The Clare Echo on the prospect of running for Europe, McNamara said, “I was approached both within the constituency and in Leinster House about contesting the upcoming European Election. I am consulting with supporters and Independent Oireachtas colleagues”.

In 2009, McNamara was an unsuccessful candidate in the European elections for the North-West constituency. He polled 12,744 first preference votes which worked out as 2.6 percent of the valid votes, Marian Harkin (IND), Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher (FF) and Jim Higgins (FG) were the successful candidates for that election.

A much stronger showing is likely for the Clare TD in Ireland South where there are five MEP seats. Mick Wallace (IND), Billy Kelleher (FF), Sean Kelly (FG), Deirdre Clune (FG) and Grace O’Sullivan (GP) are the outgoing MEPs in the constituency with Clune having previously announced her retirement.

If McNamara were to enter the race, he would be the third Clare man running with Corofin’s Michael Leahy (IFP) and Cratloe farmer Eddie Punch (IND) already on the ballot paper.