“DON’T even contemplate coming to Limerick in search of a Dail seat,” are the words of advice this week to former Progressive Democrat and current senator, Fiona O’Malley, from local FF director of elections, Jack Bourke.
It has been reported in Dublin that Ms O’Malley, daughter of Progressive Democrat founder Des O’Malley, could be on her way back to her native Limerick with a view to seeking a Fianna Fail nomination, should Willie O’Dea, decide to call it a day in Limerick East, before the next election.
Fiona O’Malley, who lost her Dail seat in the last general election, having represented Dun Laoghaire, was later nominated for the Seanad by Taoiseach, Brian Cowen.
The former Laurel Hill student could be seen as the ideal candidate to continue the O’Malley dynasty in Limerick, started by her grand- uncle Donough O’Malley, followed by her dad Des, and cousin Tim O’Malley, former TD and Junior Minister for Health.
She was not available for comment at her Seanad office this Tuesday.
Should O’Dea quit politics, Fianna Fail would want a high profile candidate to run with Junior Minister, Peter Power.
Said Bourke: “That would be a bad move, were it to happen. I don’t think the electorate would be too pleased.
“Anyway, I don’t believe Willie O’Dea has any immediate plans to walk away from politics”.
O’Dea, who has adopted a low profile, had asked for time to think over his future, claiming he had been offered a couple of directorships and also invited to lecture in colleges.
Admitting that he had met the former Minister for Defence only once since he resigned his position, Mr Bourke said it was now up to Mr O’Dea, who is on compassionate leave from Dail Eireann, to control his tongue and sharp turn of wit.
“Yes, It might be difficult for him in future to attain high office, but nothing is impossible”.
On his own position, Mr Bourke said that he was unsure if he would continue to be director of elections for Fianna Fail, and for what would be a fifth time.
Asked if he thought a snap election was on the horizon, he replied: “No matter how badly Fianna Fail do in opinion polls, they never take a hammering.
“The unions are making noises at the moment, but not really putting on any great pressure. I believe the government will stay the course”.
It was important to Fianna Fail, he concluded, that they be in government in 2016 to mark the 100th anniversary celebrations of the 1916 Rising, and the best way to ensure that would be to steady the ship and get the economy moving again.
