Two Donegal candidates seek to contest European election

Former Leas-Cheann Comhairle Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher is throwing his hat into the political arena, once again, putting himself forward as a nominee to become a Fianna Fáil candidate to contest the European elections. 

The Fianna Fáil party informed potential candidates early this week that Mr Gallagher, a former Donegal TD, is one of the nominated candidates for the Midlands-North-West constituency. Other nominees include Mayo Senator Lisa Chambers, Donegal Senator Niall Blaney and Offaly-Laois TD Barry Cowen.

The move means that there are now two Donegal candidates who will contest the convention both Mr Gallagher and Mr Blaney. 

The National Constituencies Committee will now consider the matter both in terms of strategy for and the preparations for the Convention.

Mr Gallagher served twice as an MEP from 1994 to 2002 and again from 2009 to 2014. He served as Leas-Cheann Comhairle in the last Dáil from 2016 to 2020. During his time in the Dáil, he has held various portfolios as Minister of State including Marine, Gaeltacht, Environment, Health and Transport.