Mayo FF senator welcomes party clarity in 'lead candidate' row

Mayo Senator Lisa Chambers has welcomed comments from Tánaiste Micheál Martin reaffirming her stance that there is no lead single lead candidate for the party in the midlands northwest constituency in the forthcoming European Parliament elections.

"Tánaiste Micheál Martin's recognition that there is no single lead candidate in the Midlands North West constituency validates my comments and reflects the strength of our team," Senator Chambers said.

"His acknowledgement of the possibility for Fianna Fáil to secure two seats in this constituency is very encouraging.

“Barry Cowen’s comments about being the ‘lead candidate’ were, in my view, unfounded.

"However, I appreciate the Tánaiste’s perspective that such comments are part of election dynamics,” Senator Chambers stated.

“It’s reassuring to know that the Tánaiste sees value in the competition and acknowledges the strengths each candidate brings to the table.”

The Tánaiste’s comments come after polls indicated a positive trend for Fianna Fáil in the midlands north west constituency.

He noted that there is a real prospect of winning a second seat, an achievement the party has set its sights on since not securing a seat in the last election.

Senator Chambers expressed her commitment to working collaboratively with her fellow candidates to achieve the best results for Fianna Fáil.

“We are all strong candidates in our own right. I look forward to continuing our efforts to secure significant representation for Fianna Fáil in the European Parliament,” she affirmed.