Controversial Senator Eyes MEP Seat if Kelly Wins Presidency

Controversial Senator Martin Conway and the Potential MEP Seat

Senator Martin Conway, a figure known for his controversial past, may soon find himself in line for an MEP seat if Seán Kelly, a Fine Gael aspirant, wins the presidency. Conway is listed on the Fine Gael replacement list for the European Ireland South constituency. In the absence of by-elections in the European Parliament, every candidate must provide up to six replacements for their designated constituency to the returning officer.

Conway's position as a successor came after the untimely death of MEP John Mullins. However, his tenure has been marked by two major controversies. Earlier this year, he resigned from the parliamentary party following incidents that included being arrested for being intoxicated on Dublin’s O’Connell Street and becoming the center of an 'inappropriate behaviour' controversy within the party.

Seán Kelly recently announced that he is reconsidering his candidacy for the presidency after Mairéad McGuinness withdrew. In an interview with Newstalk, Kelly stated, “I didn’t look for a nomination the last time, but I’m going to reconsider.” He emphasized that Fine Gael will hold a meeting to determine their strategy before deciding on his next steps.

A senior party source warned that Kelly’s ambitions and the interests of Fine Gael could be compromised if the return or coronation is dominated by Conway. The source referenced previous issues with another rogue senator, John McGahon, during the general election and expressed concern about another similar situation in the tight presidential race.

Despite these concerns, members of the party hierarchy quickly denied that Conway would be the replacement MEP, with one source claiming, “whoever is saying this is being mischievous.” However, experts on the rules of the European Parliament were more cautious, noting that once a name is attached to those documents, it is nearly impossible to remove.

Supporters of Conway argue that the hierarchy can spin the narrative as they wish, but the facts remain clear that Conway is the designated successor to Kelly. With the Fine Gael National Executive set to meet tonight to address the departure of McGuinness, Kelly’s timing appears particularly challenging.

Although Kelly claims to have received a positive response from the grassroots, senior party sources suggest that Heather Humphreys has the support of the cabinet and the parliamentary party. A key election strategist predicted that a declaration from Humphreys would significantly impact Sinn Féin’s ambitions to run for the presidency. The strategist pointed out that Humphreys’ experience in Rural and Community Affairs and her management of the largest Social Protection budgets in the state’s history would make it difficult for Sinn Féin to compete.

Humphreys had previously indicated she was not interested in running even before McGuinness left the race. However, a political veteran noted that her recent appearance at the Dublin Horseshow showed a return of her former energy. Another senior Fine Gael source warned that experience is crucial for the role, citing Catherine Connolly’s recent remarks as an example of how inexperienced candidates could undermine the party’s efforts.

A Fine Gael source mentioned that many are preparing to support Heather Humphreys, comparing the level of support to a busy airport during summer. Meanwhile, there is also support within the party for Simon Coveney, with one source stating, “Coveney is perfect for the post. He is qualified after being in Foreign Affairs, he can talk for Ireland, he looks dignified, he is perfect at talking, nodding and waving.”

Within Fianna Fáil, support for Bertie Ahern is increasing, as revealed by a recent poll showing him tied with Mary Lou at 14%, behind Heather Humphreys (19%) and Catherine Connolly (18%). Within the party, there is growing frustration over Micheál Martin's perceived hesitation, with one senior figure warning, “He’s trying to play the cute game of putting up some donkey this time in the hope that when he runs in seven years, we will delighted just to have something better than a donkey.”

The party is also concerned about Ahern’s authority being challenged due to the uncertainty surrounding his candidacy. Just two weeks ago, 23 TDs, Senators, and MEPs called for Fianna Fáil to enter the race. Notably, several supporters were Ministers, with one TD stating, “Looking at the field of candidates, if we can’t compete, that’s a terrible indictment of us. Catherine Connolly is winning the Presidency by default.”

Sinn Féin is expected to announce whether they will run a candidate in September.