FG give Maria Walsh extra territory in Euro two-seat bid

FINE Gael HQ has allocated two extra counties in the Midlands North West constituency to Mayo candidate Maria Walsh in a bid to win an extra seat in the European Parliament elections.

Longford and Westmeath have been taken from outgoing MEP Mairead McGuinness, who is widely expected to top the poll, and handed to Ms. Walsh.

The Shrule-based contender, who is in contention for the fourth seat after attracting a 11% rating in a recent opinion poll, was initially given the five Connaught counties and Donegal.

The decision of party strategists to alter its vote management approach in the constituency is a strong vote of confidence in Walsh's prospects.