Fianna Fáil in shock move involving Mayo senator Lisa Chambers

Fianna Fáil has announced the addition of Senators Niall Blaney and Lisa Chambers to its European election ticket in the Midlands North West constituency.

This unexpected twist means that now three Fianna Fáil candidates will run in total alongside former minister Barry Cowen for the upcoming election on June 7.

The decision, confirmed by the party's national constituencies committee today, has sparked interest and discussion among political observers. Of particular note is the inclusion of Senator Lisa Chambers.

Despite facing stiff competition during the party's nomination process, where she finished last out of three and now her selection alongside Niall Blaney has raised many eyebrows around Leinster House.

The selection convention held in Westmeath earlier in February saw Senator Barry Cowen emerge as the party's nominee, edging out both Senator Chambers and Senator Blaney.

However, Fianna Fáil's decision to broaden its ticket highlights an approach to gender diversity that was criticised by Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh last month and Niall Blaney's nod shows a balanced geographic spread of candidates within the constituency.

Peadar Toibín of Aontú has also thrown his hat into the ring.

While sole Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus will be campaigning with Tyrone's Michelle Gildernew, riding high in the polls Sinn Féin feel confident that both will be elected.

Mairead McGuinness and Maria Walsh were the two Fine Gael candidates elected in the 2019 European Parliament elections, Luke 'Ming' Flanagan was the only Independent elected in what was then a 4 seater constituency, MacManus co-opted Matt Carthy's seat in 2020.