Fianna Fàil select Brendan Smith TD to contest European election

CAVAN Monaghan TD Brendan Smith has been selected as the Fianna Fàil candidate to contest the European Parliament elections in the Midlands North West constituency next May.

The chairman of the party's parliamentary party was chosen at the party's selection convention in Longford tonight.

Deputy Smith, a member of Dàil Èireann since 1992, is a former government senior minister.

He stated: "I am deeply honour. I will be the strong voice this region needs in the European Parliament."

Party HQ is expected to add a second candidate before the end of March.

The convention was contested by Ballyvary farmer John Comer, a former chairman of the ICMSA. 

The final count result was Brendan Smith (996), Niall Blaney (894), John Comer (306) and Ann Rabbitte (179).