Running Stephen Donnelly as the lone Fianna Fáil general election candidate in Wicklow was the only way to go, Pat Casey has said of his decision to withdraw from the selection convention.
The Wicklow senator took the decision to step aside less than 24 hours before Thursday evening’s convention, making it a one-horse race after his wife Sonia Casey-Shortt also withdrew.
Although Mr Casey was certain that he would have his party’s support, “the minister couldn’t be left high and dry” so it would mean running two candidates in what will now be a four-seat constituency. Fine Gael is polling strongly in Simon Harris’ constituency and splitting the vote is not a risk Fianna Fáil was willing to take.
The Taoiseach is joined by Cllr Edward Timmins on the Fine Gael ticket in Wicklow, having been selected last month.
In the end, running a lone candidate was the only real choice, said Mr Casey, suggesting that Fianna Fáil will be in a tight battle for the last seat.
The Green Party’s Steven Matthews, the Social Democrats’ Jennifer Whitmore, and Sinn Féin’s John Brady will also be fighting to retain their seats.
The decision was his own, Mr Casey said, although there were discussions with the party leadership.
He had the option of focusing on retaining his seat in the Senate, Mr Casey said, content with being able to continue to represent the people of Wicklow.
“Now, if that option was not there and the general election was the only way then I would be contesting the convention alright,” he said.
The creation of the new Wicklow-Wexford constituency also changed matters for Mr Casey, who lost his seat in the Dáil in 2020, as much of his work has focused in areas of South Wicklow, such as Arklow.
Speaking ahead of the convention, now merely a formality, senior members of Fianna Fáil were not surprised by Mr Casey’s choice, hailing him as a team player.
A member of the party for 17 years, Mr Casey is well regarded by his colleagues, who said that it is unfortunate that this is how things have played out for him on this occasion.
As for Ms Casey-Shortt, her husband said she had been shocked to find out she was nominated, as it was not something she had sought.
It served as a vote of confidence after she missed out on a seat in the local elections earlier this year.
