''How dare Ministers disregard the membership'' – Dissent in the Fianna Fail ranks

Fianna Fail Councillor Frank Moran has stated that he will be backing Billy Kelleher TD in his bid to seek a nomination for the presidency.

On his Facebook page, Cllr Moran said: ''I believe Fianna Fail HQ should allow members to decide.

OMOV (One Man One Vote). How dare Ministers disregard the membership because ye will need them whilst canvassing.''We have contacted Cllr Moran for further comment.

But what do Cllr Moran's Fianna Fail colleagues in Tullamore Municipal District think?

Councillor Shane Murray said: ''There needs to be a clear process in place. Now we know that it's the parliamentary party that is going to choose. Billy Kelleher and Jim Gavin will make their pitch to them. But it has caused confusion. There should be one-man-one-vote, which is similar to Fine Gael.''

Cllr Murray pointed out that a substantial number including MEP Barry Andrews are backing Billy Kelleher. '' I do think Mary Hannifin could have been treated better and the same with Bertie Aherne. A process needs to be put in place. I do find it disappointing.''

Mary Hanifin was interviewed by Brendan O'Connor last Saturday on RTE. She said she had told the Taoiseach that she was interested in seeking a nomination and that she would attend a number of community events in her bid to garner support. Ms Hannifin said the Taoiseach told her to go ahead and do that. However, she returned from holidays to find Micheál Martin had endorsed Jim Gavin. A phone call from the Taoiseach would have been appreciated, she added.

Meanwhile, Councillor Oliver Bryant said he hasn't given it much thought as yet. But added that both Jim Gavin and Billy Kelleher would make two very good candidates. ''They have totally different backgrounds. Jim Gavin has a great GAA background and Billy Kelleher has his political career.''

Cllr Bryant said as the leader of Fianna Fail, the Taoiseach was entitled to endorse Jim Gavin adding that Billy Kelleher hadn't declared his intention at the time.

Councillor Declan Harvey was playing his cards close to his chest. '' I can't comment yet. I know Billy Kelleher. He is a good politician, but I haven't my mind made up, yet.

Meanwhile, Heather Humphreys has been confirmed as the Fine Gael candidate.

Established artist wanted to paint proposed mural in Tullamore

The only other declared candidate is Independent Catherine Connolly. However, an interview on RTE last weekend did her no favours. She stumbled when asked about her trip to Syria where she met a supporter of former Syrian president Bashal al-Assad. She admitted it had been a mistake, but said the trip was a fact finding mission.

She also was shaky on her nomination for former journalist Gemma O' Doherty for the presidency in 2018. She said she did not, not nor does not support Ms Doherty but felt she should give her a chance.

Sinn Fein have yet to decide whether to back its own candidate or someone else Mary Lou McDondald has said.