By Diarmaid Doherty
Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher has confirmed that he has decided not to contest his party’s convention for the forthcoming European Parliament elections.
The former TD and MEP was surprisingly nominated to contest the convention in December and said he would take the Christmas and New Year period to decide whether or not to run.
In a letter sent to party colleagues, Mr Gallagher said he gave the matter much consideration. However, he will not be allowing his name to go forward to convention, and instead urged party members to support Donegal’s remaining candidate Senator Niall Blaney.
“I am greatly honoured and humbled that I was nominated to contest the convention for the forthcoming European Parliament Elections and having served in the Parliament; I know only too well the importance of the European Union in our lives on a daily basis,” Mr Gallagher said.
“On this occasion I will not be allowing my name to go forward to the Euro’s convention.
“I, after much consideration, have decided to remain active within the constituency and focus my efforts in preparing the party for the imminent Local Government Elections in June and the real possibility of a 2024 General Election in the autumn.
“Much needs to be done to best prepare our party for these electoral challenges and we all will play our part in the time ahead to maximise the party’s best chances of winning the optimum number of seats in these different electoral contests.”
He added: “The European Elections are the most pressing challenge and I urge you all to support the remaining Donegal Candidate Senator Niall Blaney, to guarantee Donegal has a candidate in the forthcoming elections.
“It is essential that we show unity and resolve in the run up to convention in order to secure a Donegal nomination. I wish Niall the best of luck and my complete support in the weeks ahead.”
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