AN auctioneer and farmer from Toomyvara was last night selected as Fine Gael's candidate in North Tipperary for the general election.
Mr Tom Berkery, who lost his seat on North Tipperary County Council in the last local election, has contested four previous general elections, three with former deputy Mr David Maloney. He also contested an election with former Minister Mr Michael Lowry. He defeated councillors Mr Tom Ryan from Nenagh and Mr Noel Coonan from Templemore.
Ms Mae Quinn, a councillor from Thurles, withdrew her name as the convention began. She said her geographical location - which coincides with the home base of Mr Lowry - and that just one candidate was being chosen were her reasons. She also criticised recent handling of Fine Gael business in the constituency.
Saying her comments were not directed at the constituency officers, she said: "I have been deeply uneasy, as I know a number of the party faithful have been with the way things have evolved in this constituency in recent months. There is a general malaise, a deeply felt anxiety within many party members as to how our business has been handled in recent times."
Ms Margaret Mary Delaney, secretary of the Toomyvara branch, who proposed Mr Berkery, said all present were pro Fine Gael and not anti Michael Lowry.
Roscrea councillor Mr Denis Ryan, proposing Mr Noel Coonan, a councillor from Templemore, spoke of the "pretty turbulent" months in the constituency but he maintained Fine Gael was capable of producing a TD.
Despite reports, delegates were not required to sign a pledge of loyalty to the party and candidates before being afforded voting rights. Only the three candidates were asked to sign the party pledge.