A show of strength by Fianna Fáil grassroots membership tonight will be the biggest political rally in modern times, according the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern.
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A total of 45,000 members representing every Fianna Fáil cumann in the State, bar the Taoiseach’s, will meet to appoint local directors of election and plan support for the party’s candidates in the upcoming general election.
"This is an unprecedented show of party strength and is underlined by the commitment to our members to make a tremendous effort to mobilise our support and canvass every vote in the weeks ahead," Mr Ahern said.
Nominations close today in Mr Ahern’s constituency for the selection of a running mate for the Taoiseach. The convention is to be held on Saturday night.
The selection will be an important one, with the seat of Mr Ahern’s running mate in the last General Election, Ms Marian McGennis, up for grabs after she moved to the Dublin South Central constituency following boundary changes.
With Sinn Féin councillor Mr Nicky Kehoe and Labour senator Mr Joe Costello hoping to gain a seat, local GP Mr Dermot Fitzpatrick is thought to be favourite to hold off challenges from Cllr Royston Brady to secure the nomination.