The Independent TD for Mayo, Dr Jerry Cowley, is considering running as an Independent candidate in the North-West constituency in the European elections.
Dr Cowley, from Mulranny, had firmly ruled himself out as a candidate some time ago. However, he is now reconsidering his position, having been urged to do so by constituents and supporters.
He told The Irish Times yesterday: "People have told me they will support my candidacy if I run. There is a consensus that I could take a seat."
Dr Cowley's move comes in the wake of private opinion polls showing that a high-profile Independent could take a seat, probably at the expense of the current Independent MEP, Ms Dana Rosemary Scallon.
The two most likely Independents now being spoken of are Dr Cowley and the Independent TD for Sligo-Leitrim, Ms Marian Harkin, who is still considering her position. Ms Harkin polled 43,372 first preferences in the last European elections in the then Connacht-Ulster constituency and put up a strong challenge for a seat.
Fianna Fáil is also targeting Ms Scallon's seat in what it hopes will be a two-candidate strategy made up of the Galway-based Minister of State, Mr Frank Fahey, and the Donegal-based Minister of State, Dr Jim McDaid.
This strategy has been challenged by the outgoing Fianna Fáil MEP, Mr Seán Ó Neachtáin, who replaced Mr Pat "The Cope" Gallagher when he returned to domestic politics in 2002.
Mr Ó Neachtáin is refusing to stand aside, and delegates will decide the issue at a selection convention in Roscommon on Saturday.
The Fine Gael candidates are the Mayo-based senator, Mr Jim Higgins, and the Clare-based former TD and senator, Ms Madeleine Taylor-Quinn. Mr Higgins, a former TD and senior frontbench spokesman, who was tipped as a future party leader, is expected to launch a strong challenge for the Fine Gael seat, which is currently held by Mr Joe McCartin. Mr McCartin is retiring from politics at the next election.
