Three political dynasties are among those lining up to contest the Fianna Fáil nominations for the five-seater Mayo constituency in the next general election.
Dara Calleary's father, Seán, and Michael Moffatt's father, Tom, served as local TDs and ministers of State. Denis Gallagher's father, the late Denis Gallagher, was a TD and a minister and a minister of State.
Fianna Fáil is sending Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey to chair the convention on Sunday, March 26th, having already asked former Minister and MEP Gerard Collins to oversee an overhaul of the local organisation.
"Bertie Ahern will be looking to Mayo to produce an extra TD, and those contesting the convention see an opportunity to make it to the Dáil rather than being mere fodder to get somebody else elected," said a local party source.
Two candidates are expected to be chosen to run with sitting TD, Knock-based John Carty.
This is likely to see the selection of candidates from north Mayo and west Mayo to provide a balanced ticket.
Newport-based Frank Chambers, a former senator who polled an impressive 5,726 first preferences in the last general election, will be seeking a nomination.
However, Ballina will be the cockpit in the battle for Dáil seats, and he will be up against Mr Calleary, Mr Moffatt and councillor Johnny O'Malley, all of whom have a base in the town.
Mr Gallagher has taken early retirement from the Garda to seek a nomination. He is receiving backing in the Castlebar area, with his supporters arguing that he could bring unity to a constituency organisation that has experienced some dissension.
Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will be hoping for gains in the constituency, which is represented by Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny.
Fianna Fáil will be looking to win back the seat held by Independent Beverley Flynn, a former party TD.
As daughter of former EU commissioner and FF minister Pádraig Flynn, she is part of another local dynasty.
The other TDs representing the constituency are Fine Gael's Michael Ring and Independent Jerry Cowley.
