10th February 2014
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Glanmire-based Senator John Gilroy has confirmed that he will
challenge the outgoing MEP, Phil Prendergast of Tipperary, for the
Labour party nomination to contest the European elections in the
Ireland South constituency.
The Labour party will hold a selection convention on Sunday 23rd
February, with the venue likely to be either Limerick or Waterford,
and the party will have only one candidate.
Senator Gilroy said ‘I have no personal gripe with the outgoing MEP,
Phil Prendergast. Phil fulfilled a role after she took over from Alan
Kelly when he was elected to the Dáil. However, I have the experience
and energy needed to offer a better way of representing the people of
Ireland South in the European Parliament. I am also sure that my
ability to win votes across my home base of Cork city and county will
be a vital factor in retaining the seat for Labour ‘
‘I confirm that I will seek the Labour nomination for Ireland South
Euro constituency at the selection convention. I intend to give party
members a choice about who will contest this important election. It is
good for democracy that nominations are contested and it shows that
the party is in good heart.’
‘Since 2nd January I have been on the road seeking support from Labour
party public representatives and activists and I will continue doing
that right up to the day of the convention.’