Barry O’Neill (36), an RTÉ sports reporter whose home is in Ballyshannon, was selected to contest the Donegal South West by-election for Fine Gael last night, writes Paddy Clancy.
Party leader Enda Kenny told the selection meeting: “I think it is disgraceful that Minister Mary Hanafin is prepared to tell the people of Donegal South West that they are not entitled to their three Dáil deputies.
“The Government has had adequate notice that there is a vacancy in Donegal South West and they certainly have had adequate time to prepare themselves for a contest. Fine Gael ... will be moving the writ over the next few weeks.”
