Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael set sights on Laois General Election opportunity caused by Brian Stanley controversy

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael could be about to square up in Laois as both parties eye up the prospect of taking the seat held by embattled former Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley.

Laois Fianna Fáil members were due to meet this week to consider their options but its sitting TD and candidate Seán Fleming told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that a new name on the FF ticket is 'in the ether'.

There are also rumblings of action in Fine Gael which has put Willie Aird on the ticket to replace Charlie Flanagan in Leinster House.

Opportunity could be about to knock for Cllr Conor Bergin. A source close to him said FG HQ are considering adding him while there is a big push locally for a second candidate to be added to the ticket.

Seán Fleming topped the poll when Laois was a three-seat constituency in 2016 but won the fifth and final Laois Offaly seat when the counties were reunited in 2020.

He insisted that the party would not 'wish to take advantage' of a situation involving Dep Stanley but admitted that the prospect of winning a second seat is being discussed.

He said part of this process involved a meeting of Laois FF members on Monday night October 21 though he said this would not be a deciding factor. 

Saying that the addition of a second FF candidate in Laois is “in the ether”, he confirmed that he has already had some discussions with Fianna Fáil HQ on adding another candidate.

He also appeared to indicate that there could be some potential for co-operation between FF and FG pointing to the vote transfers between candidates from the two parties at the local elections. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Laois TDs Brian Stanley and Sean Fleming arrive with transport by Mick Dunphy at the Save the Woodenbridge Public Rally on Sunday 6 March 2022. Picture: Alf Harvey.

Another factor that he felt would have to be considered was the calibre of candidates who have to be seen by voters as a viable option with a strong chance of winning.

Dep Fleming said he would “accept what the party decides”.

Cllr Conor Bergin is understood to have a strong lobby behind them but the addition of his name is not understood to be straightforward and may not have widespread support locally or nationally.

A source to close to Cllr Bergin said there is a “ big push” from FG in the Borris in Ossory Mountmellick area of the county for him to join Cllr Willie Aird on the ticket. Cllr Bergin had secured a big backing going into the party's selection convention but he withdrew at the last minute to give Cllr Aird a clear run at winning the seat vacated by Charlie Flanagan who is retiring from politics.

His camp expects a decision to be reached by week's end. It's also believed that the views of former Laois Offaly TD Olwyn Enright will have a bearing on what happens in Fine Gael.

Another name that has been touted for Fine Gael is Stradbally-based Cllr Vivienne Phelan who was elected for the first time at the June 2024 local elections. Her campaign was launched by the now Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach Simon Harris. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Vivienne Phelan presented a hamper of Laois produce to Simon Harris in Stradbally when he launched her local election campaign in early 2024.

Ms Enright has been appointed as Fine Gael’s National Director of Elections for the forthcoming General Election. She is already National Director of Organisation.

However, Laois Fine Gael source poured cold water on the prospect of the party running a second candidate. He said there is just an "80%" chance of FG putting two names on the ticket. He added that Brian Stanley would retain his seat in the Dáil if he decides to contest the election.

Few others have declared their intentions to run. Former Independent Ireland member Elaine Mulally is canvassing around Laois. The Greens have selected Rosie Palmer. Labour or the Social Democrats haven't made their intentions known about Laois. 

Brian Stanley was first elected to the TD in 2011 when he unseated then Fianna Fáil TD and Minister John Moloney. Following his resignation from Sinn Féin he said he would represent voters as an independent republican. He has yet to declare his intentions for the 2024 General Election.

The 2020 poll topper has declined to comment on the moves being made by the bit to parties to target his seat in Leinster House.