LIKELY POLL-TOPPER in Midlands-North West Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan has dismissed speculation that he may choose not to take his seat in Europe and instead send a replacement.
Each non-party candidate running for an MEP seat can choose up to four ‘substitutes’ to take their seats if they’re unable (or unwilling) to continue in the Parliament.
Flanagan, who’s predicted to top the vote in the 4-seater on the basis of tallies and exit polls, has chosen garda whistleblower John Wilson as one of his possible deputies.
There was some speculation amongst commentators last night that the independent TD may choose not to head to Brussels.
“I can categorically say that if I get elected to the European Parliament I will as promised go out there and represent people there,” Ming told RTÉ’s Sean O’Rourke this morning.
However, he left the door open to a possible early return from the continent, saying it was his intention to serve the full five years “but it was also my intention to stay in Dáil Éireann for the full term”.
“I decided that it was for the benefit of the Irish people if I put my name forward for the European Parliament.
Any decision I make in the future will be on the basis of what’s best for the people of Ireland.
Ming’s departure for Europe will trigger a by-election in his Dáil constituency of Roscommon-South Leitrim.
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