Cllr Terry O’Flaherty has been approached by Fine Gael Galway West TD Pádraic McCormack and senior party figures in Dublin, with a view to donning the blue shirt and running for the party in next year’s Local Elections.
Cllr O’Flaherty was a member of the PDs for many years but resigned from party recently in protest over its role in Budget 09’s notorious attempt to abolish medical cards for the over 70s. However the PDs were on the way out and were formally wound up last weekend.
Following her resignation, Cllr O’Flaherty said she would be standing as an Independent community candidate in Galway City East. However Fine Gael is anxious to find candidates to run in this ward alongside Cllr Brian Walsh and it feels Cllr O’Flaherty could solve that problem and result in the party having two experienced councillors on the ticket.
Joining FG would also be a boost to Cllr O’Flaherty in that a party machine would be behind her for the election campaign.
Cllr Walsh feels Cllr O’Flaherty would be a good addition and hopes she will join. “I have a good relationship with Terry and I would welcome her into the party,” he said. “I know she said she will stand as an Independent but I hope she will eventually opt for us.”
