When the nominations were put forward for the leader of Fianna Fáil this week, Mayo TD and Minister of State Dep Dara Calleary was the one who proposed Dep Mícheál Martin for the leadership of the party. This has led to speculation that the first term deputy could be named as the deputy leader of the party when Martin makes his decision. However the Ballina native told the Mayo Advertiser that he has not thought about that position at all.
“That’s a decision for Mícheál to make himself, I didn’t get into politics for offices and titles, I got into it so that I could do some good,” Dep Calleary said. “It was a great honour to be asked to nominate him for the position, but I didn’t do it for a position. I’ve known Mícheál since 1994 when I first got involved with the party and we’ve been good friends for a long time since then. But I’m also good friends with all four of the people who went for the leadership, the party has made its decision and we are all very happy with it. It’s now time to get on with the work we have to do here and out on the doorsteps.”
With Dep Calleary the only definite name to be on the Fianna Fáil ballot for the forthcoming election he has already been out on the doorsteps canvassing. “I was out last weekend meeting the people and canvassing in the lead up to the election.” On Sunday the Fianna Fáil party will have its selection convention and Dep Calleary is hoping that he will have a running mate named at the convention. “There is still a lot of work being done to identify people to go forward. I have no preference at all as to who it will be, but I do want a running mate and that is something I have always said.”
