Former Labour leader's nephew springs to front in selection race
Former Labour leader Dick Spring's political novice nephew is now the frontrunner to become the party's European election candidate in Munster following a controversial party decision.
Arthur Spring's chances of getting the Labour nomination in the onstituency improved dramatically after 238 members inKerry were allowed, on appeal, to vote at a convention in four days' time.
The appeal came after the members in Kerry, along with a small number from other counties, were left off the voting list by the party's National Executive for not having their membership fees paid in time.
His opponent, and the previous favourite to win the nomination, Senator Alan Kelly, is not happy with the decision by the party's appeals committee.
"I was very surprised by the decision of the party to allow 238 new voters into the process with just four days to go. I certainly don't believe it is fair and appropriate and it is something the party will have to address in the future," he said.
Senator Kelly, the brother of New York-based PR guru Declan Kelly, is believed to have been asked to run by the party leadership.
Dick Spring, a former Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, said the members were left off the voting list due to a registration problem and long-serving party activists should be allowed to vote.
"It's just regularising the membership. It's all the senior people who would be out canvassing," he said.
The former TD is also pledging to effectively come out of his political retirement to campaign for his nephew if he runs.
"There has been a big gap in Kerry politics since the last general election. We have to rebuild both constituencies and I am determined to do that," he said.
- Fionnan Sheahan Political Editor
