20 candidates resign from FF over selection process

[myk]

The Irish Times reports that 20 candidates have resigned from FF over the manner in which candidates were selected i.e the resigning candidates weren't selected.

Interestingly the Times reports that this number is in line with the 2004 local election experience for the party.

TWENTY LOCAL election candidates have quit Fianna Fáil following their failure to win a party nomination under rules ordered by Taoiseach Brian Cowen which have increased the control of party headquarters over the selections.

Minister of State John Moloney, who is responsible for relations between Fianna Fáil councillors and the Cabinet, defended the rules, saying the party cannot afford to continue to lose representation on local authorities.

The number of resignations over the past few months is in line with the experience of the 2004 election campaign when candidates were chosen by the traditional selection convention.

20 resign from FF in selection row - The Irish Times - Wed, Mar 25, 2009

[Digout]

People of no principle leave when things are not going so well.

[Dynasty]

I think the potrait of cowen frightened a lot of FF . jumping ship INDO

[wysiwyg]

It was a pretty tough process alright... I work with one guy who lost out in it, he was gutted afterwards...

I've a small amount of experience dealing with it myself.. knew it would madden grassroots

[constitutionus]

any of these guys joining other parties or standing as independants?

no offence to em but i reckon FF is gonna face wipeout at the local authority level. it could just be a case of looking out for number one. this is not the election you actually WANT to get selected for !

[loaded32]

Lets hope this comes to pass!!!! : )

[ibis]

TWENTY LOCAL election candidates have quit Fianna Fáil following their failure to win a party nomination

So these aren't actually candidates, but, er, candidate candidates as it were?

[ergo2]

The suits in FF appear to have really annoyed the grass roots by taking away the right to select candidates.

[ManOfReason]

Quick somebody call the guards!!!

[odie1kanobe]

The suits in FF appear to have really annoyed the grass roots by taking away the right to select candidates.

given no change in number since last election then how is it a problem?