Fianna Fáil senator may run as independent in Roscommon

There is mounting speculation that Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy could run as an independent candidate in the Roscommon-Galway constituency in the General Election.

Senator Murphy learned today that his name would not be added to the Fianna Fáil ticket in the constituency, with party strategists opting for a single candidate, Galway-based GP Dr Martin Daly, to run in the three-seater.

Senator Murphy, who was a Fianna Fáil TD in Roscommon-Galway between 2016 and 2020, notably did not attend the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting in Leinster House tonight.

It is understood he opted instead to return to his Roscommon base and hold talks with his team of supporters and family.

The current TDs in Roscommon-Galway are Independent Michael Fitzmaurice; Independent Denis Naughten, who is retiring; and Sinn Féin's Clare Keranne, who narrowly beat Senator Murphy for the last seat in 2020 by eight votes.

Senator Murphy, who hails from Scramogue, said earlier this year that boundary changes heightened his chances of being elected.

The speculation at Leinster House is that he could stand as an independent candidate and argue that the 70,000 people living in County Roscommon need to have a Roscommon candidate.