Morley in danger of losing Dail seat

By TOM KELLY

One of Mayo's longest serving Dail Deputies is in serious danger of losing his seat in the forthcoming General Election, according to a detailed survey being conducted by a Dublin-based research company.

Communique International was appointed by Fianna Fail party headquarters to carry out an extensive poll in each of the 41 constituencies throughout the country. Although every effort is being made to keep the report under wraps, sources within the party in Mayo have released extracts of the confidential information contained in the blueprint.

The most surprising finding was that Fianna Fail backbencher P.J. Morley was 'performing poorly' in the study. Morley has been a member of Dail Eireann since 1977 and has served as a member of Mayo County Council for 30 years.

The Bekan-based public representative admitted last night he had heard some of the speculation which the survey had evoked. He stated: "This kind of information may be helpful in organising an election strategy, but it means relatively nothing at the end of the day. "I was virtually ruled out of contention in the last General Election in 1992. But I polled over 5,600 first preferences and was elected on the third count.

"I have learned over the years not to read to deeply into these type of reports."

The survey suggested that Westport Dail Deputy Seamus Hughes could also lose out with Fine Gael taking three seats and Fianna Fail the other two. Hughes, who was first elected five years ago, was showing up considerably better than Morley in the secret poll, however.

Another intriguing revelation was that Michael Ring, after just three years in office, was attracting greater support than his more experienced Fine Gael colleague, Enda Kenny, Minister for Tourism & Trade.

According to the survey, prospects looked bright for Fine Gael chief whip, Jim Higgins, who is understood to have the vote-catching potential to head the poll on election day in the new-look Mayo constituency.

Castlebar Fianna Fail candidate Beverley Cooper-Flynn is expected to take a seat while Dr. Tom Moffatt has been tipped to retain his place in Dail Eireann. However the survey did not take into account the impact which independent candidates would have on the election in Mayo.

The Mayo Federation of Group Water Schemes has announced they will be nominating a candidate to contest the election.

The federation has joined forces with the TV Deflector Campaign in organising a Mass Rally and Demonstration at the Mall, Castlebar, on Sunday next, March 23rd, at 2.00p.m.

It is an opportunity for people to come out and show their support for the campaigns being organised against the inequality of the water charges and the imposition of the MMDS system.