28 May 1997
By Tom Kelly
A bitter war of words has flared up between two outgoing Mayo Dail Deputies as tensions mount on the countdown to the General Election polling day, June 6th.
Government Chief Whip Jim Higgins caused a furore in Fianna Fail circles in the county by claiming the party's election team was a weak and powerless one.
The Ballyhaunis-based Fine Gael candidate said: "There is not a senior spokesperson among the four of them. That's indicative of what they are.
"The people of Mayo have no guarantee of a voice at the cabinet table if they vote Fianna Fail. If they vote Fine Gael, they are assured of at least two seats at cabinet level. That's where the real power lies."
Now West Mayo Fianna Fail T.D., Seamus Hughes, has slated Higgins for his remarks.
In a no-holds-barred reply, he said: "The reality of the situation if that Jim Higgins would not be a Minister for State today had it not been for the low standards which pertain in his party.
"He was only appointed to office following the resignation of a party colleague (Hugh Coveney) following the alleged involvement of his company in a property deal.
"I find it strange that Higgins should make such comments in the first place. After all, he was involved in trying to oust Fine Gael leader John Bruton some time ago.
"At least Bertie Ahern can depend on the support of his Mayo deputies."
Fianna Fail leader Bertie Ahern went some way towards defusing the controversy when he visited the constituency on Monday.
He said in the event of the party returning three candidates in the Mayo constituency, there would be strong claims for the appointment of one minister in the county.
Hughes, the man tipped for promotion in the event of Fianna Fail leading the next Government, also hit back at speculation his seat was in jeopardy.
He said: "I have represented the party with distinction over the past four and a half years. It was never my intention to keep the seat warm for anybody else."
