There is growing speculation that former TD and MEP, Marian Harkin, could stand for Fine Gael in the Sligo-Leitrim constituency at the next General Election.
Ocean FM News understands there has been contact between senior Fine Gael officials and Ms. Harkin in recent weeks in relation to her candidacy.
Ms Harkin is not commenting on the matter, nor is the Fine Gael party.
But speculation has increased as a result of the long delay in completing the election line-up, following the dramatic withdrawal of the party’s two candidates selected at last year’s convention.
Gerry Reynolds withdrew from the race in July, while Sinead Maguire made the same decision in September.
Since then, party officials have met with a number of potential local candidates, including former Minister John Perry. There was also intense speculation that retiring Deputy Tony McLoughlin, may be asked to stay on for another term.
Marian Harkin was an Independent TD for Sligo-Leitrim from 2002 to 2007, and was a regional MEP from 2004 until her retirement earlier this year.
Fine Gael is also running Senator Frank Feighan in Sligo-Leitrim as a candidate.
