McConalogue dismisses speculation he won’t contest general election

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Charlie McConalogue has moved to dismiss speculation that he will not contest next year’s general election.

The Donegal Fianna Fáil TD is the latest member of the party to be linked to the role of Ireland’s next European commissioner when Mairead McGuinness’s term of office as commissioner for financial services comes to an end.

The Inishowen-based TD has been the subject of reports in recent days suggesting that he will be the party’s choice for the role.

Health minister’s meetings over Letterkenny hospital ‘extremely positive’

Agriculture minister and Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue said Friday’s meetings with GPs, consultants and staff and management at Letterkenny University Hospital were ‘positive and extremely worthwhile’

Internal party dynamics and the belief his seat in the Donegal constituency is expected to be under pressure in the next general election due to anger over the Government's handling of the defective blocks crisis have seen him emerge as a likely candidate.

In a statement issued on Monday evening he dismissed the reports as “idle speculation”.

“Several media outlets have been linking me with the role of EU Commissioner in recent weeks,” he said. 

“This is just idle speculation. I want to reassure the people of Donegal that I am fully focused on representing them to the best of my ability in the Dáil, and that I intend contesting the next general election,” McConalogue said.

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