McDowell 'in talks' on shock return with FG
POSSIBLE RETURN: Michael McDowell is rumoured to be in talks with Fine Gael
Michael McDowell was today rumoured to be considering a return to politics - with Fine Gael.
The former Tanaiste and PD leader is reported to be in preliminary talks with the party to run as a candidate in the next general election.
It is likely that the former Justice Minister, who helped to set up the Progressive Democrats, would stand in his own constituency of Dublin South East, where he spectacularly lost his seat in the 2007 general election.
Today, a family member at Mr McDowell's Dublin home refused to comment on the reports.
Adding Mr McDowell to the Fine Gael ticket would mark the latest high-profile coup for the party which this week announced RTE economist George Lee as their by-election candidate for Dublin South.
loyal
The former Tanaiste still has a loyal following in his constituency and Fine Gael would be looking to bring in a second seat in the area.
Reports today, said to be from a highly placed Fine Gael member, suggested that "talks have been going on for some time and are advanced. We know we could take a second seat in Dublin South-East from the Greens and Michael is the ideal candidate.
"It's not a done deal but we're already on a general election footing.
"George Lee is part of building a team for Government and don't be surprised if there is an announcement about Michael once the country prepares to go to the national polls."
It is understood that, despite his highly successful return to the Law Library two years ago, Mr McDowell has been eager to resume his political career.
hnews@herald.ie
- Clodagh Sheehy and Conor Feehan
