In a major political development this evening, Ballygar GP Martin Daly has announced he wants to run for Fianna Fáil in the general election in the Roscommon-Galway constituency.
The former president of the Irish Medical Organisation has a high profile throughout the region and will be regarded as a very strong candidate.
His entry into the race will pit him against Senator Eugene Murphy in the selection convention, likely to be held later this month.
Senator Murphy and Daly are the only people who have confirmed they will seek a nomination, though south Roscommon councillor John Keogh, Castlerea councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice and Tulsk councillor Sean Moylan may also put their names forward.
Dr Daly has been a member of Fianna Fáil for the past 30 years, joining the party in 1994. He was previously a member of Ógra Fianna Fáil as a teenager.
He has canvassed for several party candidates in various elections down through the years.
His father, Dr Joe Daly, was also an active member of the party.
