There was uproar in Mallow over Fine Gael’s recent selection convention for the May local elections. Nearly 250 people squeezed into the Hibernian Hotel and voted on five candidates.

Former Dairygold board member Donal Buckley was placed second. However, when it became clear that the top two would not automatically go forward because both were from “country” areas, there was some roaring and shouting.

In the end, the top candidate – country-based but not a farmer – and the highest of town candidates were put forward.

But the party knows it has to offer a farmer representative around Mallow, therefore expect Buckley to be added.