Roscommon-South Leitrim TD Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan is considering entering the race to become an MEP. Flanagan is believed to be mulling over the chance of highlighting the plight of the turf cutters in Brussels.

A source close to Flanagan said the decision has not yet been finalised: “There’s an interest there alright, he has been getting soundings but nothing is concrete. His wife is expecting, which complicates things. His focus as an MEP would be on getting a result for the turf cutters, but there appears to have been a bit of movement lately so the interest might have waned a bit. If he was to go, he’d be looking at using the anti-establishment vote and I’m not sure the appetite is out there for that,” he said.