AXED junior Minister Pat the Cope Gallagher yesterday (Thursday) did not rule out the possibility that he will stand for election again to the European Parliament.

Speaking to the Donegal News Deputy Gallagher acknowledged that he would have expected newly appointed Tanaiste Mary Coughlan, his constituency running mate, to ensure he received a junior ministerial post.

"I have had very little time to reflect on the past or plan for the future. I will play my part to ensure a "Yes" vote in the Lisbon Treaty. I admit I am slightly disappointed not to have been given a junior ministry.

"The suggestion has been made by a number of people that I would stand again for the European Parliament but that will be a matter for the party," Deputy Gallagher said.

Deputy Gallagher is the only Irish MEP to return from Europe and win a Dail seat after the removal of the dual mandate.

He spent eight years as an MEP and has no plans to retire from politics in the near future.

The Dungloe TD acknowledged that he was disappointed at not receiving a junior ministry in Brian Cowen's reshuffle on Tuesday.

He now plans to spend the next six week's campaigning for a "Yes" vote in the Lisbon Treaty and looking after the interests of his constituents.

Deputy Gallagher recently celebrated his 60th birthday with wife Ann in the compnay of the Honourary Irish Consul to Nevada, Bernard Brady from Bundoran and his wife Marg.

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