Donnelly to stand in Wicklow after opponent withdraws

One of the last remaining selection conventions for Fianna Fáil ahead of the next general election will take place in Co Wicklow tonight in the constituency of Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.

He was due to face stiff competition for the nomination from former TD and current Senator, Pat Casey, who was believed to have a majority of delegates' support.

However, overnight, Senator Casey issued a statement saying he had decided to withdraw his name from tonight's convention.

"I have... taken into account the recent disappointing result for our party in the local elections.

"I have also spoken to the leadership of our party and after discussions with my family I have decided not to contest this convention and to concentrate on being re-elected to the Seanad," Senator Casey said.

He said the party must learn from past mistakes and should run only one candidate in the four-seat constituency "in order to maximise our support to elect Stephen Donnelly".