Micheal Martin clears the decks for Stephen Donnelly to run in general election

Mr. Donnelly's prospects of holding his seat are better on his own. A running mate would risk splitting the Fianna Fáil vote.

Senator Pat Casey has dramatically withdrawn just 24 hours before the selection convention. The other nominee Sonia Casey Shortt, Senator Casey's wife, withdrew on Tuesday.

There was some doubt over whether Mr. Donnelly would run in the general election, especially if he failed to be picked by the party membership as the sitting TD and minister.

Wicklow is being split and reduced to four seats, meaning one sitting TD has to lose out.

Read at Irish Independent