Senator Avril Doyle has had a political career of fluctuating fortunes, overcoming several setbacks to retain a high profile within Fine Gael and secure a nomination for this election.
Born into the well-known Belton political family, she was elected to the Dail for the Wexford constituency at her first attempt in 1982. She held the seat in 1987, lost it two years later, and regained it in 1993. She was defeated again, however, at the last election in 1997 but was subsequently elected to the agricultural panel of the Seanad.
She sought the Fine Gael nomination for the Presidency two years ago but was narrowly defeated by Ms Mary Banotti. Born in Dublin, she has served as a Minister of State in several Departments.
She first became active in politics as a student in UCD, where she dated the current Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton. Before launching her career in national politics, she was a member of both Wexford County Council and Corporation, and became the town's first woman mayor at the age of 27 in 1976.
Aged 50, she is married to Fred Doyle and they have three daughters.