Former Fine Gael TD Ms Frances Fitzgerald is expected to be added to the party's Dublin Corporation local election ticket after she failed to win a nomination.
The party's convention in the Rathmines ward on Tuesday rejected Ms Fitzgerald in favour of Mr Brian Gillen and Ms Edie Wynne.
The convention was attended by 150 delegates. Mr Gillen received 56 votes on the first count. Ms Wynne received 45 votes following the distribution of Mr Gillen's transfers. Ms Fitzgerald attracted 41 votes.
Fine Gael's executive council will discuss her defeat on Saturday, though it is predicted she will be added to the ticket.
A three-strong ticket will hurt the party's chances of taking a second seat in the Rathmines ward. "It would be easier to manage with two on the ticket. However, Frances Fitzgerald has profile, but she would have been in a stronger position if she had received the endorsement of the local organisation," said a party source.