Independent TD Mr Tom Gildea has withdrawn his candidacy for the upcoming General Election.
The announcement that the Donegal South West TD would not contest the general election came this evening. Personal reasons were given by way of explanation.
It has been reported that Mr Gildea has nominated his secretary, Ms Gwen Breslin, to stand in his place.
A TG4/MRBI poll published last month indicated that Fianna Fáil was set to regain the seat lost to Mr Gildea in 1997. MEP Mr Pat "The Cope" Gallagher, who rejoined the party ticket to try to oust Mr Gildea, will top the poll, the survey said.