Mitchell seeks EU poll nomination

The Fine Gael TD Mr Gay Mitchell, and the former TD Ms Frances Fitzgerald have declared their interest in running for the party in Dublin in the European election.

As the only sitting TD among the four declared candidates, Mr Mitchell is the favourite to secure the party's nomination at a convention this day week.

Fine Gael is expected to nominate a second candidate to sweep up any additional support for the party, although no decision has yet been made. Some party sources favour a two-person ticket comprising Mr Mitchell and Ms Fitzgerald.

The barrister Mr Colm MacEochaidh and the former party official Ms Katherine Meenan are also seeking the party nomination.

Assuming he secures the nomination, Mr Mitchell's prospects in the election may be improved by the fact that Progressive Democrats TD Ms Liz O'Donnell will not be running. The PDs now face major difficulties in finding a high-profile candidate.

Mr Mitchell, who is one of only three Fine Gael TDs in Dublin, will aim to succeed Ms Mary Banotti MEP, who topped the poll in Dublin for the party in the 1999 European election.

Ms Fitzgerald was one of the most prominent Fine Gael casualties in the last general election, losing her seat in Dublin South East. She polled 3,337 first preference votes.

The other candidates for the European election in Dublin are: Mr Eoin Ryan TD and the Dublin Lord Mayor, Mr Royston Brady, of Fianna Fáil; Mr Proinsias De Rossa MEP and Ms Ivana Bacik of Labour; Ms Patricia McKenna MEP of the Greens; Ms Mary Lou McDonald of Sinn Féin; and Mr Joe Higgins TD of the Socialist Party.