Hanafin backs Fitzpatrick in Fianna Fáil selection battle

Former minister for education Mary Hanafin says she is supporting Dublin city councillor Mary Fitzpatrick in the contest to be Fianna Fáil's candidate in the capital for the European elections.

Ms Hanafin this week announced she would not be seeking the nomination herself and says Ms Fitzpatrick has an "electoral record, experience of Dublin City Council and Dublin issues".

Others contesting for the nomination include Geraldine Feeney and Tiernan Brady, and party figures say the convention is shaping up to be a two-way fight between Ms Fitzpatrick and Mr Brady.

Mr Brady, who works for the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN), yesterday said he had the support of a wide range of councillors and local election candidates in Dublin.

He also said voters did not want the old style of politics, where MEPs leave to contest Dáil elections midway through their term in the European Parliament.