FG TD’s brother to run against him for Renua

The brother of Fine Gael TD Fergus O’Dowd is to run against him for Renua Ireland in the Louth constituency.

Michael O’Dowd will contest the election for the party in the five-seater.

In a statement, Michael O’Dowd said: “Louth needs people who will stand up within the Dáil and the Cabinet table for our county.’’

Michael O’Dowd left Fine Gael earlier this year and joined Renua. He spoke in defence of Lucinda Creighton and her colleagues for their stance on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill. A former mayor of Drogheda, he lost his council seat in last year’s local elections.

Fergus O’Dowd has already been selected by Fine Gael. He will be joined by TD Peter Fitzpatrick and possibly a third Fine Gael candidate.

Fianna Fáil last night selected Declan Breathnach and Emma Coffey to contest the election in Louth.