Catherine Byrne to run for FG in Dublin South-Central

Fine Gael's Catherine Byrne has put an end to speculation by confirming she will run for the party in Dublin South-Central at the next general election.

It had been unclear whether the former lord mayor of Dublin would seek the nomination, but the party confirmed yesterday that she will be on the ticket ahead of next year’s vote.

She was a strong performer in the 2011 elections, coming second in the constituency behind Labour's Eric Byrne. She was the only Fine Gael candidate of three to be elected.

Ms Byrne has served as a TD since 2007, and is currently on both the Health and Children and the Education and Social Protection Oireachtas committees. She thanked Fine Gael members for their support, and said she feels privileged to represent people in her constituency.

Despite the uncertainty over her candidacy, Dublin South-Central is expected to be among the least contentious areas as the party’s selection conventions take place across the country this month.

Fine Gael is making a concerted effort to adhere to gender quota rules which have been introduced, creating some interesting battles between incumbents and new female candidates for certain seats.