Mr Danny Healy-Rae, a plant hire contractor and publican in Kilgarvan, Co Kerry, is expected to replace his father, Mr Jackie Healy-Rae TD, on Kerry County Council next month.
A convention of Mr Jackie Healy-Rae's supporters to appoint a successor to the TD was being held last night in Killarney and was expected to select his son.
Mr Jackie Healy-Rae will resign his seat in September because of the ending of the dual mandate. However, he may not have to resign his seat on the Southern Health Board because he was appointed by the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, and not by the council.
Mr Danny Healy-Rae would be joining his younger brother Mr Michael Healy-Rae on the council.
Mr Danny Healy-Rae has consistently been one of the highest earning plant hire contractors for Kerry County Council in recent years. Last year he earned €295,000, the third highest sum among 100 private contractors. The council's overall bill was €5.1 million for the hire of plant and equipment from private contractors. The previous year Mr Danny Healy-Rae was the single highest earner, receiving €474,000.
The annual contractor list is formed following public advertisement inviting quotations. Contractors must satisfy the council on insurance and have relevant tax clearance certificates.